Mardi Gras is chaos, culture, and celebration wrapped into two weeks of pure New Orleans. Fat Tuesday is the finale, but the parades and parties start weeks before. Come prepared and you’ll understand why people return every year.

Timing and the Calendar

Mardi Gras always falls 47 days before Easter. Fat Tuesday is the last hurrah—plan around that date. Parades typically run for two weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday. In 2027, Fat Tuesday is February 16. Mark it early and book accommodations 4–6 months out; hotels sell fast.

The Parade Routes (Where to Stand)

St. Charles Avenue is the main parade route. Multiple krewes roll here, starting mid-February. It’s accessible by streetcar and lined with old oak trees. Crowds are manageable if you arrive by noon.

Canal Street is central and fronts the French Quarter. Heavy crowds but iconic. If you want the Quarter vibe, this is it.

Frenchmen Street (not the French Quarter) has live music and parades with fewer crowds than downtown routes. It’s more local and less touristy.

Magazine Street sees some krewe action and is quieter. Good compromise between action and elbow room.

The Big Krewes to Watch

Endymion (Saturday before Mardi Gras) runs one of the longest parades with extravagant floats and thousands of throws. Packed crowds but spectacular.

Bacchus (Sunday before Mardi Gras) books celebrity guests and mixes grand spectacle with local tradition. Strong float designs and organized throws.

Zulu (Mardi Gras morning) is a historic Black krewe known for their coconuts (prime throws). This parade celebrates African American culture and history. Arrive very early—spots fill fast.

Rex (Mardi Gras day afternoon) is old money and tradition. Less chaotic than morning action but dignified and worth seeing.

What to Bring and Expect

Bring: Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a collapsible bag for throws, water, and snacks. Empty beads and light-up items get tossed by float riders—catching them is part of the fun.

Throws: Beads are free and everywhere. Don’t pay anyone for beads on the street—they’re meant to be caught. Coins, doubloons, and krewe-specific items are also thrown.

Portable restrooms: Lined up at parade routes but not enough for crowds. Use the Quarter before heading out.

Crowds: Peak hours are noon–6 PM. Arrive before 10 AM for good sightlines, or arrive after 5 PM when many tourists peel off.

Family vs. Adult Zones

Daytime parades (11 AM–4 PM) are genuinely family-friendly. Kids catch throws and the energy is festive rather than rowdy.

Bourbon Street is adults-only energy, especially after 7 PM. Skip it if you have kids, or visit during early afternoon hours.

Marigny (near Frenchmen Street) is colorful and less packed. Good for all ages.

The French Quarter outside Bourbon ranges from family-appropriate to wild depending on where you walk. Daytime is fine.

Beyond Bourbon Street

New Orleans isn’t one street. Explore Marigny’s live music scene, catch secondline parades (street processions with brass bands), eat beignets at Cafe Du Monde, visit the Preservation Hall Foundation. The city is deep and real outside tourist zones.

Budget Reality

Hotels triple in price. Food and drinks cost more everywhere. Beads and throws are free but everything else isn’t. Plan to spend 30–40% more than a normal New Orleans visit.

The Golden Rule

Mardi Gras rewards respectful fun. Be aware of surroundings, stay hydrated, look out for friends, and respect locals. The parade routes are genuine celebration, not a free-for-all.

Learn more: See New Orleans Louisiana Fun Things to Do, New Orleans Best Restaurants, and New Orleans Timeshare Promotions to plan the full experience.

Mardi Gras is one party—embrace it.