Dear Ambush Nation,
Southern Decadence is less than 2 weeks away! And if you’re reading all the posts on Facebook it can be somewhat confusing as to what Southern Decadence will look like in 2021. Is there a parade? What about Grand Marshals and a theme? Are the bars having events? What about private parties? Has the City of New Orleans placed any COVID-19 restrictions on visitors and events? Can I fit into that harness I wore 2 years ago? These are the questions that need to be answered.
As the Official Southern Decadence Guide, Ambush will try to answer these questions as best we can! The first thing you need to know is that Southern Decadence is still happening. No, it won’t look like years past but people will still be in New Orleans looking to have a good time.
Because of COVID, there will not be a parade this year nor any of the things that go along with it like colors, themes or Grand Marshals. That has all been postponed until 2022. It simply wasn’t practical for Grand Marshals to raise the funds needed to put on the parade in the middle of a pandemic, nor is having a parade in the middle of a pandemic the responsible thing to do.
Yes, many of the bars will be open and hosting events throughout the French Quarter and surrounding neighborhoods. And yes, people will be hosting private parties. In the next few days Ambush will publish the Official Southern Decadence Guide with a list of events happening during Southern Decadence and the month of September. This information will be available on the Ambush website (AmbushMag.com) and on our social media accounts @AmbushMag.
Due to the rising COVID-19 cases in New Orleans and the entire State of Louisiana, Mayor LaToya Cantrell has recently announced new restrictions. Anyone who wishes to enter a bar, restaurant or any indoor space, must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within the last 72 hours. As much as everyone in New Orleans strives to be a good host, we would ask that you be a good guest and comply with these guidelines. You must also wear a mask indoors regardless of vaccination status (they can be taken off to eat and drink). These guidelines are not only for your safety but for the safety of the employees working in the bars and restaurants along with the other patrons.
2020 and 2021 have been long and lean years for bars, restaurants and their employees. In a city like New Orleans where tourism is the backbone of its economy, COVID-19 and its restrictions have taken a toll on business owners, service industry employees and local citizens alike. We are thankful for those that are in town celebrating Southern Decadence. However, we ask that you be respectful of our rules and regulations. Many bars and restaurants have been short-staffed and so we ask that you have a little patience as you celebrate this Labor Day Weekend.
Below is a list of LGBTQ+ bars that were open when the pandemic began and had to close for extended periods of time due to COVID. We ask that you visit them and be sure to tip your bartenders and servers!
Betty’s Bar & Bistro – 700 Burgundy Street, Bourbon Pub & Parade – 801 Bourbon Street, Cafe Lafitte in Exile – 901 Bourbon Street, The Corner Pocket – 940 St. Louis Street, Crossing – 439 Dauphine Street, Golden Lantern – 1239 Royal Street, Good Friends – 740 Dauphine Street, GrandPre’s – 834 N. Rampart Street, Kajun’s Pub – 2256 St. Claude Ave, Mag’s 940 – 940 Elysian Fields Ave., Oz – 800 Bourbon Street, The Page – 542 N. Rampart Street, The Phoenix – 941 Elysian Fields Ave. and Rawhide 2010 – 740 Burgundy Street
