French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana · September 2 to 6, 2027
Southern Decadence
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Southern Decadence
When is Southern Decadence 2027?
Southern Decadence 2027 is expected to run September 2 to 6, 2027. The dates follow the usual pattern and are not announced yet.
2027September 2 to 6, 2027Expected
How the dates are set: Held over Labor Day weekend, from Thursday through the Monday holiday, with the Grand Marshal Parade on Sunday.
Southern Decadence schedule
- Sunday, Grand Marshal Parade: The 55th annual parade is listed to step off at 5:00 PM from the Golden Lantern at 1239 Royal St in the French Quarter.
- Sunday, September 6, 2026: The 2026 parade kicked off at the Golden Lantern. Organizers were still working out the route with city officials at press time.
- Thursday to Monday: The weekend covers five days of street parties, pool events, bear and leather gatherings, drag and late-night clubbing.
- Nightly, 9pm to 3am: The traditional free outdoor Bourbon Street Extravaganza concert is held at the corner of Bourbon and St Ann streets (listed times from the 2027 schedule).
Sources: gaytravel4u.com, nola.com
Getting to Southern Decadence
- The French Quarter is the heart of the weekend. The Golden Lantern on Royal Street is the traditional starting point of the parade, and Faubourg Marigny to the east has the Phoenix, which hosts a block-party program.
Source: gaytravel4u.com
Where to stay in French Quarter
- Southern Decadence packs the city, so book early. Staying in the French Quarter puts you at the center of the festivities.
Source: gaytravel4u.com
Southern Decadence: questions people ask
Where does the Southern Decadence parade start?
It starts at the Golden Lantern bar, 1239 Royal St, in the French Quarter.
Is Southern Decadence free?
The parade and street celebrations are free. Club nights, pool parties and special events sell their own tickets or weekend passes.
What is Southern Decadence?
It is a gay Labor Day weekend event in New Orleans with five days of street parties, pool events, drag and the Sunday Grand Marshal Parade.
Source: gaytravel4u.com
About Southern Decadence
New Orleans' big LGBTQ+ Labor Day weekend of street parties, pool events, drag and a Sunday Grand Marshal parade.
Southern Decadence began as a going-away party and is now one of the biggest annual events in New Orleans, centered on the French Quarter and the Marigny. Labor Day weekend brings street parties, drag shows, pool parties and the Sunday Grand Marshal Parade from the Golden Lantern bar. The catch is that the city fills up, so book a room early.
Know before you go
- There is no single admission ticket: the parade and street celebrations are free, and club nights and pool parties sell their own tickets or passes.
- Book a French Quarter hotel early, since the weekend packs the city.
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) is about 30 minutes by car from the French Quarter.
Planning the trip
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