By Karen Brem, Marketing Director, Historic Mardi Gras Inn
COMING SOON!!!
Darling, it’s almost here — Southern Decadence 2025 is just 2 weeks and 4 days away, and the French Quarter is already humming with anticipation (and maybe a few moans from the afterlife). And let me tell you, if you thought this long weekend was just about parades, drag shows, and body glitter… oh no. The ghosts are coming out to play.
And in true New Orleans style, they’re bringing cocktails.
The Boozy, Queer Haunts of the Quarter
During Southern Decadence, the French Quarter transforms into a supernatural playground for the fabulously fearless. Every cobblestone seems to have a story — and in this city, plenty of them are deliciously queer.
Walking with the Gay Ghosts of New Orleans kicks off at the iconic Café Lafitte in Exile, America’s oldest continuously operating gay bar. You’ll sip something strong while hearing tales of Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, and the countless queer icons (living and dead) who’ve called this city home.
From there, you’ll sashay through shadowy streets to haunted courtyards, dimly lit balconies, and back rooms where the spirits (both alcoholic and spectral) have been flowing for decades.
Other Must-Do Haunted Crawls During Decadence:
- The Haunted Pub Crawl — Pirate’s Alley, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, Bourbon Orleans Hotel… this tour serves up the strongest drinks and the strongest ghost stories in the Quarter.
- LGBTQ+ Queer History & Ghost Tour — A perfect blend of historic scandal and paranormal mischief, celebrating the rebels, lovers, and rule-breakers who shaped New Orleans’ queer scene.
- Bourbon Street After Dark: Haunted & Tipsy Edition — Less “history lecture” and more “liquid courage,” with stops at bars that have been fueling Decadence long before Decadence was a thing.
👻 Top 5 Haunted Gay Bars & Tour Stops for Southern Decadence
- Café Lafitte in Exile – 941 Bourbon St.
The grand dame of gay bars in America and the starting point for the Walking with the Gay Ghosts of New Orleans tour. Strong drinks, strong history, and spirits that never really left. - Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar – 941 Bourbon St.
One of the oldest bars in the U.S., rumored to be haunted by pirate Jean Lafitte himself. Order a purple drink, take a candlelit selfie, and see if you feel a tap on the shoulder. - Bourbon Orleans Hotel – 717 Orleans St.
A stunning historic hotel that was once a convent and orphanage — now home to ghostly nuns, children, and more than a few fabulous “permanent residents.” - Good Friends Bar – 740 Dauphine St.
Multi-level LGBTQ+ bar with legendary balcony views and a history of being a ghost tour stop. Sometimes the “ladies” in the upstairs windows aren’t actually alive. - Pirate’s Alley – Between Chartres & Royal St.
Narrow, atmospheric, and dripping with old-world charm (and rumored dueling ghosts). A must for photo ops during haunted pub crawls.
💡 Pro Tip: Most of these stops are within a 5–10 minute wobble from the Historic Mardi Gras Inn — meaning you can start, end, and restart the night without ever needing to call a ride.
Why the Historic Mardi Gras Inn is Your Fierce Ghost-Hunting Headquarters
Listen carefully, because this is the part you need to know before you “accidentally” book a room across town. The Historic Mardi Gras Inn is now proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated, and we’ve just had a full site-wide glow-up. She’s fresh, she’s fabulous, and she’s ready for you.
Our location? One short block off the French Quarter, meaning you can glide from your room to your ghost tour starting point in minutes — stilettos and all. And if you want to hop a streetcar for a little sightseeing or recovery brunch, the stop is just a two-minute walk from our front door.
We make no over-the-top promises — just clean, affordable accommodations and a warm, welcoming staff who will make your stay amazing. That’s it. That’s the magic.
Your Long Weekend Game Plan
- Day 1: Arrive, check in, freshen up, and hit your first haunted gay bar crawl.
- Day 2: Spend the day people-watching in the Quarter, then join an evening ghost tour to get properly spooky and tipsy before dancing the night away.
- Day 3: Parade day! Let the ghosts rest while you bask in the living, breathing fabulousness of Decadence.
- Day 4: Nurse your hangover with coffee, swap stories with your new best friends, and start plotting next year’s outfits.
Book Now or Boo-Hoo Later
Rooms this close to the Quarter — especially during Southern Decadence — disappear faster than a cocktail in the Louisiana heat. If you want to be steps from the ghost tours, the parades, and every ounce of late-night naughtiness, you need to book your long weekend now. FOR INFORMATION ON ACCOMMODATIONS CALL US DIRECTLY AT 504.949.5815 OR 1.800.209.9408. YOU CAN ALSO VISIT US AT historicmardigrasinn.com.
Southern Decadence only happens once a year, darling. Make this one count.