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 Each krewe is a part of a larger organization called Krewe of Krewes that formed in 1979 when the area's krewes joined together to create a parade for the community's enjoyment. Now the culmination of Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras festivities, The Main Event formerly known as the Krewe of Krewes Parade was first held in 1980. How to Join a 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 The celebrations will conclude with the Mardi Gras Southwest Krewe and Krewes Parade at 5 p.m. As the largest parade of SW La.’s carnival season, it features over 60 krewes on floats stocked 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 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 Mardi Gras Merchants’ Parade. Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. Downtown Lake Charles. Krewe of Barkus Parade. March 1 at 1 p.m. Downtown Lake Charles. Krewe of Omega Parade. March 1 at 2 p.m. Downtown Lake Charles. Lighted Boat Parade. March 1 at 7 p.m. Lake Charles. Children’s Day Parade. March 2 at 3:30 p.m. Downtown Lake Charles. Second Line Stroll The Krewe of Omega Parade will start and end at the Lake Charles Event Center, traveling down Broad to Enterprise and up to Mill Street. Find more SWLA Mardi Gras events and parade routes HERE. The granddaddy Mardi Gras Southwest Krewe of Krewes Parade winds four miles through Lake Charles, with more than 100 elaborate floats tossing thousands of beads, cups, doubloons and other fun items to cheering crowds along the way. Mardi Gras in Lake Charles is more than a celebration; it's an experience that will bring you closer to the heart of Louisiana culture. From planning your parade schedule to choosing your favorite king cake, locals know how to make the most of the season. Here’s how you can Mardi Gras like a local in Lake Charles. On Tuesday, March 4, the City of Lake Charles will observe the Mardi Gras Holiday. Several events, including the Krewe of Krewes Parade, will be held in the City. The following is an overview of activities planned for the day: § Second Line Stroll Walking Parade – 1 p.m. § Jeeps on Parade – 2:30 p.m. 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 The Krewe of Omega Parade will start and end at the Lake Charles Event Center, traveling down Broad to Enterprise and up to Mill Street. Find more SWLA Mardi Gras events and parade routes HERE. 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 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 annual Mardi Gras Krewe of Krewes rolled down Ryan Street in Lake Charles, La., Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018. (Rick Hickman/Lake Charles American Press) 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. 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
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