Mardi Gras in Louisiana
Everywhere else, it's just a Tuesday.
Of the hundreds of Louisiana festivals, none tops Mardi Gras. Spectacular parades, elaborate costumes, music, dancing, food and drink — take your pick of places to indulge and enjoy.
The biggest party occurs in New Orleans, but nearly every community in the state has its own version of the annual celebration. Wherever you go, you can find a style that suits you, including tons of family-friendly experiences.
Explore Mardi Gras happenings throughout North, Central and South Louisiana below.
From adventures along the bayou to canines in their Carnival best, savor the sights and sounds of Mardi Gras in North Louisiana.
The good times roll when Krewe of Demeter and Krewe of Aquarius bring their family-friendly parades and festive street parties to Mansfield and Logansport.
The Twin Cities' Krewe de Rivière's Grand Ball and Mardi Gras parade, as well as the electrifying Krewe of Janus night parade, are the standout events here.
Dogs, cats, turtles, goats and more are the main attractions at the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Pet Parade.
Get down and dirty at Cajun Muddy Gras, the biggest, messiest family-friendly Mardi Gras party around.
Take a Mardi Gras road trip with pit stops for king cakes, po'boys, classic car shows, masked Carnival balls — and a whole lot more.
With a 15-mile horse-and-wagon trail ride, a kaleidoscope of costumes, Cajun music and the annual chicken chase, there’s plenty to see and do here.
Celebrate Carnival season with family and friends, and watch spectacular floats in parades in Pineville and Alexandria.
Compete in the prettiest (and ugliest) costume contests, listen to Cajun music and join the community hunt for ingredients for a gumbo feast.
From Mardi Gras to meat pies, watch the Carnival celebrations roll in Louisiana’s Oldest City.
Watch eccentric parades featuring pink flamingos or decorated lawn mowers and experience the thrill of authentic traditions like the chasing of the chickens at a traditional Courir de Mardi Gras.
One of the most notable Capital City parades is Spanish Town, an irreverent celebration replete with irony, political satire — and a kitschy pink flamingo mascot.
Mardi Gras on the Cajun Coast means centuries-old celebrations, dozens of parades and all the king cake you can eat.
With countless parades full of colorful themed floats, marching bands and nonstop fun, you'll love this Cajun celebration and one of the state’s largest Mardi Gras events.
Grand Marais is an iconic Mardi Gras party with elaborate costume contests celebrating everything from ugliest to most original.
See the best accordion and squeezebox players in the world compete at the annual Squeezebox Shootout.
Enjoy an extravaganza of Mardi Gras parades, authentic cuisine, local art and a kids' court, plus concerts featuring national artists and Louisiana favorites.
Cajun and Creole traditions meet parade spectacles complete with music, costumes, courirs and king cake.
Gather around the lakeshore to see the annual Lighted Boat Parade and other celebrations — but only after you’ve had your fill at the casinos.
Enjoy Mardi Gras in a way that only Cajuns can, with more than a dozen family-friendly parades, beautiful floats, and more beads, throws and trinkets than you can carry.
Louisiana is full of Mardi Gras traditions, but New Orleans is the home base. Visit here to see what surprises are in store this year.
Visit Louisiana’s "Little Carnival Capital," which holds a reputation as one of the most family-friendly Mardi Gras celebrations!
River Parishes communities celebrate Mardi Gras much like they live: loudly, joyfully and vibrantly. Come experience the excitement and laissez les bons temps rouler River Parishes-style.
Head to “New Orleans’ Most Historic Neighbor” for a family-friendly Mardi Gras experience. Located just 5 miles from downtown New Orleans, cross the river to celebrate Carnival.
Come to the Courir de Mardi Gras for costumed capuchons, the chicken chase and the kids' version called Eunice Lil’ Mardi Gras.
Watch the parade at Lake Fausse Pointe State Park before joining the Courir des Enfants as children parade to find all the ingredients to make a gumbo.
Extravagant boat parades and bedazzled lawnmower contests headline one-of-a-kind traditions in St. Tammany Parish.
Attend the annual Krewe of Omega Mardi Gras parade, celebrating talented marching bands and beautifully decorated floats in a family-friendly zone.
Founded by a group of women in 1955, Kaplan’s Mardi Gras is a must-do, including the Chic-a-La-Pie parade and indulging in delicacies at Suire’s Grocery and Restaurant.
The small town of Franklinton packs a big carnival punch! Head to Louisiana’s piney hills for a Mardi Gras celebration for all ages.
Get into the Mardi Gras mix along the Mississippi River with beautiful parades, regional cuisine and a rich palette of flavors refined by generations of culture.
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