Southern Decadence 2015
New Orleans

Official Website

Wednesday, September 2
through
Monday, September 7, 2015

  last update
  February 19, 2015

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  Southern Decadence started forty-four 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.  It is one of the largest annual celebrations and festivals in New Orleans, and 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 160,000 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender participants in 2014, and an economic impact
estimated to be in excess of $190 million, the city has recognized the festival's importance with Official Event Proclamations.
As Liberace once said, "Too much of a good thing is wonderful."

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 2014 Grand Marshals were Aubrey Synclaire, Chad Boutte
and Reba Douglas.  2014's theme was "UNDER THE BIG TOP - Welcome to the Gayest Show on Earth" and the official colors were canary yellow, dark turquoise blue and pearl white.  The official song was "Circus WORKus" (Britney Spears vs. DJ Robbie Martin ... based on Britney Spears'
"Work Bitch"), remixed by DJ Robbie Martin.
The designated charity for 2014 was PFLAG New Orleans.

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 2014 DJ lineup included DJ/Producer Kidd Madonny from Miami (in his very first New Orleans appearance), Mike Bryant, Derek Monteiro, Brendan Thompson, Chris Allen, Sean Michael, Robbie Martin and Billy Francesca.
The hosts for the weekend were "The Bearded Lady" Billy Francesca
and "The Bad Ass Bitch" Rhea Litré.
And The Bourbon Street Extravaganza, the FREE outdoor concert at the corner of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets, returned for its tenth anniversary show on Saturday,
featuring headliners Inaya Day and Jeanie Tracy.
No wonder the weekend is often referred to as Southern DecaDANCE! 
 

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

2012:  August 29 through September 3
2013:  August 28 through September 2
2014:  August 27 through September 1
2015:  September 2 through September 7
2016:  August 31 through September 5
2017:  August 30 through September 4

Got a question?  Please check our list of Frequently Asked Questions.
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