Mardi Gras in New Orleans — What to Know Before You Go

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.