Mardi Gras, the famous festival filled with vibrant colors, exuberant celebrations, and mind-blowing parades, is one of the most anticipated events in New Orleans. During this festive time, the entire city comes alive with music, dancing, and an atmosphere of pure excitement. But does Mardi Gras truly go down Bourbon Street? During Mardi Gras, Bourbon Street is closed to traffic and becomes one giant party. revelers dress up in costumes, drink, dance, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. If you’re looking for a truly unique and memorable experience, Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras is a must-see. Do Mardi Gras Parades Go Down Bourbon Street? About The Parades: While most of the partying happens up and down famous Bourbon Street, the major daily Parades routes have run along Saint Charles Avenue & Canal Street just West of the French Quarter since the late 1960s. The Parades routes were moved to these streets because of how narrow the French Quarter streets are, however, it hasn’t The celebrations continue until the stroke of midnight on Mardi Gras, when the New Orleans Police Department follows tradition by sweeping Bourbon Street on horseback, bringing the season to an official close. The Parades Of Mardi Gras. The essence of Mardi Gras lies in its parades. The most famous (or perhaps infamous?) balconies in New Orleans during Mardi Gras are those which are found on Bourbon Street in the French quarter. However, since the 1960s the major motorized parades haven’t gone down Bourbon Street as it is too narrow. There are still some parades that come through here, but they are all foot based. Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is the last day of the Carnival season. It is a day of feasting and revelry before the start of the Lenten season. Bourbon Street is the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans, and it is where the party really gets going on Mardi Gras. The street is closed to traffic and is filled with revelers in costumes and masks. “So, if you’re walking down Bourbon Street and if you personally are not wanted, it’s going to scan your face and it’s going to completely disregard you, because you’re not wanted Some come to eat Creole and Cajun food. Some come to walk down Bourbon Street, a tall potent Hurricane cocktail in hand. And then there are those who come for the Big Boite, aka Mardi Gras, perhaps the most debaucherous annual festivity in the nation, when an estimated 1.4 million people let loose. The main parades do not go down Bourbon Street, but a few smaller walking parades do. Mardi Gras or not — Bourbon Street is a site to see. Whether you’re The Bourbon Street Awards, named the most famous drag queen contest in America, takes place every Mardi Gras Day and is a sight to see! To be closer to the action, LGBTQ visitors may want to book accommodations in the French Quarter, Marigny, or Bywater. We have an all-in-one Mardi Gras guide with additional details about the celebration year-to-year, but we’ve created this guide as your go-to resource specifically for planning Mardi Gras 2025. From this year’s key parade and event dates to updated safety info and local insights, we’ve got you covered. Street parking is the cheapest option during Mardi Gras, however, it can difficult to find a spot. Be ready to walk or use a riding share service to get back to your car. On Mardi Gras Day Orpheus (Monday before Mardi Gras): Known for creative floats and sought-after throws like four-foot stuffed dragons and custom-decorated tambourines. Zulu (Mardi Gras Day): Beloved for its unique throws, including the iconic hand-decorated coconuts. Rex (Mardi Gras Day): One of the oldest and most traditional parades, featuring a regal Q: When and where do the Mardi Gras Indians parade? The Mardi Gras Indians only parade on Mardi Gras day and on Super Sunday (generally the 3rd Sunday closest to St. Joseph’s Day in March). The Mardi Gras day routes are not published anywhere, but they happen in and around their inner-city neighborhoods. As midnight strikes, the NOPD sweeps Bourbon Street, symbolically marking the end of Mardi Gras. If you pace yourself, you can make it to the final minutes of this joyous marathon of culture and New Orleans law enforcement sweep Bourbon Street, officially ending Mardi Gras. Share Copy Link. Copy {copyShortcut} to copy Link copied! Updated: 11:46 PM CST Feb 13, 2024 Metia Carroll The parade routes have traditionally run along Saint Charles Avenue, just West of Canal Street, since the late 1960s, despite the fact that most of the partying takes place up and down famous Bourbon Street. Do Mardi Gras Parades Go Down Bourbon Street? You must be extremely positive in order to succeed. Mardi Gras is the third big test for New Orleans since the horrific Jan. 1 truck-ramming and shooting rampage on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter was allegedly carried out by a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran investigators say was inspired by the ISIS terrorist group. Dating back to the 1700s, this bustling nightlife spot is well-known for its bars, clubs and restaurants, as well as its annual Mardi Gras celebrations. Bourbon Street is also home to the New Orleans Musical Legends Park, a free outdoor venue for live jazz performances, and Café Lafitte, one of the oldest gay bars in America. Official Mardi Gras Bar Crawl – Nashville: On March 1, 2025, Nashville’s Official Mardi Gras Bar Crawl invites revelers to experience the city’s best bars decked out in green, purple, and gold. Starting at 3 PM and running until 10 PM, this event begins at Kung Fu Saloon, 1921 Division Street, Nashville, TN 37203 .
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |