2018 is the 47th Annual Southern Decadence Celebration and we’ve got the Southern Decadence 2018 Schedule in full. Fodor’s Travel just listed Decadence in their top 13 non-Pride LGBTQ Festivities in the world.
Welcome to New Orleans Labor Day weekend. Pick up our French Quarter guide for suggestions on where to shop, eat and drink.
VIP Pass available online $100.
- No lines, VIP entrance
- Welcome Cocktail
- Hosted Cocktail reception Saturday night
Weekend Pass available online $60
- Guaranteed admission
- Welcome Cocktail
Ongoing Events
Art – Artist Skylar Fein’s mixed media installation: Remember the Upstairs Lounge. June 29- Sept. 16th at the New Orleans Museum of Art. Until the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting, the UpStairs Lounge arson attack was the deadliest known attack on a gay club in U.S. history.
Monday August 27th
Showstoppers Cabaret
Monday Doors at 8pm show at 9pm
The Allways Lounge & Cabaret – 2240 St. Claude Ave.
Cover $10
Kids………she did it. The Honourable Theodora Onassis, unable to commit to anything for more than a week, made it a full year producing this monthly revue. So to celebrate a whole year, we doin’ it REAL BIG. It’s going to be the BEST OF THE BEST. True VARIETY. ALL killer, NO filler. We’ll have LIVE MUSIC and DRAG and BURLESQUE. Heartbreak. Period jokes. Pussy beads. Mom??? And a lot of FEELINGS. You’d best be there.
Tuesday August 28th
Quinn LaRoux Presents: EXTRA The Political Drag Cabret
Tuesday 9pm-10:30pm
The Allways Lounge & Cabaret – 2240 St. Claude Ave.
More than just a drag show, Extra is a space where drag artists and fans can come together to get empowered, get connected, laugh, and even occasionally bawl their eyes out. The show has challenged the performers to go deep and brought out some amazing work.
***At this show and every show leading up to the midterm elections, we will be offering a discount to anyone who registers to vote in Louisiana for the first time with our door person. So if you have been procrastinating registering to vote for years, this is your CHANCE. ***
Cocktail Karaoke with Dede Onassis
Tuesday 9pm
Good Friends Bar – 740 Dauphine St
Weekly karaoke hosted by Drag Queen Dede Onassis
Wednesday August 29th
Thursday August 30th
From Exile to Decadence: An LGBT+ History of the FQ
Reception at 5:30 | Lecture at 6 pm
Beauregard-Keyes House: 1113 Chartres
Members of the gay community in New Orleans helped preserve the history and architecture of the French Quarter in the early 20th century while simultaneously fighting personal battles against discrimination and oppression. In this lecture, author Frank Perez will discuss the evolution and progress of the LGBT+ experience in New Orleans through four of its most compelling pillars: Cafe Lafitte in Exile, the UpStairs Lounge, Gay Carnival, and Southern Decadence.
Another Fucking Decadence Show
Thursday Doors 10pm Show 11pm Cover $10
The Allways Lounge & Cabaret – 2240 St. Claude Ave.
Every year brings a new Decadence with masses of body harnesses, fan pops, and 1,648,372 drag shows you’ll kinda remember, but you had too many vodka cranberries and spent most of the show waiting in line for the bathroom 3 power bottoms just did a lot of blow in.
Presenting the first bathroom you’ll wait in line for.
Staring
CANDY SNATCH
CHERRY BOMBSHELL
FRANKY
GAYLE KING KONG
GOGO MCGREGOR
IZZY FEMME
PHATHOMS DEEP
ROSS RANSOM
SIR REN DIPITY
Welcome Party and Big Dick Contest
Thursday at Midnight
The Bourbon Pub/Parade – 801 Bourbon St.
The “Official” kickoff to Southern Decadence followed by dancing all night long.
Friday August 31st
25th Annual Empowerment Conference: Marching United to End HIV
Friday 8am-4pm
New Orleans Downtown Marriott at the Convention Center 859 Convention Center Blvd.
The 25th Annual Empowerment Conference: Marching United to End HIV, will focus on the critical goal of achieving an HIV-free generation by ensuring that HIV is non-transmittable by reducing HIV-related disparities and ensuring equal access to HIV treatment. Empowerment is an annual one-day conference that provides current HIV treatment information with a focus on supporting individuals living with HIV in making evidence-informed treatment decisions. Empowerment also provides education appropriate for health care providers, case managers, health educators and navigators, and other allied health and behavioral health professionals. This year’s session topics will include adherence, transgender-affirming care, aging well with HIV, achieving financial goals, HIV & faith, women’s health, family planning, stigma and health disparities, research innovations…and more! There is no charge to attend the Empowerment Conference and 4.0 CEUs are available for social workers at a cost of $10 per CEU.
Greetings, From Queer Mountain
Friday 8pm-10pm
The Allways Lounge & Cabaret – 2240 St. Claude Ave.
Greetings, From Queer Mountain is a monthly LGBTQ storytelling showcase started in Austin and now featured every second Friday of the month at 7:30 in New Orleans. Our show is full of fabulous! Featuring the best storytellers from all across the land! Come join us for stories that will make you laugh, cry, ponder the meaning of life and make that drink taste even sweeter.
Atomycwolf Presents: FlamBOYant
Friday 10pm $10 Cover
The Allways Lounge & Cabaret – 2240 St. Claude Ave.
Boylesque hosted by Atomyc Adonis
Fever- Southern Decadence New Orleans
Friday 10pm-2am
House of Blues New Orleans 225 Decatur st.
Krewe Party presents “FEVER”. DJ’s – Hector Fonseca, DJ Ana Paula, Felipe Lira. Performance by Nikki Valentine Hosted by Boomer Banks
Tickets:
Presale – $15
GA $20
Boys On Parade
Friday at Midnight
The Bourbon Pub/Parade – 801 Bourbon St.
The best damn amateur strip night of Decadence, upstairs at the Bourbon Pub/Parade. Followed by dancing all night long.
Saturday September 1st
New Orleans Pride Run & Walk
Saturday 9am-12pm
The Crescent Park 30 N. Peters St.
Online registration is open for the inaugural New Orleans Pride Run & Walk during Labor Day weekend 2018. The 5K event will start and finish along the Mississippi River at The Crescent Park, blocks from the New Orleans French Quarter.
Members, friends, and allies of the LGBTQ+ community are encouraged to show their pride and join us for the run and walk. Further event details and sponsorship opportunities are now available at runNOTC.org.
New Orleans Track Club events are open to members and non-members alike. Runners and walkers of all speeds and abilities are welcome.
Coca Mesa’s Drag Brunch & Cabaret
Saturday 9am and 12:30pm
Brennan’s Restaurant- 417 Royal St.
Kick Up Your Heels. Sprinkle on the Glitter, and Brunch at Brennan’s!
We are delighted to host the 1st annual Southern Decadence Drag Brunch featuring Coca Mesa & DJ Tim Pflueger on Saturday, September 1st, with 2 seatings of 8 live performances – 9:30 am and 12:30 pm.
Enjoy a 3 Course Menu starring iconic dishes like Baked Apple, Eggs Hussarde, Creole Shrimp Salad and Vanilla Scented French Toast. Tickets are $95 inclusive and each table will receive a bottle of sparkling wine accompanied by fresh watermelon, peach and orange juices.
Reservations and advance payment required by contacting Ashley Hill – Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm, 504-934-3376 or email [email protected]. Reservations available for tables of 4, 6 and 8. Must purchase entire table at time of reservation. Attendees must be 18 or older.
girl | CRUSH: Decadence Bloq Party!
Saturday 12pm
Coyote Ugly Saloon 225 N. Peters St.
Lez get drrrty for Southern Decadence!!
girl | CRUSH is teaming up with our #squad from Coyote Ugly again to bring you the only girl party in the Quarter during Southern Decadence.
Drink Specials, Dancers on the Bar, and FREE stuff from Miller Light all day long!
Come play with the girls for SoDec at the largest woman owned bar in the country.
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CAKE: Intersection Freedom, Decadence edition
Saturday 3pm Open to All.
600 Carondelet St. at the Ace Hotel
Visual artist Jesse Ray Guillory hosts a new monthly talk series that aims to challenge contemporary notions of “equality” by exploring nuanced interpretations of freedom through spiritual, artistic, and linguistic practices.
This is a trans and queer inclusive event. We welcome all who are willing to confront and celebrate their true identity.
Bourbon Street Extravaganza
Saturday 6:30pm
The Free outdoor concert at the corner of Bourbon and St. Ann streets. Performers include Deborah Cox, Jennifer Holliday and Jeanie Tracy.
Mr. Louisiana Leather Contest
Saturday 7:30pm
The Allways Lounge & Cabaret – 2240 St. Claude Ave.
This year’s Mr. Louisiana Leather Contest at the Allways Lounge will have front row, reserved VIP tables and seating. Seating at the Allways will be limited, and this ticket will guarantee front section access to see the everything the contest has to offer and the special performance by Daddy Issues. VIP space is very limited!
The After Dark Party
Saturday 9pm
The Bourbon Pub/Parade – 801 Bourbon St.
If you’ve not yet seen a Kidd Madonny show, then get yourself here to witness a musical prowess and on-stage showmanship which are nothing short of a nightclub legend. The fast-rising star is being clocked and selected by the world’s most elite talent buyers, securing a new weekly residency in Miami, a string of three monthly residencies in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Diego, plus quarterly residencies in Boston, Washington DC and Tampa, with other major markets calling him for one-offs and special events. eaturing a special appearance by adult film stars JESSIE COLTER and RIKK YORK.
GrrlSpot Monthly Rotating Queer Dance Party
Saturday 9pm-2am
Location TBD
Don’t miss the biggest queer dance party in NOLA!
EVERY 3RD SATURDAY, except for special events:
June 9th – Saturday of Pride – House of Blues
September 1st – Southern Decadence
This is a recurring event. Our venue changes monthly, so check our page regularly for each month’s event, and/or sign up for our email updates at www.grrlspot.com!
I will also post monthly event links in this recurring event – so RSVP to get updates! ♥
Horse Meat Disco
Saturday 9pm-3pm
Ace Hotel – 600 Carondelet St.
The UK’s finest disco operators, Horse Meat Disco are
BACK for the 3rd year with tried and tested underground disco rarities that have been rocking crowds from their base in Vauxhall, London, to dancefloors worldwide since 2009. To experience a night with Horse Meat Disco is to experience a night of pure bliss, paired with the hot and sexy energy of Southern Decadence weekend, this is sure to be an unforgetable night, not to be missed!!
Hosted by
TRAX ONLY
NEON Burgundy
Petty Mayonnaise
Aun T Sandy
Ross Ransom (Mr. Lousiana Leather 2017)
The 2nd Annual Bette, Bathhouse and Beyond!
Doors 9pm- 2am (doors close to newcomers at 2 so be inside before then)
Comedienne Amber Martin recreates one of Bette Midler’s ionic show’s at NYC’s infamous gay bathhouse in the Continental Baths from 1971.
$15 Buy Tickets Here.
BYOT (bring your own towel or pay $2.00 to rent one)
Allways Lounge – 2240 St. Claude Ave.
Jockstrap Olympics
Saturday 10pm $10 Cover
Mags on Elysian Fields – 940 Elysian Fields Ave.
Winners take all, losers take it all…off!! Rougaroux hosting Jockstrap Olympics Saturday of Southern Decadence! Come watch the boys in our version of the Olympic games. Losers strip and we auction off their jocks! Lube wrestling, relay race and much more! Hosted by the demonic beauty Hexxorsis. At Mags 940 Elysian Fields. Starts at 10pm, $10 cover. We are serving jello shots and food too!
Sunday August 2nd
Southern Decadence Walking Parade
Sunday 2pm
XXL: The Party
Sunday 2pm-5pm
Phoenix Bar – 941 Elysian Fields Ave.
You ready for some fun in the hot, steamy swamp? What adventures await you on the bayou? On Sunday, September 2, from 2 to 5 p.m., we close the entire bar for the most exclusive private party of Southern Decadence. We are proud to welcome Atlas Grant and Bennett Anthony for XXL: The Party. Only a limited number of tickets will be available. This event has sold out each year. Don’t delay! Enjoy an open bar for well cocktails and domestic beers. A coat check will be available. No refunds. No cell phones or cameras permitted.
Kitten N’ Lou’s CREAM: Starring RuPaul’s Drag Race Glamazon Vivacious
Sunday Doors 7pm Show 8pm tickets $25-$45
After the wild success of three years of sold out shows, the fourth installment of the most anticipated event of the weekend returns for one night only, and is movin’ on up to the glorious Civic Theatre! Come top off an already decadent weekend with a hefty spoonful of CREAM: A rare night of rich and delicious striptease, drag, and gender-f*cked cabaret. Presented by Kitten N’ Lou, recently voted the #1 Burlesque Artists in the World (Burlesque Top 50), this year’s spectacle features a starstudded cast of rarely-seen-in-New Orleans drag and burlesque superstars, including RuPaul’s Drag Race star and NYC club kid legend Vivacious, award winning Male Burlesque superstar Jett Adore (touring with Dita Von Teese), and a cavalcade of wild and wonderful guest stars that will leave you gagged! Prepare to be fully satiated by this delicious must-see cavalcade of internationally celebrated queer fabulosity!
Queer as F▼CK 2 :: A Decadent Dance Party
Sunday 9pm-2am $10 Cover
One Eyed Jacks – 615 Toulouse St
NO LAW presents a bigger and better follow up to your favorite lady, queer, non binary dance party! Featuring DJs nvture.morte, Wallflower, and Hellnah playing music to keep you moving all night.
Performances by fabulous drag queens, beaux queens and burlesque dancers:
Kat Snatch
Dede Onassis
Mz. Asa Metric
and more to come!
Venue is 18+. $10 at the door to take care of our DJ’s and half of funds will go to New Orleans Workers’ Center for Racial Justice Congress of Day Laborers/Congreso de Jornaleros. NOTAFLOF! Gender neutral bathrooms. Accessibility note: three stairs to get from front bar to dance floor.
Not gay as in happy, queer as in f▼ck you. Cum as you are. We know and we love you.
Monday August 3rd
Porn To Be A Star: A New Play By Chris Harder
Monday 9pm-11:30pm Tickets $15-$20
Allways Lounge – 2240 St. Claude Ave.
Get ready to get Harder with the new play by burlesque performer, actor and former gay porn star Chris Harder! Loosely based on his own experiences, Harder transforms himself into an eccentric, seductive and satircal line-up of characters including his porn “nemesis,” an emoji-obsessed director and even his own mother-yes, she knows!
Everyone else wants to know… “Who will take home the ‘Best Porn Star of the Year Award'”? Will it be the Twitter twink socialite Zach Parks, or the fresh-off-the-farm (and fresh-off-parole) Cody Falls? Or what about that go-go boy Chris Harder?-“Rumor is he’ll put a camera anywhere…”
Directed by David Drake (The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me), Porn to be a Star is a cheeky, charming and totally unexpected slice of the gay adult industry.
Picturing Us Film Series: Prejudice and Pride
Friday 6pm-7pm
New Orleans Museum of Art – 1 Collins Diboll Cir
Until 2016’s Pulse nightclub massacre, the deadliest attack on LGBT citizens was a fire intentionally set upon a gay bar in New Orleans in 1973, killing thirty-two people. But many people outside of New Orleans have never heard of the UpStairs Lounge fire—or are familiar with the effect it had on the gay community and subsequent gay rights movement. The intense homophobia of the time coupled with allegations of city officials embarrassingly sweepingly the tragedy under the rug have left it largely unknown in the LGBT historical narrative.
Upon the forty-fifth anniversary of the UpStairs Lounge tragedy, Prejudice and Pride recounts the fire and the aftermath that swept through New Orleans via new interviews with survivors, first responders, activists, journalists and family members of the dead.
The ABC News investigative team uncovers yet another tragedy—a victim and World War II veteran stripped of all dignity, discarded in an unmarked grave on the fringe of the city. On the trail to uncover his whereabouts, Prejudice and Pride journeys from the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter to its desolate outskirts. Can his family find him and the closure they seek? And will the UpStairs Lounge fire finally take its rightful place in gay rights’ history?
(Not rated | 2018 | 28 minutes)