Southern Decadence 2012
New Orleans

Official Website

Wednesday, August 29
through
Monday, September 3, 2012

  last update
  May 16, 2012

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  Southern Decadence started forty-one 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.  One of the largest annual celebrations and festivals in New Orleans, it has become known as the "Gay Mardi Gras."  People begin to arrive on the Wednesday before Labor Day, and generally don't even think about stopping or going home until the following Tuesday.  With over 120,000 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender participants, and an economic impact estimated to be in excess of $125 million, the city has recognized the festival's importance with an Official Proclamation to welcome the event.

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 Marshal leads the annual parade through the streets beginning at 2 p.m.  The 2011 Grand Marshals were the legendary Tiffany Alexander, and Misael Rubio.
The 2011 theme was "Viva New Orleans: What Happens in New Orleans Stays in New Orleans" and the official colors were fuchsia pink, black and silver.  The official song was Fireworks by Katy Perry.  And Friday night's float parade, which was new for 2010, rolled through the
streets of the French Quarter once again in 2011.
The 2012 Grand Marshals and the official theme and colors will be announced in mid-2012.
 

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.  Also located here is the Southern Decadence Official Welcome Center, inside of Hit Parade Gift and Clothing. And most of the city's main gay attractions are within a few blocks.
Check out our French Quarter Map.
 

 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 into a frenzy.  The DJ lineup for 2011 included ABEL, Max Rodriguez, Lydia Prim, Mike Bryant, Dawna Montel, Brendan Thompson, Chris Allen, Jayskee and Scott Horner.  And for 2012, the legendary DJ Robbie Leslie is set to perform, with others to be announced soon.   No wonder the weekend is often referred to as Southern DecaDANCE! 
 

 


New in 2011, celebrity photographer Adam Bouska brought his NOH8 campaign photo shoot to The Bourbon Pub / Parade on Thursday afternoon.

And in addition to Sunday's traditional walking parade, the very popular Friday night float parade through the streets of the French Quarter and the surrounding areas returned in 2011.
 
 

PAST AND FUTURE
SOUTHERN DECADENCE DATES
(always Labor Day Weekend)

2011:  August 31 through September 5
2012:  August 29 through September 3
2013:  August 28 through September 2
2014:  August 27 through September 1
2015:  September 2 through September 7

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