Southern Decadence Festival Aug. 30 – Sept. 2
The Southern Decadence Festival in New Orleans started in 1972. Originally a party for a friend leaving town, it has morphed into a full blown festival of excess in the best possible way. It has been tied to the LGBTQ community since the early 1980’s. It is the largest LGBTQ event of the year in New Orleans. Not organized in the traditional way, the grand marshals choose their own successors. Because of this, individual personalities shape the annual event and each year’s theme.
So much to do, so little time!
This year there is a good time to be had by all. Thursday night features Karaoke and Lip Sinc battles at bars Pub and Oz just to get your feet wet. Beer Bust at The Phoenix bar runs both Friday and Saturday nights with food booths and beer trailers. There’s even a Backstreet Boys concert on Friday night at The Smoothie King Center. Don’t miss the Queen B Drag Brunch at Broussard’s on Saturday where $14 gets you bottomless mimosas. But don’t worry if you miss that brunch, there is another one on Sunday at the Fillmore inside Harran’s casino. This one will feature a buffet and a disco theme.
The Southern Decadence Parade
All of this leads up to the famous Southern Decadence parade on Sunday afternoon at 2pm. It starts at The Golden Lantern on Royal Street in the French Quarter. Expect to see costumes, marching bands and lots of drag queens. Feel free to participate if the mood hits you. This is a true NOLA experience that you will not find anywhere else. After the parade don’t miss The Miss High Hair Contest at Good Friends Bar, a local favorite.
Our Insider Tips
Pick up our local LGBTQ magazine, Ambush, when you get to town. It is the official guide to Southern Decadence. Pace yourself and remember to eat some world class food along with your alcohol. In between events, don’t forget to take a walk with The Savvy Native, the very best way to learn about the history of the city. Our experienced, licensed guides would love to show you around!
