Everyone knows New Orleans is the place to be when it comes to Mardi Gras, but did you know that the annual Louisiana holiday is actually celebrated all across the state?
Much like in the Big Easy, delicious food, historic landmarks and one-of-a-kind parades are staples in several cities across the state during the popular Mardi Gras season. From Baton Rouge, to Lafayette to Shreveport, the festivities are widespread and not to be missed.
Scroll through for a look at some of the can’t-miss experiences to check out throughout the state while you’re in town celebrating Mardi Gras.
01
SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER
Located in Northwest Louisiana, Shreveport-Bossier throws the best family-friendly Mardi Gras celebrations in the state. Whether you're catching beads at a parade, tapping your feet to a second-line jazz band, or digging into a piping hot bowl of gumbo, you’ll discover a good time around every corner in the region known as "Louisiana's Other Side." Mardi Gras season in Shreveport-Bossier begins in early January and continues until Fat Tuesday, Feb. 25. Keep scrolling for a look at what's in store or head over to www.ShreveportMardiGras.com for more info.
02
The Krewe of Centaur Parade XXIX
Saturday, February 15 in Shreveport-Bossier
03
Marilynn's Place
In between all the parades and grand balls, save room to sample Louisiana’s legendary po’ boys at Marilynn’s Place in Shreveport-Bossier.
04
The Krewe of Gemini Parade XXXI
Saturday, Feb. 22 in Shreveport-Bossier
05
BeauxJax Crafthouse
Located in Bossier City’s popular East Bank District, BeauxJax Crafthouse is the perfect place to grab a rich, spicy bowl of seafood gumbo.
06
Krewe of Highland Parade XXV
Sunday, February 23 in Shreveport
07
BATON ROUGE
Baton Rouge is the capital city of Mardi Gras and of the state of Louisiana. It’s central location – an hour from New Orleans and Lafayette – makes Baton Rouge the perfect city to visit to get an authentic Louisiana experience. The city is filled with fun and culture year-round, with one of the best times to visit being during the Mardi Gras season. Keep scrolling for a look at what's in store in Baton Rouge and visit for more information.
08
Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Festival
The 7th Annual Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Festival will be held Saturday, February 22 from 10:00am to 7:00pm in downtown Baton Rouge. The event features live soul and R&B music, a Vendor’s Village and Food Court. It’s family friendly and free to the public.
09
Krewe of Oshun Parade and Festival: Wakanda Now
Rolling through historic Scotlandville and championing the culture and heritage of North Baton Rouge, the Krewe of Oshun will bring back the idea of African American parades as they once were in 1947. The inaugural theme is Wakanda Now: Celebration, Prosperity and Expansion and the parade will feature for the first time publicly, the historic black cowboys of Baton Rouge on their horses. The parade will usher in an all-out festival, complete with games, activities, food, contests, music and performances, plus a battle of the bands from local high schools.
10
Southern University Human Jukebox
You’ve seen them featured in Lizzo’s Good As Hell music video and Beyonce's 2019 Netflix documentary, "Homecoming," and this Mardi Gras season you can see The world-renowned Southern University Human Jukebox marching band and The Fabulous Dancing Dolls dance troupe performing in various Baton Rouge parades.
11
Capitol Park Museum
At the Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge, you can immerse yourself in Louisiana history as you step onto a real Mardi Gras float, discover the difference between Cajun and Creole, feast your eyes upon a massive shrimp boat and lose yourself in Louisiana music.
12
Must-Try King Cake Spots
A Mardi Gras tradition is the beloved carnival treat, the king cake. Baton Rouge has many bakeries famous for making them in all your favorite flavors.
13
Spanish Town Parade
The Baton Rouge neighborhood of Spanish Town does things a little differently and puts that on full display during its annual Spanish Town Mardi Gras Parade. The funky spirit is carried through the celebration with quirky (and sometimes even a bit risqué’!) themes. The parade’s Flamingo symbol makes it known as “The Pink Parade” and inspires wild and vibrant outfits, fun throws and an all-around good time.
14
More Parades & Mardi Gras Events Galore
From the Mystic Krewe of Mutts dog parade, to the newer but beloved Mid City Gras parade, see Baton Rouge Mardi Gras’ full parade schedule and start planning your carnival trip.
15
LAFAYETTE
Mardi Gras season signals a time of celebration. Especially in the heart of Louisiana's Cajun and Creole Country, famous for letting the good times roll, or as Lafayette locals say: laissez les bons temps rouler. Dubbed the "Happiest City in America" by The Wall Street Journal, Lafayette invites you to let loose and experience all the revelry of Mardi Gras in a family-friendly atmosphere.
The more common Mardi Gras celebrations span two weekends in Lafayette from February 14-15 and 21-25. Keep scrolling for a look at some of what Lafayette has to offer and visit https://www.lafayettetravel.com/mardi-gras/ for more information.
16
Courir de Mardi Gras
One of the more unique celebrations in Lafayette is the courir de Mardi Gras. This celebration dates back to medieval France, where disguised revelers dressed in mocking costumes would visit homes on Mardi Gras day. The smaller towns surrounding Lafayette celebrate the courir with costumed men and women on horseback and trucks. They travel the countryside to beg residents for ingredients to a gumbo, usually with a musical band and onlookers following behind. Once they arrive in town, a communal gumbo is cooked and enjoyed.
17
Krewe des Chiens Parade
Saturday, February 15 in Lafayette.
18
Mardi Gras Show At Miami Moon
February 25 in Lafayette
19
Queen Evangeline's Parade
February 25 in Lafayette
20
Townsquare Media Independent Parade
February 25 in Lafayette.
21
Krewe of Carnivale en Rio Mardi Gras Parade
February 15 in Lafayette
22
Krewe de Canailles Parade
February 14 in Lafayette
23
The Children's Parade
February 22 in Lafayette.
