Southern Decadence 2012
New Orleans

Official Website

Wednesday, August 29
through
Monday, September 3, 2012

 

 
  DISCOUNT HOTELS
    AND AIR TRAVEL
 
  WEEKEND PASSES
 
  OVERVIEW
  HISTORY
  SCHEDULE OF
    EVENTS
  PICTURES  
  DJs and
    ENTERTAINMENT
  MAP
 
  VISITOR TIPS
  FREQUENTLY
    ASKED
    QUESTIONS
  SPONSORS
 
  PRESS & MEDIA
    INQUIRIES
 
  CONTACT US
 
 

  last update
  February 5, 2012

 

 


      


 

 

 

 

Street pic from Southern Decadence

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Southern Decadence started forty-one 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 100,000 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 an Official Proclamation to welcome the event.


Pic of Circuit Party Boys
The city's 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 2011 Grand Marshals were the legendary Tiffany Alexander, and Misael Rubio.
The 2011 theme was "Viva New Orleans: What Happens in New Orleans Stays in New Orleans" and the official colors were fuchsia pink, black and silver.  The official song was Fireworks by Katy Perry.  And Friday night's float parade rolled through the streets of the French Quarter.
The 2012 Grand Marshals and official proclamations will be announced in mid-2012.
 

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.
 

 On the dancefloorMost 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 2011 included ABEL, Max Rodriguez, Lydia Prim, Mike Bryant, Dawna Montel, Brendan Thompson, Chris Allen, Jayskee and Scott Horner.
 No wonder the weekend is often referred to as Southern DecaDANCE! 
 

 


New in 2011, celebrity photographer Adam Bouska brought his NOH8 campaign photo shoot to The Bourbon Pub / Parade on Thursday afternoon.

And in addition to Sunday's traditional walking parade, the Friday night float parade through the streets of the French Quarter and the surrounding areas returned in 2011.
 
 

 

 
Click here for the

SOUTHERN DECADENCE PARADE ROUTE
on Sunday, September 2, 2012
 

 

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

2011:  August 31 through September 5
2012:  August 29 through September 3
2013:  August 28 through September 2
2014:  August 27 through September 1

 

 Please join our email list to keep up with all of the Southern Decadence news:
 

 

 
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

    

 

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

 

 

 

Southern Decadence web site contents © 2012 SouthernDecadence.net

Please read our copyright policy on the Press and Media page regarding the use of this material.


Model photo courtesy Chi Chi LaRue and Channel 1 Releasing