One of New Orleans’ premier traditions is soon upon us as Southern Decadence steadily encroaches upon our calendars. Taking place over the extended Labor Day Weekend – August 31 through September 4 – the annual LGBTQ celebration offers up some of the most indulgent, fabulous parties of the year. 2017’s collection of events is no different, with a host of eclectic artists, musicians, and festivities offering locals a veritable smorgasbord of options. From happenings at French Quarter bars to the headlining parade, Southern Decadence 2017 promises to be wonderfully sinful.
It all begins Thursday night when the clock strikes midnight and The Bourbon Pub (801 Bourbon St.) officially kicks off the weekend’s thrills. Saturday, September 3 will see the Bourbon Street Extravaganza, a free outdoor concert at the corner of Bourbon & St. Ann. From 9p until dawn, revelers can attend the Black Party at the Bourbon Pub (though the party will inevitably spill out into a bona fide street parade). Sunday’s 2p Southern Decadence Walking Parade is arguably the weekend’s main attraction, for which a parade route map is available here.
On Friday, September 1, the Joy Theater‘s JOY! JOY! JOY! Weekend Series gears up, featuring a free performance from feminist rapper Boyfriend (a former San Francisco Pride headliner). Billed as her 5th Annual Bday Extravaganza, the “Rap Cabaret” party stars a stellar lineup of guests including Maggie Koerner, Madame Gandhi, Fleur de Tease, Robin Barnes, Alexis Marceaux, Tif Lampson, Tasche de la Rocha, Kitten and Lou, Ladies of Passion, and The Camel Toe Lady Steppers. Best of all, the 8p event is free with RSVP.
On September 2, the Theater (1200 Canal St.) will also house the Louisiana premiere screening of director Del Shores’ “A Very Sordid Wedding,” as well as a concert from Los Angeles-based electronic pop DJ and producer Sophie (and supporting acts Delish Da Goddess/Nice Rack b2b Rusty Lazer). The film is a follow-up to Shores’ 2000 indie film “Sordid Lives” and takes place in the conservative stronghold of Winters, Texas where a pastor, an ex-con, and an assortment of colorful characters are set on a collision course surrounding a planned “Anti-Equality Rally. ”The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Del and Emerson. Meet and greet tickets for this matinee event are also available. Tickets for the 2p film screening range from $20-$50, whereas the 10p Sophie concert event will cost $20-$30.
The Ace Hotel (600 Carondelet St.) also has a series of curated events for Decadence Weekend, known as CAKE. Now in its second year, CAKE includes a diverse collection of artists and performers who represent various identities of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. The 2017 lineup features Rica Shay, De’lish, Nicole Lynn Foxx & her Moonshine Taste caberet, Jasmini Infiniti, Bbymutha, Dandy Warhol and many more. Events range from cocktail parties to full-blown dancefloor get-downs and guests can even book a special rate at the hotel by using the promotional code “CAKE.”
More events can be found on the official site for Southern Decadence, and click here to check out OffBeat’s photos from Southern Decadence 2016.
