Southern Decadence 2013

New Orleans, LA

Southern Decadence

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. It is one of the largest annual celebrations and festivals in New Orleans, and 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.

Pic of Circuit Party BoysNew 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 2013 theme is “Live, Laugh and Love” and the official colors for 2013 are fuchsia pink, tangerine orange, and gold. And

Belle Reve is the official charity for Southern Decadence 2013.

The 2013 Grand Marshals are Tami Tarmac and Venus Santiago.

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 2013 DJ lineup includes Drew G, Mike Bryant, Derek Monteiro, Brendan Thompson, Chris Allen and

Sean Michael.

Hosts for 2013 will be Billy Francesca, Rhea Litre and Jasmine S/X.

No wonder the weekend is often referred to as Southern DecaDANCE!

Ben Cohen at Southern DecadenceNow 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.