COMING SOON!
Y’all, it’s that time of year again when New Orleans pulls out all the stops and lets its fabulous flag fly high! Get ready for Southern Decadence 2024, where we’ll turn up the heat, unleash our inner divas, and celebrate love, unity, and pure, unadulterated fun. Mark your calendars because from Thursday, August 30, to Monday, September 2, 2024, the Big Easy will transform into the most vibrant, inclusive, and downright decadent place on earth.
Welcome to the Party!
For those who don’t know, Southern Decadence is the crown jewel of LGBTQ+ celebrations in New Orleans. Now in its 52nd year, this festival has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a simple going-away party. Fast forward to today, and you’ve got a spectacular five-day extravaganza that’s expected to draw a quarter of a million people from every corner of the globe. That’s right, folks! The streets will be packed, the music will be pumping, and the energy will be through the roof.
Where It All Begins
The festivities kick off with the iconic Beer Bust at the Phoenix Bar. Lucky for you, our Historic Mardi Gras Inn is just a block and a half away from this legendary spot, so you’ll be in the heart of the action without even breaking a sweat. The Phoenix Bar is where you want to be to sip, mingle, and make friends for life. It’s the ultimate warm-up for the wild weekend ahead!
The Main Events
As the weekend unfolds, the French Quarter becomes a dazzling playground of parades, parties, and performances. Don’t miss the street concert in front of Napoleon’s Itch, where the music is as vibrant as the crowd. But the real pièce de résistance is the foot parade on Sunday, August 31. This isn’t your average parade, folks. It kicks off at 2 PM sharp in front of the Golden Lantern, that fabulous gay bar nestled at 1239 Royal St. Here, the grand marshals Vanessa Carr Kennedy, Jeffrey Mayeux, and Paribe Meyer will lead a spectacular procession of colors, costumes, and charisma that’s sure to leave you breathless.
Strut Your Stuff
Let’s talk fashion, darling. Southern Decadence is your chance to don your most outrageous outfits and let your creativity run wild. Whether you’re flaunting feathers, sequins, leather, or lace, there are no rules—just let your imagination soar. You’ll fit right in with the kaleidoscope of fabulousness on display.
A City that Embraces Everyone
What makes Southern Decadence so special is the sense of community and acceptance that fills the air. New Orleans is a city that welcomes everyone with open arms, and during this festival, that spirit shines brighter than ever. It’s a place where you can be your true self and celebrate with others who embrace the same values of love and unity.
Stay with Us!
As the Marketing Director of the Historic Mardi Gras Inn, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that our charming establishment is your perfect home base for all the Southern Decadence shenanigans. We’re offering clean, affordable accommodations and a warm, welcoming staff ready to make your stay as fabulous as possible. Our location is prime for walking to all the festival events, so you can party to your heart’s content without worrying about the logistics. For additional information on accommodations please call us at (800)209-9408 or (504)949-5815. You may also visit us at historicmardigrasinn.com.
Party Hard, But Don’t Forget to Explore
While Southern Decadence is the main attraction, don’t miss out on the rest of what New Orleans has to offer. From mouthwatering Creole cuisine to historic landmarks and the irresistible sounds of jazz, there’s so much to see and do in this magical city. Trust me, you’ll want to soak it all in.
Join the Celebration
So grab your most glamorous gear, channel your inner decadence, and head to New Orleans for a weekend you’ll never forget. Southern Decadence 2024 is not just a festival; it’s a celebration of life, love, and everything that makes us unique. Come for the party, stay for the memories, and leave with a heart full of joy and a camera full of colorful snapshots. We can’t wait to see you there!