Bourbon Street during Southern Decadence in New Orleans
June is filled with Pride Fest options all across the world, so you may not need help finding a party. Outside of June, however, we have our 3 favorite festival suggestions that will have you dancing in the streets and having even more fun in the sheets at other times of the year.
Southern Decadence in New Orleans
Friday, August 29th through Monday, September 1st 2025
“Show us your dick!” shouts can be heard from men as they dangle beads from the beautiful wrought iron balconies of the gay bars in the historic French Quarter, hoping to catch a glimpse of some more skin. This is just one of the things that makes what people call “gay Mardi Gras” fun and unique. There are epic parties like Horse Meat Disco at The Fillmore and the infamous Fornication party, but the celebration also spills into the streets as people wander from bar to bar. There are pool parties galore, with Virgin Hotels hosting one of the main events.
Going to Southern Decadence is special because not only do you get the fun of the festival, but you also get to experience New Orleans. It’s the number one food city in the country according to TripAdvisor, and while you’re in between enjoying char-grilled oysters and beignets, you can wander through historic streets with jazz music filling the air. New Orleans is one of Forbes’ top 5 places to visit in 2025, and Southern Decadence is the perfect time to indulge. And indulge you will, over and over.
The highlight of Southern Decadence is the parade on Sunday. New Orleans parades are different; they’re much more interactive than those in most places, which makes them more fun. For example, the Southern Decadence parade features the Krewe of Spank, where you can get paddled right in the middle of the parade.
Where to stay near the action: Place D’arms Hotel
Where to stay on a budget: Maison St. Charles
Where to stay in luxury: The Windsor Court
A tour we suggest on the side: The National Word War II Museum and The Audubon Insectarium
Market Days in Chicago
Saturday, August 9 and Sunday, August 10 2025
Boys…Boys…Boystown is filled to the brim for two days every year with a lively street festival that features local crafts, food, gay apparel, drag queens, and concerts. This annual event dwarfs Chicago Pride and has several parties surrounding the main festival. There are several stages set up along the street, providing plenty of entertainment options throughout both days.
Large circuit parties have sprouted around the festival, including MEAT and CircuitMom at the Aragon Ballroom. There, you can dance the night away and regret it the next day as you try to enjoy your time in the streets.
Where to stay near the action: The Chicago Hotel Collection Wrigleyville
Where to stay on a budget: The Chicago Hotel Collection Magnificent Mile
Where to stay in luxury: The Peninsula Chicago
An historic hotel option (and read the history): The Hilton Chicago
A tour we suggest on the side: The Art Institute of Chicago
Atlanta Pride
Friday, October 10th through Sunday, October 12th 2025
They call it Hotlanta for a reason, and it’s not because of the weather during Atlanta Pride, which is in October. (In fairness, I used to live there, and locals hate calling it Hotlanta, but Atlanta Pride is hot!) Atlanta Pride used to be in June like other Pride festivals, but due to a drought, it was moved to October to protect the grass in the park, and it has stuck. So, it makes our list of non-June festivals!
Atlanta Pride takes over Piedmont Park in beautiful Midtown Atlanta with dozens of booths to get free swag, buy products, and sample offerings from vendors. There’s a massive stage in the park featuring top talent.
Parties go on throughout the city, and there is a massive parade on Sunday.
Where to stay near the action: Hyatt Centric Midtown
Where to stay on a budget: Hyatt Place Downtown
Where to stay in luxury: Four Seasons Atlanta
A tour we suggest on the side: World of Coca Cola
We also recommend Thanksgiving or New Years in the gay paradise of Puerto Vallarta.
