New Orleans is known for extravagant events and parties, and Southern Decadence is no exception. As the fifth biggest event occurring annually in New Orleans— it is expected to fill the city with over 300,000 LGBTQ+ people. With parades, pool parties and block parties, there will be plenty of activity downtown and at New Orleans' favorite gay bars. Referred to as "Gay Mardi Gras", Southern Decadence is known for getting pretty crazy.
Top Ten Things to Do at Southern Decadence in New Orleans
This year's theme is "Wicked, Wild & Wet" with official colors of Black, Royal Blue and Kelly Green. There are so many Decadence events, it will be hard to choose which ones to attend. Taking place from Thursday, August 31 through Monday, September 4th, Southern Decadence 2023 will definitely be an weekend to remember.
1. Bourbon Street Extravaganza
On Saturday, September 2nd in the afternoon (specific times will be announced in the coming weeks), Napoleon's Itch will be producing their 16th annual free outdoor concert known as the Bourbon Street Extravaganza. Specific details are yet to be announced, but if it's anything like previous years, it is sure to be a good time.
2. Southern Decadence Parade
A mainstay of Southern Decadence, this year the traditional Southern Decadence Grand Marshal Parade will take place on Sunday, September 3rd. The formation time will be 1 pm with a start time of 2 pm. The parade will start at the corner of Barracks and Royal and end at Bourbon Pub/The Oz around 4 pm. Southern Decadence is not known for it's subtlety, so you'll want to go all in on your outfit (preferably involving rainbow).
3. Street Parties
The street parties will take place all over the French Quarter, some outdoors and others inside gay bars. There will be plenty of action 24/7 since the gay bars will not close! Some of the best DJs in the nation will be there to make sure that everyone is having a good time, no matter the hour.
4. Walk around the French Quarter
Known as New Orleans' "gay neighborhood", there is no better place to walk around and have a famous New Orleans style drink. There will be plenty of dancing and live music, and who knows what party you may stumble upon!
5. Check out the Bourbon Pub
801 Bourbon St. (504) 529-2107, https://www.bourbonpub.com
Known as not only one of the top gay bars in New Orleans, but one of the top gay bars in the United States... Bourbon Pub is a spot you aren't going to want to miss. This 24/7 club will be a hotspot during Southern Decadence, so head on down and have a drink on their picturesque balcony that overlooks Bourbon St.
6. Circuit Parties
These parties are happening all over the city for the entirety of the Southern Decadence weekend. The Phoenix Block Party will be hosted every night, as well as Hit It — a sex positive party that takes place in secret locations for two nights. Local New Orleans venues like Santos Bar and the Toulouse Theater will be hosting different LGBTQ+ groups for blow-out parties and all-around fun.
7. Pool Parties
300 Bourbon St. (504) 586-0300. https://www.sonesta.com/royal-sonesta/la/new-orleans
Put on your favorite bathing suit, because you won't want to miss these parties. Considered to be the "Crown Jewel" of the French Quarter, the Royal Sonesta Hotel will be hosting pool parties from 2-6 pm. The specific dates will be confirmed on the Southern Decadence website in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!
8. Bearracuda's big takeover of The Toulouse Theater
615 Toulouse St. (504) 571-9771, toulousetheater.com
Bearracuda will be taking over The Toulouse Theater on Canal St on Friday September 1st at 9 pm for an epic bearfest. The Toulouse Theater is an intimate New Orleans concert venue located just a block from Jackson Square. Featuring DJ Mateo Segade and DJ Freddy King of Paris, you will not want to miss it!
9. NOLA Gay Halloween pre-party
550 Baronne St. (504) 603-8000, https://virginhotels.com/new-orleans/
The Virgin Hotel New Orleans will be hosting its annual Gay Halloween pre-party. This beautiful 4-star hotel has a rooftop bar and an all-day café, which makes it the perfect spot for a party. Date and time is to be determined so check out their website for specific details!
10. Have a drink at Oz
800 Bourbon St. (504) 593-9491, ozneworleans.com
The Oz is a staple spot in New Orleans with DJs, drag shows and a balcony. With its dance floor, two stories, and two bars, it's a great spot to grab a drink in between the Southern Decadence festivities.
Best Things to do at This Year's Southern Decadence
These Southern Decadence events are sure to be a blast! Whether you are a party animal or just love a good parade — there will be enjoyment for all. The French Quarter will be full of both locals and tourists, all together to celebrate queerness in all of its forms!
Be sure to keep checking the websites and social media pages of the events you are interested in so you will know when specific dates and times are announced. And make sure to stay hydrated, it's going to be a hot weekend!
