Everything You Need to Know About Celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Carnival is celebrated all over the world, but there’s nothing quite like Mardi Gras in New Orleans. The Carnival celebrations here draw well over a million visitors each year, and Mardi Gras has become synonymous with NOLA, for good reason. Packed with pageantry, parades, and king cake, the flashy celebration is the greatest free show on earth and open to all (that’s right—it’s family-friendly, too).

New Year’s resolutions hold little relevance here, as Carnival season kicks off each year on January 6 (aka Twelfth Night, aka Epiphany). From that day until Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), New Orleans and its residents are decked out in purple, green, and gold, the holiday’s signature colors. There are parties and Carnival balls throughout the season, with most of the parades rolling in the two or so weeks before Mardi Gras. Here’s everything you need to know about this festive time, including parade tips, event highlights, where to stay, and the important safety precautions that’ll be taking place this year.

Carnival season begins on January 6, but the date for Mardi Gras changes each year. It’s always the day before Lent, which is designated based on the date of Easter. This year, Mardi Gras is on Tuesday, March 4. The party starts to ramp up the Friday before (February 28 this year) and doesn’t stop until the NOPD symbolically sweeps Bourbon Street on horseback at midnight shouting “Mardi Gras is over, time to go home.”

While Mardi Gras is just one day, the season is marked by dozens of parades ranging from small walking krewes (the term for Carnival organizations) to massive processions with elaborate floats pulled by tractors. Each float is decorated adhering to the year’s theme and features costume-clad krewe members usually tossing the holiday’s signature beads Some parades lean heavily on satire while others focus on the artistry of the floats and choose themes from sources like pop culture, literature, or mythology.

Only a few small walking krewes parade through the French Quarter; the rest roll along a standard route from Uptown along St. Charles Avenue to Canal Street, with some variations (other suburbs and towns have parades as well). Parade floats are interspersed with dance troupes — keep an eye out for groups like the 610 Stompers, Camel Toe Lady Steppers, Pussyfooters, Rolling Elvi, and a bunch of dudes on motorized La-Z-Boy chairs dubbed the Laissez Boys — and exceptionally talented high school marching bands like the St. Augustine Marching 100 and Warren Easton.

Along the route you’ll see crowds of families, college students, and tourists, all participating in the thrill of catching beads, cups, and signature throws. Some krewes are now focusing on more sustainable throws, with anything from snacks and playing cards to hats and fanny packs.

While all parades are worth watching, we’ve rounded up some highlights in the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras. This is just a small sampling of more than 40 parades that ride around New Orleans — there are parades rolling almost every night (and during the day on the weekends) starting February 15. Find the full schedule plus info about each parade here.

Muses is the first all-female krewe to roll at night (don’t miss the all-female Krewe of Iris on March 1). Their theme is kept secret, but their floats always wow with their creativity. Their signature throw — decorated high-heeled shoes — are highly coveted.

The first “superkrewe,” Bacchus boasts huge signature floats like the Bacchagator, Bacchasaurus, Baccha-Whoppa (a whale), and the Kong family. It’s also the first to choose a celebrity monarch. Following such celebrities as Bob Hope, William Shatner, Will Ferrell, Anthony Mackie, and Drew Brees, Shaquille O’Neal will reign supreme this year.

Tucks has a rowdy, rag-tag history that originates with a group of drinking buddies from Loyola University. The krewe has now grown to become a favorite Saturday daytime parade with a satirical bent and an Animal House reputation. A highlight is the "King's Throne" (a giant toilet), and try to snatch one of their signature throws: decorated toilet brushes.

This Mid-City parade is an extravaganza from start to finish. Gatherings start early as revelers claim their spots, as it's the only parade that rolls through the neighborhood. The superkrewe features massive floats, some with colorful LED lights and a nine-section float that pays tribute to the late, great Pontchartrain Beach amusement park. LSU gymnast and social media star Olivia Dunne is this year's Grand Marshall.

Lundi Gras, the day before Mardi Gras, is a celebration in its own right. The Krewe of Red Beans (krewe costumes are made from the city’s iconic legume) marches through the Marigny and Bywater while Proteus (the city’s second oldest krewe) and Orpheus (the krewe founded by Harry Connick, Jr.) roll at night. The Krewe of Zulu’s Lundi Gras Festival at Woldenberg Park has plenty of food and entertainment to enjoy before King Zulu and his entourage arrive by boat on the Mississippi. Later, Rex (the King of Carnival) arrives and the mayor symbolically hands over temporary control of the city to let the revelry officially begin.

Mardi Gras day starts early for groups like the Mardi Gras Indians, who debut their magnificent hand-sewn suits, and Treme’s North Side Skull and Bones Gang, who rouse the neighborhood from sleep to remind everyone of the literal meaning of (“farewell to the flesh”) and to act right, because death — like Carnival — is the great equalizer.

Most revelers set up shop along the primary parade route for the entire day — in costume and with plenty of food and drinks, picnic-style — to catch the krewes of Zulu and Rex. In the Quarter, smaller walking krewes like the Society of St. Anne meander in elaborate costumes from morning until late afternoon. The party keeps going throughout the wee hours until everyone wakes up on Ash Wednesday to repent.

During parades, transportation is tough. Roads close, parking is scarce, streetcars and buses in the area stop running before the parades, and taxis and rideshares get expensive and hard to come by. On parade days, “The Box” — a multi-street buffer of barricades around the parade route — is activated, and cars are not allowed within it. So plan ahead and know hitting the pavement will be the most reliable mode of transport.

Since the terrorist attack on Bourbon Street on New Year’s Day, security in the French Quarter has ramped up. During the Super Bowl, the area was secured with barriers, and items like coolers and large bags were subject to search. While vehicle barriers will be installed on Bourbon Street and Frenchmen Street, and streets in the Quarter will be shut down starting the Friday before Mardi Gras, the full plan of action is still taking shape. Check out NOLAReady for details and updates.

There are plenty of options for places to stay in New Orleans during Mardi Gras that offer easy access to the parades and the action.

If you want to be close to the action but still have a quiet place to rest after the revelry, choose from stunning boutique hotels The Chloe (which also offers parade-day passes) or Columns, which are just off the start of the parade route Uptown on St. Charles. The Pontchartrain Hotel and Hotel Tonnelle are situated right on the St. Charles parade route as well, with some rooms offering prime views. On the other side of the Quarter, Hotel Peter and Paul is an ideal Marigny spot for catching the walking parades or for retreating after the festivities are over.

In the CBD/Warehouse District between Uptown and the Quarter, hotels like Virgin Hotel, The Barnett, Maison Métier, or Kimpton Hotel Fontenot are all great options.

If you want to be in the thick of it, the French Quarter has plenty of hotels, plus easy access to restaurants, bars, and other entertainment. The Royal Sonesta is a convenient spot, with balconies overlooking Bourbon Street. Other popular options in the French Quarter include the Hotel Monteleone, Ritz-Carlton, and Omni Royal Orleans.

First thing’s first: king cake is the essential snack of the season. Between January 6 and Mardi Gras — no sooner, no later — these iconic cakes can be found at bakeries, restaurants, and pop-ups around the city. From traditional brioche cakes topped with purple, green, and gold sugar to creative versions stuffed with everything from praline to boudin, king cakes are a sweet highlight of the season. Stop by King Cake Hub at Zony Mash Brewery to choose from dozens of notable producers all in one handy spot, or seek out beloved versions straight from the source at Haydel’s, Tastee Donuts, Gambino’s or Dong Phuong. There are plenty more options—just ask a local to recommend their favorite.

Going out to eat during the days leading up to Mardi Gras can be tough, as an influx of tourists often leads to longer wait times and other inconveniences. Many of the city’s best restaurants are still open but may be extra busy, so be patient and make a reservation when you can.

For easy eating along the parade route, stop by Gris-Gris to Go-Go (the takeout offshoot of Gris-Gris) for pre-packaged eats like red beans and rice, chicken and dumplings, and sandwiches. Pick up a half-gallon of their King Cake Daiquiris,and you’re good to go. For late night eats in the Quarter, Verti Marte and Clover Grill are top spots. Martin’s Uptown location, a combo wine/liquor shop and deli, is a great option for finger sandwiches, snacks, and drink supplies near the St. Charles parade route.

Several restaurants offer pre-parade specials, like Saba, which is conveniently located on the parade route for Thoth Sunday (March 2) and will be serving lamb kebab laffa wraps alongside a stocked bar. On the Friday before Mardi Gras (February 28), Compère Lapin will have a special a la carte lunch while Copper Vine will offer a three-course menu featuring bottomless bubbles. Both Palm & Pine and Commons Club are hosting Lundi Gras brunches.

Restaurants along the parade route sometimes offer packages that include food, drinks, prime parade viewing, and, most importantly, bathroom access. Tujaque’s in the Quarter is hosting a special viewing party for Krewe du Vieux with an open bar, buffet, and balcony views of the parade. Saint John’s parade-viewing passes include access to upstairs private rooms, an open buffet, access to a private bar, balcony, and restrooms, plus grandstand access in front of the restaurant on St. Charles Ave. Luke’s parade stands are a hot ticket too, and the restaurant typically sets up on the sidewalk with easy, delicious eats. For the Endymion krewe, Alma’s new Mid-City location is offering passes for food, beer, and bathrooms or a VIP option with balcony access, open bar, and premium buffet.

In the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras, stop by one of several Carnival markets for last-minute costume options and art from local vendors. Virgin Hotel, The Chloe, and Music Box Village are just a few spots that host markets.

Shorty Gras—the Krewe of Freret’s annual post-parade party—takes place on February 22 at Mardi Gras World and features performances by Ja Rule, Juvenile, The Soul Rebels, and of course, Trombone Shorty, among others.

While many traditional Carnival balls are exclusive to krewe members, the public can attend the elaborate, black-tie extravaganzas hosted by Endymion and Orpheus; tickets for both are on sale now. The Orpheuscapade features hours of entertainment in the Convention Center before the parade arrives, and catch performances by Katy Perry and Train as the parade finishes in the Superdome at the Endymion Extravaganza on March 1.

The annual Greasing of the Poles at the Royal Sonesta on Bourbon Street is a beloved tradition that takes place on the Friday before Mardi Gras. Local celebrities lube up the poles of the hotel’s balcony (meant to prevent people from climbing up) in the most memorable way as judges rate their performances.

You can’t go wrong with any of the Mardi Gras weekend shows at Tipitina’s, but the Mardi Gras Morning Sunrise Set, starting at 5:15 a.m. on Mardi Gras Day is a great start to the festivities. Catch Big Chief Juan Pardo and The Golden Comanches plus Billy Iuso before the Golden Comanches Mardi Gras Indians take to the streets in their new suits.

Whatever you do and wherever you stay, remember that Mardi Gras — and all of Carnival — is a marathon, not a sprint, so pace yourself, take it all in, and enjoy.

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