Southern Decadence 2024 in New Orleans

With lots of dancing, performing, and parading, the Labor Day weekend is extraordinary in New Orleans. Attracting around 300,000 spectators every year, the festival highlight is the colourful and flamboyant parade through the French Quarter.

Southern Decadence Events

All events take place at Bourbon Street and include the Madness Free Drinks on Monday, the All Day & All Night Happy Hours on Tuesday, Show Tune Singalong on Wednesday, Karaoke hosted by Chuckkee & DJ Dolla Bill on Thursday, RuPaul Drag Race on Friday, and Dances and Mingle at Hot Sounds & Mixes on Saturday.

Festival Hours

The Southern Decadence runs on Monday from 12 pm to 1 am, on Tuesday from 12 pm-close, on Wednesday from 12 pm to 3 am, on Thursday from 12 pm to 3 am, on Friday and Saturday from 12 pm to 5 am, and on Sunday from 12 pm to 3 am.

Tickets

The Southern Decadance sell only one type of pass—VIP Weekend Passe which costs $100.

Southern Decadance History

The event traces its beginnings to August 1972, as a private party where people were required to dress as their favorite decadent Southerner. First attendees impersonated characters like Belle Watling (the prostitute from Gone With the Wind) and actress Tallulah Bankhead. The event gradually expanded to a huge parade with incredible costumes that now takes over the entire French Quarter.