Southern Decadence

Southern Decadence Weekend

Get ready to unleash your fabulousness at the ultimate LGBTQ+ extravaganza in the heart of New Orleans! It's that time of year again when the "Big Easy" turns into a riot of color, glitter, and unapologetic celebration. Behold, Southern Decadence, the crown jewel of Labor Day Weekend festivities, and don't you dare miss out!

Every Labor Day Weekend, the New Orleans LGBTQ+ community throws the bash to end all bashes of the summer. We're talking about Southern Decadence, a dazzling spectacle that transforms the city into an unmissable rainbow wonderland. Hold onto your feather boas, because this is more than just a party – it's an explosion of life, love, and pure LGBTQ+ pride.

Event Details

With over 300,000 fabulous folks descending upon the city, it's practically a queer takeover! The LGBTQ+ community shines its brightest during Southern Decadence, with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender attendees all coming together for an unforgettable bash.

The epicenter of the action is the corner of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets – the heart of Gay New Orleans and the undeniable focal point of this glamorous affair. Book those hotels, secure those event tickets, and get ready to experience the Gay Mardi Gras like never before. Let your freak flag fly, your colors shine bright, and your spirit soar high – Southern Decadence is waiting to welcome you with open arms and a whole lot of glitter!

But wait, there's more! Visitors start rolling in on the Wednesday before Labor Day and don't even consider returning to reality until the following Tuesday. This isn't just a weekend getaway – it's a full-blown, week-long celebration of love, identity, and everything that makes you, well, you.

So, queens and kings, start planning ahead because Southern Decadence is the can't-miss event of the year.

Location

The French Quarter is the heart and soul of this fabulous fiesta, with its electric atmosphere cranked up to 11 for the entire event. There are events each night ranging from pool parties, street parties, such as The Bourbon Street Extravaganza, circuit events, and tons of other events to party it up at. But mark your calendar, because Sunday is the day. The Southern Decadence Parade is the highlight! That's when the Grand Marshals sashay down the streets, leading the jaw-dropping parade that starts at 2 p.m. and lasts until the wee hours of the night.

Fun New Orleans Gay Bars To Check Out

Good Friends Bar, Napoleon's Itch, The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret, The Voodoo Lounge, Double Play, Crossing, Big Daddy’s Bar, and Bourbon Pub and Parade.

Other New Orleans LGBTQ+ Events

New Orleans Pride, Halloween New Orleans, and Gay Easter Parade.

Popular Places to Stay While in Town

Omni Royals Orlean, French Market Inn, The Roosevelt Hotel, Hyatt Centric French Quarter, and One11 Hotel.

The History Behind Southern Decadence

Southern Decadence is as rich as the chocolate in your pralines. Since the early 70s, this event has been blossoming into the most anticipated Labor Day Weekend bash in town. It all started as a small gathering of friends saying adieu to the summer – now, it's a citywide spectacle that would make even Marie Laveau proud. Robert Laurent, the mastermind behind it all, declared, "Cheers to Southern Decadence!" The spirit of celebration continues, and you better believe that laissez les bon temps rouler (let the good times roll)!