Hi, Pig4banging.
I had spent a while typing up a long, in-depth synopsis of all the info you would need, but just as I was getting ready to post it, I accidentally refreshed my browser and lost the whole beautiful, information-packed thing! But, since I can't walk away from it leaving you hanging, I'll give you an abbreviated version of it here, and you can feel free to as for more details should you need them.
Lodging: You'll want to try for the Inn on Saint Peter It's a block away from several of the gay bars in the French Quarter, and it's one of the more affordable options in the city during peak festival season. The downside is that they have a very loyal following who tend to book a year in advance, so it fills up quickly. I'd make a reservation ASAP for the Aug 31 - Sept 5 dates if you're coming down for Decadence 2016.
Bars for Getting Banged: You'll probably frequent Rawhide, which is only a block from the hotel I mentioned above, or the New Orleans Phoenix, which is a bit outside the French Quarter away from the rest of the festivities - but very worth the short taxi or pedi-cab ride there and back. I wouldn't risk walking it, especially alone or at night.
News & Announcements: Follow any or all of the competing, bar-owned "Official" Southern Decadence websites for information as it becomes available:
http://www.southerndecadence.net
http://www.southerndecadence.com
http://www.southerndecadence.org
You can also keep an eye on the local fag rag's website for news about the festival. http://www.ambushmag.com/
Earning Beads: Unlike actual Mardi Gras, earning your beads during Decadence is obviously not about flashing tits to drunk college boys on balconies or to the masked riders on the floats in all the parades. You earn your beads with various displays of decadent behavior. Anything from showing dick in the street to swallowing a load in a shadowy corner of a bar. The nastier your deeds, the better your beads. Simple as that! (Go for the pearls!)
A word of warning from one bottom to another: New Orleans is teeming with bitter, unsatisfied bottom locals, and there's a veritable famine as far as tops go. To make matters worse, bottoms from all over the country travel here throughout the year thinking The Big Easy is going to provide enough cock to fill every opening three times over. Not necessarily true. It's every man for himself these days. That's not to say that during a huge festival like Decadence the odds don't get a bit better for your average starving starfish to get himself a tasty treat or two, but be prepared to fend off 30 other salivating dudes who want the same prime beef you've set your sights on. It's always a good idea to bring a top or vers buddy along with you as a backup, and as an offering to local men who would sorely appreciate his services as thanks for our hospitable ways.
Lastly, please send any gently used Tops (dents and scratches acceptable) that are going unsexed or under-appreciated in their native habitats to help out with my charitable organization. You can find more information on my not-for-profit Facebook page: The New Orleans Society for the Repopulation of Gay Tops. I assure you, each donated Top or Versatile man will be given shelter with loving, appreciative bottoms who would otherwise resort to unnatural acts of starfish scissoring and all kinds of dangerous, unspeakable acts with one another.
Bienvenue en Louisiane, Bonne Chance, et Laissez les bons temps rouler!
The Hangry Starfish
http://thehangrystarfish.com
