PARTY, PLAY, & PRIDE: FESTIVE HAPPENINGS FOR SOUTHERN DECADENCE 2024

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30 - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
Gear up for the largest LGBTQ party in New Orleans when Southern Decadence descends upon the Crescent City this Labor Day Weekend. From festive date night dinners at queer-owned restaurants to Burlesque Brunches, visitors will have no shortage of great dining and entertainment all weekend long.

Decadence Date Night at Queer-Owned Alma Café
Located in the Bywater neighborhood just a stone’s throw from the French Quarter, Alma Cafe is a must-visit restaurant during Southern Decadence. Owned and operated by the talented and queer James Beard semi-finalist Chef Melissa Araujo, the menu at Alma Cafe highlights Chef Melissa’s culinary prowess and celebrates the diverse flavors of Honduras. Visitors can enjoy hearty dishes like Baleadas, Pollo Chuco, Carne Asada, Platano Maduro, Pupusas, and Marmahon. Alma has its roots deeply entrenched in Honduran tradition and celebrates the Central American culture, food, and music Araujo grew up with. Alma Cafe also offers a creative cocktail and coffee program. Just in time for Southern Decadence, Alma will begin Friday Night Dinner, making it the perfect perch for a decadent date night. Alma Cafe is located at 800 Louisa Street, New Orleans, LA 70117. https://eatalmanola.com/ 

Tujagues 
Tujague’s is the place to fuel up before the Southern Decadence parade! The second-oldest restaurant in New Orleans and the birthplace of brunch and the Grasshopper cocktail, Tujague’s offers modern Creole cuisine and innovative libations served up in a four-story space complete with private dining rooms and courtyard seating in the French Quarter. While celebrating Southern Decadence, enjoy creative and classic dishes under the direction of Executive Chef Gus Martin like the Shrimp Crêpes — two crêpes filled with herb goat cheese, with Gulf shrimp in a rich béchamel sauce; Gulf Fish Almandine with citrus butter sauce, haricot vert, and toasted almonds; and Shrimp and Grits — pan-seared Gulf shrimp, New Orleans-style BBQ sauce, and stone ground grits. Tujague’s is located at 429 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA 70130. https://tujaguesrestaurant.com/ 

Virgin Hotels New Orleans 
Virgin Hotels New Orleans — the lifestyle and boutique hotel is celebrating Southern Decadence with an array of weekend activities: 

Friday, August 30th 
Bling it On with Halloween New Orleans 
Virgin Hotels New Orleans is teaming up with Halloween New Orleans for an ultimate Southern Decadence party — Bling it On. On Friday, August 30th, visitors are invited to slay the night away inside Dreamboat from 6PM-10PM. Delight in perfectly crafted cocktails with Skyy Vodka while turning up the volume with beats by a local DJ. You can watch, but you can't touch, as the Drag Queens dazzle up the rooftop with electrifying performances by Debbie with a D and Wontonya Dumpling. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite. 

Saturday, August 31st
I Beg Your Parton Drag & Burlesque Brunch
Put on your dancing boots and head to Commons Club for its Dolly Parton drag and burlesque brunch by Trixie Minx Productions. Enjoy a two-course boozy brunch by Executive Chef Chris Borges for $40 per person from 10AM - 2PM. The queens aren't the only ones serving, so bring your appetite and indulge in delicious brunch bites at Commons Club. Show times are 10:30 AM and 1PM. Reservations can be made on OpenTable. 

Saturday, August 31st
Bootstraps and Buckles 
Giddy up and enjoy the best day time pool party with  live entertainment and specialty cocktails at The Pool Club from 12PM- 6PM. Whether you're heading to Caesars Superdome to catch Eric Church, or just along to enjoy the vibes - you're going to want to round up the krewe for this one. Admission is free without pool access, and $60 with pool pass inclusion. Tickets can be purchased on SevenRooms. 

Sunday, September 1st
Fruit Salad Party 
Sashay your way to The Pool Club after the Southern Decadence parade for a Sunday splash at Fruit Salad, a LGBTQIA+ pool party with the hottest DJ turning to the juiciest beats from 12PM - 6PM. Admission is free without pool access, and $60 with pool pass inclusion. Tickets can be purchased on SevenRooms. 

Monday, September 2nd
Strut Southern Decadence Tea Dance 
Deryck Todd is bringing The Big Apple to Crescent City! Visitors can enjoy incredible DJs, live entertainment, and mesmerizing burlesque that will ignite your spirit. The party will be hosted by Dylan Joel and Mint Fuel with London Manchester as the MC. Groove to the beats of Tristan Dufrene while enjoying spectacular shows by Beaujangless, Qween Quan, Siren, Brigitte Bandit, Otto Von Blotto, and Tarah Cards. Headlining the show will be Ru Paul's Drag race season 13 winner SYMONE. Ticket prices range from $25-$55 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. 

For more information on all Southern Decadence happening at Virgin Hotels New Orleans, visit https://virginhotels.com/new-orleans/southern-decadence/. Virgin Hotels is located at 550 Baronne Street, New Orleans, LA 70113. https://virginhotels.com