Southern Decadence New Orleans 2026

Southern Decadence is New Orleans' annual LGBTQ+ celebration — a five-day street party in the French Quarter that has been running since 1972 and is one of America's oldest gay events. The event draws over 125,000 gay men and lesbians to the most famous neighborhood in one of America's most celebratory cities, for what locals describe as simply the best party in the world.

The Grand Marshal Parade on Sunday afternoon is the centerpiece: thousands march through the French Quarter's narrow historic streets in elaborate costumes and minimal clothing, watched by crowds from the wrought-iron balconies above. Southern Decadence is famous for its hedonistic character — the French Quarter's existing bars, clubs, and restaurants become the entire infrastructure of the event.

Unlike most pride events, Southern Decadence happens at the end of summer (Labor Day weekend), offering a final LGBTQ+ celebration before the autumn season.