Double Dipping: 2 Ways to Experience Southern Decadence

Sultry, sweaty New Orleans. Southern Decadence is the go-to debaucherous weekend of the year, packed with live entertainment, flowing booze, and LGBTers in all of their rainbow glory.

Now in its 46th year, Southern Decadence annually draws more than 150,000 people to New Orleans, which was recently ranked #2 in Travel + Leisure's list of America's Best Cities for Gay Travel. The festivities begin Wednesday, August 30 and include block parties, tours, karaoke contests, parades and more.

While the city is overflowing with festivities, it's a good idea to have a game plan (or at least start with a game plan and then forget about it). EDGE recommends these two hot spots for your decadent digs:

Also known as CAKE, Ace Hotel New Orleans has curated special experiences tailored specifically for this wild weekend of celebration, hosted in the Three Keys music venue from Thursday, August 31 to Monday, September 4.

Featured programming includes:

Thursday, August 31
Rica Shay, BJ So Cole, De'lish and DJ Jenna of Girl Spot.
Guests are invited to kick off the weekend celebration with a free party in the Three Keys lobby. Free with RSVP.

Friday, September 1
Séancé featuring Jasmine Infiniti, Bbymutha, Dandy Warhol & More.
Featuring special guest New Orleans debut performances from DJ Jasmine Infiniti (NYC), Bbymutha (Atlanta), Dandy Warhol (Atlanta), and hosted by NOLA's own Trilliterate. $10 Advance / $15 Door

Saturday, September 2
JD Samson and Christeen.
The second night of this year's CAKE line-up brings a serious double-header with JD Samson and Christeene. $10 Advance / $15 Door

Sunday, September 3
Thrills & Wonders with Nicole Lynn Foxx & The Moonshine Players.
A sexy, circus inspired evening of drag, burlesque and sideshow featuring an all queer POC cast. It's a double feature with two shows at 7:30PM and 10:30PM. $10 Advance / $15 Door / FREE for CAKE Hotel Guests

Out-of-towners are encouraged to use the code CAKE when booking their room for the weekend, which includes a decadent deal on rooms and free admission to the Thrills & Wonders show with Nicole Lynn Foxx & The Moonshine Players.

Windsor Court's LGBTea

Windsor Court Hotel is joining the annual Southern Decadence celebration of worldwide LGBTQ culture and community with a Labor Day weekend of LGBTea events - two afternoons of tea-time cocktails, diversity and drag queen performances.

Headlined by Crescent City star Kookie Baker and pianist Ben Childress, the events are new to the hotel's annual series of themed teas and are scheduled Saturday, Sept. 2 and Sunday, Sept. 3 in Le Salon at Windsor Court.

In honor of the long weekend, Windsor Court is also offering the Suite Decadence Package for $650, which includes a two-night stay in a Premium Suite, LGBTea service for two on Saturday or Sunday, a welcome amenity and a 15 percent discount on spa services. For a Club Level Suite, the price is $870.

LGBTea
Saturday, September 2 and Sunday, September 3, 12:30 p.m.
Le Salon at Windsor Court | 300 Gravier St., New Orleans, LA 70130
$75, plus tax and gratuity (includes bottomless mimosas and bloody marys from 12:30-2 p.m.)
21 and older
Reservations required: (504) 596-4773