Event Dates
From: Thursday, August 31, 2023
To: Monday, September 4, 2023
Southern Decadence New Orleans is a gay Labor Day Weekend destination, one of the world’s major gay events
Southern Decadence started forty-seven years ago as a simple going-away party. As a top gay Labor Day Weekend destination, it has evolved into one of our world’s major annual events.
- Southern Decadence packs the city, so book early. Check out the best places to stay and grab a hotel deal in the French Quarter, the heart of all the weekend’s festivities. Stay at the stunning Virgin Hotels New Orleans, rated “Superb” by guests and host of official pool parties, beautifully decorated rooms and great location.
The Event
- It is one of the largest annual celebrations and festivals in New Orleans, and has become known as the “Gay Mardi Gras.”
- Visitors begin to arrive on the Wednesday before Labor Day, and generally don’t even think about stopping or going home until the following Tuesday.
- Attendance during previous years have been record breaking with over 300,000 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender participants visiting New Orleans for the party.
- Southern Decadence is the fifth largest annual event in the City of New Orleans, exceeded only by Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Essence Festival, and French Quarter Festival. As Liberace once said, “Too much of a good thing is wonderful.”
The Gay Neighbourhood
- New Orleans’ wildest neighborhood gets even crazier as the French Quarter is packed for the entire event; however, the big day is Sunday. That’s when the Grand Marshals lead the annual walking parade through the streets beginning at 2 p.m.
- The corner of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets is generally considered to be the epicenter of Gay New Orleans, and even more so during the Southern Decadence festival weekend.
- At that intersection is the largest gay nightclub, The Bourbon Pub video bar and The Parade dance club, which is home to the hottest dancers in town. And most of the city’s main gay attractions are within a few blocks.
- Stay at the Brakeman Hotel, a charming 3 star hotel with a perfect location, spacious rooms. The hotel has been classically restored and is one of our top recommendations in New Orleans.
The Street Parties
- Most street party activities take place in the immediate area of the French Quarter, and the dance parties are in the clubs. Since the gay bars never close, there is something happening around the clock.
- Some of the nation’s best DJs work the crowds to a frenzy. No wonder the weekend is often referred to as Southern DecaDANCE!
- The Bourbon Street Extravaganza, the FREE outdoor concert at the corner of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets each night, is one party not to miss.
Confirmed Southern Decadence Circuit Parties 2023
- Aug 31st to Sept 5th, 2023 – The Phoenix Block Party will run each night over the weekend, the place to be! Don’t miss their “Hungfest” Musical Showcase on Friday night.
- Aug 31st to Sept 4th, 2023 – The daddy of all parties takes place at The Bourbon Pub & Parade, the official home of Southern Decadence.
- Sept 1st & 2nd, 2023 – Hit It – the sex positive party in secret locations returns for two nights of hardcore fun.
Awaiting dates for the following events:
- Don’t miss Bearracuda’s big takeover of The Joy Theater on Canal Street for an epic Saturday night bearfest!
- Party with the Pornstars at Southern Decadence Fornication – a play party, not a performance.
- The Ace Hotel will host the annual Southern Decadence edition of the Horse Meat Disco from London.
- Joe Fiore brings a special edition of Furball to New Orleans.
The Pool Parties
- Dates to be confirmed
- Celebrate Decadence at the Pool Parties within the Crown Jewel of the French Quarter, the Royal Sonesta Hotel, 2 pm to 6 pm.
- Join the Renegade Bears for their infamous pool party at The Drifter Hotel, typically on the Friday of the weekend.
- The Virgin Hotel New Orleans hosts the annual NOLA Gay Halloween pre-party.
Southern Decadence Bourbon Street Extravaganza
Friday September 1st, 2023 – The FRIDAY NIGHT parade is a float parade through the streets of the French Quarter presented by Toby LeFort and the Knights of Decadence.
- The parade formation time is 6:15 P.M.
- The parade starting time is 7 P.M.
- There are approximately 15 floats.
- The parade starts at Elysian Fields by Washington Park.
- The parade ends near Bourbon and Ursulines Streets.
The Southern Decadence Parade
Sunday September 3rd, 2023 – The SUNDAY AFTERNOON parade is the traditional Southern Decadence Grand Marshal Parade. I
- The parade formation time is 1:00 P.M.
- The parade starting time is 2:00 P.M.
The Parade Route 2023
- Awaiting confirmation of the 2023 route. Use the 2022 route as a guide:
- The parade starts at the Golden Lantern, then to Dumaine, Dauphine, St Louis, Rampart, Toulouse, Burgundy, Orleans, back to Rampart, St Phillip, back to Dauphine, St. Anne and ending at Bourbon Pub/The Oz.
- The parade ends at 4:00 P.M.
Southern Decadence, Where to stay?
The best place to stay is in the French quarter, which is where you will find most of the gay bars and clubs,
The following NOLA hotels are currently trending with our readers:
The Roosevelt Hotel, Omni Royal, Royal Sonesta Hotel, French Market Inn.
For more discover our insider’s guide to the best of Gay New Orleans.
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The Hotel Monteleone is where we stay
in New Orleans, close to all the gay bars.
For information and advice on
Southern Decadence visit The Website
If you want to be close to all of New Orleans famous attractions, including the top gay-nightlife options in the city, the French Quarter remains the hub of where to stay, with dozens of hotels of all types and grades.. Adjacent to the Quarter and just downriver, you’ll find a number of gay-friendly smaller properties in historic and trendy Faubourg Marigny, which is also home to several gay-popular restaurants and bars.
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We have chosen hotels in New Orleans that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
This 5-star hotel in New Orleans is a 15-minute walk to Jackson Square. The elegant hotel features The Rooftop Bar, a full-service spa and rooms with a 42-inch flat-screen TV. Guest rooms at The Roosevelt offer stylish décor and luxury amenities. Bathrobes and a 14-inch TV are offered in the bathroom and each room has a minibar.
Located on the most fashionable corner, St. Louis at Royal, the hotel has received the 4-diamond luxury award for the past 27 years and has earned the Pinnacle Award for meeting services. Whether you’re visiting New Orleans for work or play the Omni Royal Orleans is truly the place to see and be seen.
Located in the historic French Quarter on Bourbon Street, Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans offers accommodation with an outdoor pool, multiple bars, and a jazz club. The hotel is decorated with modern art and offers several on-site dining options. Complimentary WiFi, a flat-screen TV and a refrigerator are included in all rooms
Situated in the French Quarter, this New Orleans hotel was built in the 1800s and provides simple rooms with coffee facilities. Guests are a 5-minute walk from Jackson Square. Each air-conditioned room at the French Market Inn provides a desk and cable TV. The rooms include carpeted floors and exposed brick walls.
Highlights on video of the Southern Decadence event in New Orleans.
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We have chosen hotels in New Orleans that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
A full-service spa, a restaurant, and an indoor pool are available at this smoke-free hotel. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, a fitness center, a bar/lounge, and a coffee shop/café are onsite. All 527 rooms offer thoughtful touches like bathrobes and slippers, as well as comforts such as pillowtop beds
3 restaurants, an outdoor pool, and a health club are available at this smoke-free hotel. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, a bar/lounge, a poolside bar, and a coffee shop/café are onsite. All 254 rooms provide free WiFi and free wired Internet, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, refrigerators and coffee makers
This smoke-free hotel features a full-service spa, a restaurant, and an outdoor pool. Additionally, a health club, a bar/lounge, and a poolside bar are onsite. All 570 rooms provide free WiFi and free wired Internet, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, and conveniences like refrigerators and coffee makers.
A restaurant, a bar/lounge, and a coffee shop/café are available at this smoke-free hotel. Other amenities include a 24-hour business center, valet parking, and concierge services. All 166 rooms offer comforts like premium bedding and down comforters, plus free wired Internet and flat-screen TVs with cable channels