Credit: Lucas Barrios Photography
Every August, thousands of runners, walkers, and revelers pull on their finest red dresses for one of New Orleans' most beloved and delightfully absurd traditions: the Red Dress Run. If you're planning to join the fun in 2026, here's everything you need to know for the celebration.
What Is the New Orleans Red Dress Run?
The Red Dress Run is a charity fun-run where every participant—regardless of gender—wears a red dress while making their way through the streets of New Orleans. Part pub crawl, part parade, and part charity fundraiser, it's a quintessentially New Orleans event that blends community spirit, outrageous fun, and giving back. Organized by the New Orleans Hash House Harriers (NOH3), a local chapter of the international "drinking club with a running problem," the event has grown into one of the largest gatherings of its kind in the world, drawing tens of thousands of participants each year and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities.
When Is the Red Dress Run 2026?
The 2026 New Orleans Red Dress Run takes place on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Registration is handled through the official New Orleans Hash House Harriers (NOH3) site, and the event is nearly here—so if you're planning to participate, register right away.
Where Does the Red Dress Run Take Place?
The 2026 Red Dress Run kicks off at Crescent Park, at the historic Mandeville Shed—the restored wharf structure at the foot of Mandeville Street in the Faubourg Marigny, right along the Mississippi River. This scenic riverfront setting is the gathering point where the sea of red assembles before spilling out into the surrounding streets. From there, the celebration flows through the Marigny and into the French Quarter, hitting many of the neighborhood's most iconic bars and streets along the way. While the exact route varies year to year, the energy inevitably makes its way into the heart of the Quarter—which is exactly where you'll want to be based.
How Do I Register for the Red Dress Run?
Registration is handled exclusively through the New Orleans Hash House Harriers at https://noh3.com/RDR/registration. Current registration is $89, plus a $4 online processing fee. Note that give-aways are only guaranteed for the first 3,000 registrants, so the earlier you sign up, the better. Can't make it this year but still want to support the cause? NOH3 accepts donations directly, with proceeds going to small, local nonprofits in the form of grants.
What Should I Wear to the Red Dress Run?
The only rule? Wear red. Beyond that, creativity is celebrated and encouraged:
The classic red dress – Simple and effective. Thrift stores are your friend.
The over-the-top showstopper – Sequins, feathers, tulle—go big.
Coordinated group costumes – Rally your crew around a red-themed concept.
Comfortable shoes – Non-negotiable. You'll be walking, dancing, and standing for hours.
Pro tip: New Orleans in August is hot and humid. Choose breathable fabrics, wear sunscreen, and stay hydrated throughout the day.
A Brief History of the Red Dress Run
The Red Dress Run tradition traces back to 1988, when a woman in a red dress unexpectedly showed up to a Hash House Harriers running event in San Diego. She ran anyway—red dress and all—and a global tradition was born. Chapters around the world adopted the concept, and New Orleans embraced it wholeheartedly, growing its version into one of the biggest and most spirited celebrations of its kind anywhere on the planet.
Why the Red Dress Run Is a Must-Do New Orleans Experience
New Orleans has never met a reason to celebrate it didn't love, and the Red Dress Run captures the city's playful, community-minded spirit perfectly. It's a rare event where charity, costume, camaraderie, and the unmatched energy of the city collide into a single unforgettable day. Whether you're running, walking, or simply watching the crimson wave roll by, it's a spectacle you won't find anywhere else.
Relive the Fun: Red Dress Run Photo Gallery
Want a taste of what you're in for? The sea of red, the wild costumes, the pure New Orleans joy—it's all captured in NOH3's official photo gallery. Take a look at the crimson chaos from years past and start planning your own showstopping look.
Photo by Scott Threlkeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate.png
Frequently Asked Questions About the Red Dress Run
When is the 2026 Red Dress Run? The 2026 New Orleans Red Dress Run takes place on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
Where does the 2026 Red Dress Run start? The event begins at Crescent Park at the Mandeville Shed, at the foot of Mandeville Street in the Faubourg Marigny, along the Mississippi River.
Is the Red Dress Run only for runners? Not at all. While "run" is in the name, many participants walk the route at a leisurely pace. It's as much a social event as an athletic one.
Is the Red Dress Run family-friendly? The event has a lively, adults-oriented atmosphere given its pub-crawl elements. Spectating is open to everyone, but participants should expect a festive, party-forward environment.
Do I have to wear a red dress? Yes—that's the whole point! Everyone wears red dresses regardless of gender. Embracing the tradition is half the fun.
How much does it cost to register? Registration for the 2026 Red Dress Run is $89, plus a $4 online processing fee. Your registration fee supports the event's charitable mission—proceeds go to small, local New Orleans nonprofits in the form of grants.
Can I just watch instead of participating? Absolutely. The Red Dress Run is a spectacle in itself, and finding a spot along the route to take in the parade of red is a memorable experience on its own.
Where to Stay for the Red Dress Run: Hotel Maison Pierre Lafitte
The Red Dress Run starts down at Crescent Park, but the celebration lands squarely in the French Quarter—and that's where you'll want your home base. Hotel Maison Pierre Lafitte places you right in the heart of the Quarter, an easy walk or short ride from the Mandeville Shed starting point and perfectly positioned for everything that follows.
Picture it: you make your way to Crescent Park to join the crimson wave, run and revel your way back through the Marigny and into the Quarter, and when your feet finally give out, your comfortable retreat is right there in the middle of the after-party energy. No long trek home, no scramble for a ride across town—just the historic charm and boutique comfort of Maison Pierre Lafitte waiting for you.
Staying with us means:
Prime location – An easy walk or quick ride to the Crescent Park start, and right where the celebration winds up.
Historic French Quarter charm – Experience the authentic character of one of America's most storied neighborhoods.
Boutique comfort – Return to a peaceful, welcoming retreat after the day's festivities.
Local expertise – Our staff can offer insider tips to help you make the most of Red Dress Run weekend.
Book Your Red Dress Run Stay at Hotel Maison Pierre Lafitte
With Red Dress Run weekend nearly here, the French Quarter is about to fill up fast. If you're still looking for a place to stay in the heart of the action, check our availability at Hotel Maison Pierre Lafitte—and if we can host you, we'll make sure your Red Dress Run weekend has the perfect home base.
Ready to paint the town red? See you in the French Quarter!
