New Orleans’ 2015 Southern Decadence festival takes places Sept. 2–7. The largest LGBT event in the city marks its 44th year in 2015. The festival is always held during Labor Day weekend. This year’s theme for the around-the-clock-party is “Swimmin’ with the Gods and Goddesses” and the colors are lavender, lime green and silver lamé.
Southern Decadence was voted the No. 1 end-of-summer gay event by gaytravel.com. More than 160,000 participants celebrated the festival in 2014, with an economic boost of about $190 million for New Orleans.
Southern Decadence, New Orleans, Louisiana © Infrogmation | Flickr
Most of the events take place throughout the French Quarter. Parades, free concerts and opening/closing parties are held throughout the five-day festival. Events are 18 to enter and 21 to consume alcohol. While many events are free, if you prefer guaranteed entry, purchase a weekend pass. The $60 weekend pass guarantees priority admission to all events Friday–Sunday and a welcome cocktail. For $100, the VIP pass includes express entrance and check-in to all events Thursday–Sunday, a welcome cocktail and entrance to a cocktail reception on Saturday night.
Follow Southern Decadence on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-date information. Sign up for the email list for the latest news.
If you really like to plan ahead, the 2016 festival kicks off Aug. 31.
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