Southern Decadence 2013
New Orleans

Official Website

Wednesday, August 28
through
Monday, September 2, 2013

  last update
  May 20, 2013

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  Southern Decadence started forty-two 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 Official Proclamations 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 2012 theme was "Peace, Love and Hope = Monkey Dance" and the official colors for 2012 were white, purple and silver. And
Belle Reve was the official charity for Southern Decadence 2012.
The 2013 Grand Marshal announcement is on June 6th.

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 2012 included Brett Henrichsen, Robbie Leslie, Max Rodriguez, Mike Bryant, Brendan Thompson, Chris Allen and Sean Michael.  And there was a live performance by Dance Diva legend France Joli during Sunday Tea Dance upstairs at The Bourbon Pub / Parade. 
No wonder the weekend is often referred to as Southern DecaDANCE! 
 

Now in its tenth year, The Bourbon Street Extravaganza is the free outdoor concert on Saturday afternoon at the corner of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets.  In 2012 it featured New Orleans favorite Mary Griffin and the legendary disco-diva Jeanie Tracy. There was also a special appearance by Ben Cohen, the former English Rugby Star, and founder of the Ben Cohen StandUP Foundation, created to combat homophobia
and bullying in the GLBT community. 

 

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

Got a question?  Please check our list of Frequently Asked Questions.
Or email us at info@southerndecadence.net

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