Event Dates
From: Thursday, August 28, 2025
To: Monday, September 1, 2025
Southern Decadence 2025
Southern Decadence New Orleans is a gay Labor Day Weekend destination, one of the world’s major gay events.
Southern Decadence 2025 New Orleans style!
Southern Decadence started forty-seven 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.
- Southern Decadence packs the city, so book early. Check out the best places to stay and grab a hotel deal in the French Quarter, the heart of all the weekend’s festivities. Stay at the stunning Virgin Hotels New Orleans, rated “Superb” by guests and host of official pool parties, beautifully decorated rooms and great location.
The Event
- Next Edition: Thursday 28th August 2025 – Monday 1st September, 2025.
- Southern Decadence is one of the largest annual celebrations and festivals in New Orleans, and has become known as the “Gay Mardi Gras.”
- Visitors begin to arrive on the Wednesday before Labor Day, and generally don’t even think about stopping or going home until the following Tuesday.
- Attendance during previous years have been record breaking with over 300,000 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender participants visiting New Orleans for the party.
- Southern Decadence is the fifth largest annual event in the City of New Orleans, exceeded only by Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Essence Festival, and French Quarter Festival. As Liberace once said, “Too much of a good thing is wonderful.”
The Gay Neighbourhood
- 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 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. And most of the city’s main gay attractions are within a few blocks.
- Stay at the Brakeman Hotel, a charming 3 star hotel with a perfect location, spacious rooms. The hotel has been classically restored and is one of our top recommendations in New Orleans.
The Street Parties
- 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 to a frenzy. No wonder the weekend is often referred to as Southern DecaDANCE!
- The Bourbon Street Extravaganza, the FREE outdoor concert at the corner of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets, is one party not to miss.
Confirmed Southern Decadence Circuit Parties 2025
- Thursday to Sunday – The Phoenix Block Party will run each night over the weekend, the place to be! Don’t miss their “Hungfest” Musical Showcase on Friday night.
- Thursday to Sunday – The daddy of all parties takes place at The Bourbon Pub & Parade, the official home of Southern Decadence.
- Friday – Awaiting confirmation – Don’t miss Bearracuda’s big takeover of The Joy Theater on Canal Street for an epic Saturday night bearfest!
- Sunday – Awaiting confirmation – Party with the Pornstars at Southern Decadence Fornication – a play party, not a performance.
- Friday to Sunday – Hit It – the sex positive party in secret locations returns for two nights of hardcore fun.
- Saturday – Awaiting confirmation – Joe Fiore brings a special edition of Furball to New Orleans on Saturday Night at Santos on Decatur Street, followed by a Dirty Disco Tea Dance from 4 pm on Sunday at The Toulouse Theater.
The Pool Parties
- Friday – Awaiting confirmation – HNO and Virgin – Halloween Circuit Party Organisers, HNO kicks off Southern Decadence at the rooftop of the Virgin Hotel. DJ, Drag performances, complimentary cocktail. From 6 pm to 9 pm.
- Friday & Saturday – Awaiting confirmation – Renegade Bears present two days of pool parties in a luxurious private pool club, just a 3-minute drive from Bourboun Street. Clothing optional.
- Sunday – Awaiting confirmation – Fruit Salad Pool Party – 12 pm – 6 pm at The Pool Club at the Virgin Hotel Nola – Sashay your way to The Pool Club after the Southern Decadence parade for a Sunday splash at Fruit Salad, a LGBTQIA+ pool party with the hottest DJ giving us the juiciest beats.
- Monday – Awaiting confirmation – Lords of leather Southern Decadence Pool Party – at 3128 Ursulines (Private Residence) from 12pm to 4 pm. Food and drinks will be provided at this clothing-optional event as we close out decadence with some male bonding. Check out their Facebook Group for more details.
- Monday 2nd September – Poolside Tea Dance on the Rooftop – Deryck Todd is parading from the Big Apple to the Big Easy, inviting you to the most dazzling Southern Decadence bash at Virgin Hotels New Orleans! Get ready for electrifying DJs, jaw-dropping performances, and sultry burlesque to shake up your soul. Headliner is RuPaul’s Drag Race star, SYMONE!
Southern Decadence Bourbon Street Extravaganza
- Saturday August 30th, 2025 – The Bourbon Street Extravaganza, the FREE outdoor concert produced by Napoleon’s Itch on the corner of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets on Saturday afternoon, will return in 2023 for its 16th anniversary.
- Awaiting line up and details of the event.
The Southern Decadence Parade
Sunday August 31st, 2025 – The SUNDAY AFTERNOON parade is the traditional Southern Decadence Grand Marshal Parade.
The 53rd anniversary of Southern Decadence with Grand Marshals.
- The parade formation time is 1:00 P.M.
- The parade starting time is 2:00 P.M.
The Parade Route (Awaiting dates)
Start on Royal and Barracks. Down Royal.
Right on St Louis. Down St Louis.
Right on Burgundy. Down Burgundy.
Right on St Ann. Down St Ann.
Left on Bourbon. Disband on Dumaine.
- The parade ends at 4:00 P.M.
Southern Decadence, Where to stay?
The best place to stay is in the French quarter, which is where you will find most of the gay bars and clubs,
The following NOLA hotels are all close to the gay bars and clubs
The Roosevelt Hotel, Omni Royal, Royal Sonesta Hotel, French Market Inn.
For more discover our insider’s guide to the best of Gay New Orleans.
Save on Hotels
Book your hotel in advance & save money
Book Now and Pay on arrival!
Where we stay!
The Hotel Monteleone is where we stay
in New Orleans, close to all the gay bars.
Official Website
For information and advice on
Southern Decadence visit The Website
Gay Map of New Orleans
If you want to be close to all of New Orleans famous attractions, including the top gay-nightlife options in the city, the French Quarter remains the hub of where to stay, with dozens of hotels of all types and grades.. Adjacent to the Quarter and just downriver, you’ll find a number of gay-friendly smaller properties in historic and trendy Faubourg Marigny, which is also home to several gay-popular restaurants and bars.
130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112
This 5-star hotel in is a 15-minute walk to Jackson Square. The elegant hotel features The Rooftop Bar, a full-service spa and rooms with a 42-inch flat-screen TV.
Guest rooms at The Roosevelt offer stylish décor and luxury amenities. Bathrobes and a 14-inch TV are offered in the bathroom and each room has a minibar.
300 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Located in the historic on Bourbon Street, Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans offers accommodation with an outdoor pool, multiple bars, and a jazz club. The hotel is decorated with modern art and offers several on-site dining options.
Complimentary WiFi, a flat-screen TV and a refrigerator are included in all rooms at this New Orleans Royal Sonesta. Each room includes a seating area, safe and private bathroom. Some rooms offer a balcony overlooking Bourbon Street or the pool. Extras include bathrobes and luxury toiletries.
621 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Located on the most fashionable corner, St. Louis at Royal, the hotel has received the 4-diamond luxury award for the past 27 years and has earned the Pinnacle Award for meeting services.
Whether you’re visiting for work or play, you’re in company – the is truly the place to see and be seen.
541 Bourbon St New Orleans, LA 70112
This boutique hotel is located on in the center of ’ . It features an outdoor pool surrounded by a tropical courtyard and a bar.
All guest rooms at Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter have views of the courtyard or French Quarter and feature a flat-screen TV and minibar. The spacious rooms are elegantly decorated with wood furniture.
509 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Situated in the , this hotel was built in the 1800s and provides simple rooms with coffee facilities. Guests are a 5-minute walk from Jackson Square.
Each air-conditioned room at the provides a desk and cable TV. The rooms include carpeted floors and exposed brick walls.
830 Conti StNew Orleans, LA 70112
Steps from Bourbon Street and the Aquarium of the Americas, this hotel is located in the French Quarter of New Orleans and offers 24-hour concierge service and an on-site restaurant.
Prince Conti Hotel features completely non-smoking guestrooms with convenient coffeemakers.
625 St Ann StNew Orleans, LA 70116
Situated in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Place D'Armes provides accommodation in a historic hotel and rooms with exposed brick walls. Popular points of interest nearby include St Louis Cemetery No 1, Bourbon Street and Morial Convention Center. Free WiFi available.
All units in the hotel are fitted with a TV, seating area and complimentary toiletries.
234 Loyola Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
This air-conditioned apartment features free WiFi, the kitchen features a dishwasher, a living room with a flat-screen TV with streaming TV options and local channels are available. Other facilities at this two-bedroom apartment include a fitness centre.
822 Perdido St, New Orleans, LA 70112
All units feature a cable flat-screen TV and iPod docking station. Units include a seating and/or dining area. The kitchen is equipped with a dishwasher, Every unit comes with a private bathroom with a bath or shower, free toiletries, & a washing machine
127 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Featuring accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning and flat-screen TV, Bourbon Place I Sextant is situated 500 m from Bourbon Street and 700 m from St Louis Cemetery No 1. metered parking and a garage parking close to the property.
1111 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
All units here are air-conditioned and feature a flat-screen TV, a living room with a sofa bed, a well-equipped kitchen with a dining area, and a private bathroom with shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries. A dishwasher, a microwave and fridge.
801 Bourbon StNew Orleans, LA 70116
The Bourbon Pub Parade is New Orleans' largest gay bar and nightclub that welcomes everyone. We are simply the place to be! Big gay bar with 3 bars & a dance floor always busy
2240 St Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
Alternative theater & gay bar putting on live entertainment, burlesque cabaret shows including Burlesque Bingo with Lefty Lucy and jock strap lube wrestling
800 Bourbon StNew Orleans, LA 70116
New Orleans Premier Gay Dance Club and the GAA Dance Club & Show Bar One of the best gay night clubs in town
901 Bourbon StNew Orleans, LA 70116
Cafe Lafitte in Exile is the oldest Gay Bar in North America. It is multilevel venue with out door seating and wrap around balcony that allows sweeping view of world famous Bourbon St. and beyond.
740 Burgundy StNew Orleans, LA 70116
The French Quarter's seediest Gay Bar. Come thirstier than ever, and ready for a GOOD time!
740 Dauphine StNew Orleans, LA 70116
Popular and relaxed gay bar, Good Friends Bar is a multi level venue designed for a causal night on the town or a quite evening with that special someone or group of friends.
940 St Louis StNew Orleans, LA 70112
Where the Boys are dancing nightly on the bar!
The Corner Pocket is your basic neighborhood bar during the day and early evening. Crowds flock to the club 7 nights a week beginning at 9pm to see the latest dancin' boys the bar has cornered for its stable.
834 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Grand Pre's is the LGBTQ Cheers of the French Quarter. It's a friendly bar without big city prices
1012 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116
From the owners of the 700 Club comes a new bar, restaurant, courtyard, and event space to welcome the gay community and their allies. Along with a beautifully renovated building, we also bring a brand new menu that celebrates elevated bar favorites from around the world and adds healthy options to the French Quarter. Our full bar includes local beers and a wide selection of wine on tap as well as delicious daiquiris and craft cocktails.
941 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
Gay bar catering to the leather crowd provides a no-frills 24/7 hangout with a pool table.
734 Bourbon StZNew Orleans, LA 70116
Gay lounge bar Bourbon Street's Premier Bar for Specialty Craft Cocktails & Never a cover charge. Famous for Mojito's, Bloody Mary's, Hurricanes, and the cleanest bathrooms on Bourbon St.
700 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Locally owned, LGBTQ tavern with pub grub, regular drag shows & outdoor tables.
1239 Royal StNew Orleans, LA 70116
Established in 1964, The Golden Lantern has maintained its reputation of being one of the best neighborhood gay bars in the quarter.
439 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Crossing is a neighborhood gay video bar in the historic Vieux Carré.
940 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
New Orleans entertainment destination for Drag Shows, Male Revues, Cold Daiquiris, and more
542 N Rampart St New Orleans, LA 70112
New Orleans' Number One Black Owned Gay Bar
Recommended Hotels in New Orleans By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in New Orleans that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
The Roosevelt Hotel
5 Star, Luxury
- 5 Star – Lovely Rooftop Bar, Full-Service Spa
- A short walk to the gay bars
- 42-inch TV, luxury amenities
- Elegant 5-star hotel, 15 minutes to Jackson Square, with a rooftop bar, fully equipped spa, and luxurious rooms.
Omni Royal, 4 Star
Sophisticated & Stylish
- 4 Star – 4-Diamond Luxury, Pinnacle Award Winner
- Close to the gay district
- Fashionable corner location
- On St. Louis at Royal, offers 4-diamond luxury, award-winning meeting services, and sophisticated style.
Royal Sonesta, 4 Star
Right on Bourbon Street
- 4 Star – On Bourbon Street, Outdoor Pool
- Close to the gay district
- WiFi, flat-screen TV, refrigerator
- In the French Quarter, offers accommodation with an outdoor pool, bars, jazz club, and modern art.
French Market Inn
3 Star Central Location
- 3 Star – Located in an Historic 1800s Building
- Close to the gay district
- Coffee facilities, air-conditioned
- Historic hotel in the French Quarter, built in the 1800s, simple rooms with coffee facilities and a short walk from Jackson Square.
Video Of Southern Decadence
Highlights on video of the Southern Decadence event in New Orleans.
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in New Orleans
New Orleans doesn’t have distinct gay neighbourhoods in the same way as some other cities like West Hollywood or Chelsea in New York City. However, the city is known for being LGBTQ+ friendly, and you’ll find gay-friendly establishments and events scattered throughout various neighbourhoods, especially along Bourbon Street in the French Quarter.
French Quarter | Home to Bourbon Street
Photo: Laissez les bons temps rouler! Bourbon Street is at the heart of Gay NOLA.
- The French Quarter is the historic heart of New Orleans and is located along the Mississippi River.
- Famous for its lively nightlife and vibrant atmosphere along Bourbon Street and the legendary Oz and Bourbon Parade Pub.
- The quarter is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in New Orleans and is known for its distinctive Spanish and French Creole architecture.
- Discover the best things to see and do in the French Quarter
Marigny
Downriver from the French Quarter with colourful, eclectic houses & a vibrant arts scene along Frenchman St.
Bywater
East of the Marigny and close to Crescent Park with stunning views of the River and the NOLA skyline.
Warehouse District
Known as the Arts District, perfect for art enthusiasts & museum-goers with trendy restaurants & boutique hotels.
Downtown
The CBD offers easy access to Bourbon Street and a variety of dining options, shops, and cultural attractions.
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