Laissez les bons temps rouler! Mardi Gras 2026 is officially here, and with Fat Tuesday falling on February 17, 2026, the Carnival season is in full swing across Louisiana. Whether you are looking for the massive super-krewes of New Orleans, the family-friendly atmosphere of Baton Rouge, or the unique traditions of Acadiana, this guide has the 2026 Mardi Gras parade dates, times, and locations you need to plan your festivities.

New Orleans Mardi Gras Parades 2026 (Uptown & Mid-City)

The New Orleans Mardi Gras 2026 season is famous for its historic routes along St. Charles Avenue. Here are the major krewes rolling for the big finale.

Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Parades 2026

If you are searching for Mardi Gras in Baton Rouge, the Capital City offers a diverse lineup of parades, from the neon lights of Orion to the pink-clad revelers of Spanish Town.

• Krewe of Artemis: Friday, Feb 6 | 7:00 PM | Downtown Baton Rouge

• Krewe Mystique de la Capitale: Saturday, Feb 7 | 2:00 PM | Downtown Baton Rouge

• Krewe of Orion: Saturday, Feb 7 | 6:30 PM | Downtown Baton Rouge

• Mid City Gras: Sunday, Feb 8 | 2:00 PM | North Boulevard

• Krewe of Southdowns: Friday, Feb 13 | 7:00 PM | Southdowns Neighborhood

• Spanish Town Mardi Gras Parade: Saturday, Feb 14 | 12:00 PM | Downtown Baton Rouge

• Krewe of Shenandoah: Monday, Feb 16 | 6:30 PM | Tiger Bend and Jones Creek Rd

Lafayette & Acadiana Mardi Gras 2026

For those heading to Cajun Country, the Lafayette Mardi Gras schedule features several major city-wide events.

• Krewe of Rio: Saturday, Feb 7 | 6:30 PM | Downtown Lafayette

• Children’s Parade: Saturday, Feb 14 | 12:30 PM | Downtown Lafayette

• Krewe of Bonaparte: Saturday, Feb 14 | 6:30 PM | Downtown Lafayette

• Queen Evangeline Monday Night Parade: Monday, Feb 16 | 6:00 PM | Lafayette

• King Gabriel’s / Independent Parade: Tuesday, Feb 17 | 10:00 AM / 2:00 PM | Lafayette

North Louisiana & Shreveport Parades

The Shreveport Mardi Gras season is home to some of the largest parades in the Ark-La-Tex region.

• Krewe of Centaur: Saturday, Feb 7 | 3:30 PM | Shreveport (Clyde Fant Pkwy)

• Krewe of Barkus & Meoux: Sunday, Feb 8 | 11:00 AM | Louisiana Downs

• Krewe of Gemini: Saturday, Feb 14 | 3:30 PM | Shreveport (Clyde Fant Pkwy)

• Krewe of Highland: Sunday, Feb 15 | 2:00 PM | Highland Historic District

Mardi Gras 2026 Parade Tips

• Safety First: In 2026, New Orleans officials have reinforced bans on ladders, tents, and couches within three blocks of the parade route.

• Traffic & Parking: Street closures typically begin 1-2 hours before the first float rolls. Plan to arrive early to secure a spot.

• Live Tracking: Use the 4WWL or WDSU Parade Tracker apps to get real-time GPS locations for your favorite krewes.

Looking to Live Near the Magic?

Whether you want a home in the heart of the Uptown New Orleans route or a quiet retreat in Prairieville close to the Baton Rouge festivities, navigating the Louisiana real estate market during the busy Carnival season requires local expertise.

Amanda Allen, Realtor® is a member of the Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors®, the National Association of Realtors®, and the Ascension Council of Realtors®. Amanda strives to provide excellent customer service, real estate education for buying, selling, and investing. By helping others through the process of buying and selling real estate, Amanda wants her clients to win with money and achieve wealth for generations to come. Her knowledge in real estate spans many areas which include new construction, homes in need of renovation, probate and investment properties (flip properties and rentals) as well as traditional resale of homes and land.

👉 Begin searching for homes near parade routes in Greater Baton Rouge

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📞 Call Amanda Allen Now: 225-337-2112