Party, Play, & Pride: Everything Happening for Southern Decadence 2024

Party, Play, & Pride: Everything Happening for Southern Decadence 2024

It's that time of year again, Southern Decadence is upon us! Starting in August of 1972, the event is the largest LGBTQ party in New Orleans that takes over Crescent City over Labor Day Weekend. It is a must on any gay's travel bucket list. There's booze, boys, and balls...plenty of it all! It was actually started by around 40 - 50 gay and straight friends who got together to dress up as their favorite decadent Southerner. By the following year, it became an actual event with its first annual parade. This is Mardi Gras just for the gays. We know how sexy Mardi Gras gets, imagine it even sexier and naughtier. The event now gets about 300,000 attendees from all over the world.

 

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Here's our Quick Guide to Southern Decadence:

There is no admission, most of the bars don't charge entrance, and many events are free. Some of the bigger, hotel events will have a separate ticket.

Yes, you can drink in the streets...all year round! LOL.

It is not for a specific gay crowd. Yes, you will see your leather and bears, but Southern Decadence is a very diverse and inclusive gay and ally crowd.

It's not just for the male homos. There are many events geared toward the lesbian community.

You can wear just about anything. Many people dress up, the leather gays will be in their harnesses, you'll see guys in speedos and Pride usual outfits, you'll see casual wear, you'll see everything. The recommend you dress however makes you comfortable as it is typically very hot. You'll also want easy access for meeting that guy in the streets.

 

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Where to Stay:

Want to be in party central? Stay in the French Quarter. There is a huge mix of larger hotel chains and small boutique spots. The Bourbon Orleans is a popular hotel that weekend as it’s literally at the center of all the festivities.

If you want a little bit away from the party in the French Quarter, stay in the Lower Garden District or Marigny/Bywater.

All of New Orleans's hotels are typically welcoming, but here's a list of LGBTQ-friendly hotels  who are active in the community. You can also see a list of hotels and other businesses displaying the “Everyone’s Welcome Here” sticker.

Depending on your party level, there are date night dinners you can do at queer-owned restaurants, there are dance parties, there is live entertainment, there is cruising, there is sightseeing...whatever your little queer heart wants to get into. We have the 411 on the biggest party happenings.

Friday, August 30th

Bling it On with Halloween New Orleans

Virgin Hotels New Orleans is teaming up with Halloween New Orleans for an ultimate Southern Decadence party — Bling it On. On Friday, August 30th, visitors are invited to slay the night away inside Dreamboat from 6PM-9PM. Delight in perfectly crafted cocktails with Skyy Vodka while turning up the volume with beats by a local DJ. You can watch, but you can't touch, as the Drag Queens dazzle up the rooftop with electrifying performances by Debbie with a D and Wontonya Dumpling.

 

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Saturday, August 31st

I Beg Your Parton Drag & Burlesque Brunch

Put on your dancing boots and head to Commons Club for its Dolly Parton drag and burlesque brunch by Trixie Minx Productions. Enjoy a two-course boozy brunch by Executive Chef Chris Borges for $40 per person from 10AM - 2PM. The queens aren't the only ones serving, so bring your appetite and indulge in delicious brunch bites at Commons Club. Show times will run from 11AM - 12PM and 1PM - 2PM.

 

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Saturday, August 31st

Bootstraps and Buckles

Giddy up and enjoy the best day time pool party with  live entertainment and specialty cocktails at The Pool Club from 12PM- 6PM. Whether you're heading to Caesars Superdome to catch Eric Church, or just along to enjoy the vibes - you're going to want to round up the krewe for this one. Admission is free without pool access, and $60 with pool pass inclusion. Tickets can be purchased on SevenRooms.

Sunday, September 1st

Fruit Salad Party

Sashay your way to The Pool Club after the Southern Decadence parade for a Sunday splash at Fruit Salad, a LGBTQIA+ pool party with the hottest DJ turning to the juiciest beats from 12PM - 6PM. Admission is free without pool access, and $60 with pool pass inclusion. Tickets can be purchased on SevenRooms.

 Monday, September 2nd

Southern Decadence Tea Dance

Deryck Todd is bringing The Big Apple to Crescent City! Visitors can enjoy incredible DJs, live entertainment, and mesmerizing burlesque that will ignite your spirit. The party will be hosted by Dylan Joel and Mint Fuel with London Manchester as the MC. Groove to the beats of Tristan Dufrene while enjoying spectacular shows by Beaujangless, Qween Quan, Siren, Brigitte Bandit, Otto Von Blotto, and Tarah Cards. Ticket prices range from $25-$55 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

 

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If you plan on going to Southern Decadence this year, have fun, be safe, and tell us all the sexy details!

Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected]
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