Feathers, fabulous frocks, and the fais-do-do can only mean one thing — it's Mardi Gras time in Lake Charles, Louisiana. This destination does it like no other! Mark your calendars for the Mardi Gras magic hitting the streets in Lake Charles from the Krewe of Barkus dog parade and Mardi Gras Southwest Krewe of Krewes Parade to a taste of the Learn about Lake Charles krewes, groups and organizations that band together to host Mardi Gras balls or ride on Mardi Gras parade floats. Mardi Gras Krewe Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Lake Charles Celebrates January 6 - March 4, 2025! Mardi Gras in Lake Charles is an assembly of celebrations and events leading up to Mardi Gras Day, Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras krewes are gearing up for a festive season filled with parades, gumbo cookoffs, and plenty of King Cake. Whether you’re a gearhead or just love the festive spirit of Mardi Gras, this parade is a must-see! Krewe of Krewes Parade - It’s the climactic event of Mardi Gras in Lake Charles—the 2025 Mardi Gras Southwest Krewe of Krewes Parade at 5 p.m.! Get your purple, green, and gold ready, because it’s time to be a little gaudy and immerse Friday, January 24 - Community Mardi Gras Dance from 6:00 pm to 8:30 PM. Saturday, February 15 - Mardi Gras Craft Workshop 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Sunday, February 23 - Lake Charles Mardi Gras Parade & Zydeco Dance at 12:45 PM, 3:30 PM Chicken Run, 4:00 PM Mj Fontenot and The Country Boys, 5:00 PM Rusty Metoyer & The Zydeco Crush - Follow on Facebook LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - From bulls parading down streets to the first Krewe of Krewes parade, Southwest Louisiana has a storied history when it comes to Mardi Gras. The earliest recorded Mardi Gras celebration in Southwest Louisiana was in 1882. However, the festivities died down soon after as Krewe of Krewes Parade - It’s the climactic event of Mardi Gras in Lake Charles—the 2025 Mardi Gras Southwest Krewe of Krewes Parade happening Tuesday, March 4, 2025 (Fat Tuesday) at 5:00 PM! Get your purple, green, and gold ready, because it’s time to be a little gaudy and immerse yourself in the most thrilling and high-energy parade of As the largest parade of SW La.’s carnival season, it features over 60 krewes on floats stocked with thousands of festive throws. For a full list of Mardi Gras events, visit www.swlamardigras.com . City of Lake Charles Announces Barricade Placement and Road Closures Ahead of the Mardi Gras Holiday . As Mardi Gras approaches, the City of Lake Charles reminds businesses, residents and motorists that Public Works personnel, along with local law enforcement agencies, will be placing barricades along the Ryan Street parade route, beginning MARDI GRAS CHILDREN'S DAY Lake Charles Civic Center 10-12 MARDI GRAS CHILDREN'S PARADE Downtown Ryan St. to Sale Rd. 1-3 pm MARDI GRAS MADNESS 5K Corner of Lakeshore Dr. & Gill St. @ 12:30 pm. FEBRUARY 12TH - MARDI GRAS ROYAL GALA Lake Charles Civic Center @ 7:00 pm Krewe of Krewes, Inc. 801 W. Bayou Pines Dr. Lake Charles, La 70601; Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana. The umbrella association that conducts and organizes the public celebration. The Krewes of Krewe of Krewes, Inc. participate in the 12 th night, Gala and the Krewe of Krewes Parade under the direction of Mardi Gras of SWLA. It’s the climactic event of Mardi Gras in Lake Charles—the 2025 Mardi Gras Southwest Krewe of Krewes Parade happening Tuesday, March 4, 2025 (Fat Tuesday) at 5:00 PM! Get your purple, green, and gold ready, because it’s time to be a little gaudy and immerse yourself in the most thrilling and high-energy parade of the season. As the grand finale of the Mardi Gras celebrations, this parade Mardi Gras Celebrations Lake Charles is the only place in the state where the public is invited to see the ornate costumes of the royal courts from all local krewes in one place, both at the Twelfth Night evening, usually held on January 6 each year, as well as the Royal Gala, held the evening before Mardi Gras day. Mardi Gras weekend runs February 27- March 4, 2025 with a wide array of events from a chicken run, Krewe of Barkus dog parade, a gumbo cook-off, a Children's parade, and many more activities packing the calendar! Doors open at 8 a.m., the Mardi Gras floats start lining up at 9 a.m. and the parade rolls at 10 a.m. The entry fee is $15 at the door for adults and $10 for kids. The entry fee for children 12 and under is $5. Mardi Gras In the Zone - Free event that provides a family-oriented area for families to enjoy the Mardi Gras festivities. The area The 2025 Krewe of Barkus Parade is a whimsical Mardi Gras tradition you won’t want to miss, happening Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM. Watch as costumed pets and their owners parade through Downtown Lake Charles, creating a carnival-like atmosphere that’s both fun and family-friendly. The 2025 Krewe of Omega Mardi Gras Parade will take place on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Founded in 1970 by Joseph Moffett Jr., the Krewe of Omega was established to bring Mardi Gras festivities to the Black community while fostering social connections for both the young and elderly. As the first and oldest krewe in Southwest Louisiana to host its own parade, this event is a The Merchants’ Parade rolls on Friday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. down Ryan Street. Saturday, Feb. 18, features the Mardi Gras Gumbo Cookoff from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., the Mardi Gras Children’s Stroll presented by the City of Lake Charles from 11 a.m. – noon, and the Krewe of Omega Parade at 2 p.m. The Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu immerses you in all things related to Southwest Louisiana's family-friendly Mardi Gras! From the delectable seasonal king cake to the traditional Mardi Gras chicken run known as a Courir de Mardi Gras to how the fabulous over-the-top headdresses and gowns are imagined and created.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
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