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 Celebrations kick off with the Mardi Gras Merchants’ Parade. The parade starts at 7 p.m. and will depart from the Lake Charles Event Center and travel down Ryan St. to Sale Rd. Mardi Gras Parade and Zydeco Dance - 4th Annual Lake Charles Mardi Gras. The parade will begin at 12:45 pm, at the Lake Charles Event Center. It will head East down Broad Street, turn North (left) on Shattuck Street, turn West (left) on Belden Street. The route is 4.1 miles long. Tuesday, Feb. 25 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. March 4 at 1 p.m. Downtown Lake Charles. Motor Gras 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. Friday, February 28, 2025 -- Mardi Gras Merchant's Parade Starts at 7:00 pm and rolls down Ryan Street to Sale Road in Lake Charles. Saturday, March 1, 2025 -- World Famous Cajun Extravaganza and Gumbo Cook-off inside the Lake Charles Event Center Exhibition Hall. Admission is $10 per person and 5 and under are free. 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 Mardi Gras events: Friday, Feb. 28. Mardi Gras Merchants' Parade rolls at 7 p.m., from Lake Charles Event Center, along West Pine Street, down Ryan Street and finishing at Sale Road. 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. On Tuesday, February 13, 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. Motor Gras – 3 p.m. LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Sixty city workers from different divisions such as streets, drainage, grounds and recreation all came together to make sure the parade routes are well prepared for the The 2025 Mardi Gras Children’s Parade held on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 3:30 PM is a family-friendly highlight of the Mardi Gras season! As one of the longest and most well-attended parades leading up to Mardi Gras Day, this event is bursting with youthful energy and excitement. Children of Mardi Gras Krewe members, youth organizations, and businesses geared toward kids join local businesses February in Lake Charles is a joyful adventure packed with festive events, a sprinkle of romance, and heaps of excitement. Whether you're dancing the night away at the dazzling Mardi Gras Merchant's Parade, laughing out loud with Ron White, or enjoying a romantic Valentine's Day dinner for two, Louisiana's Playground is packed with unique ways to celebrate the season! Celebrate Fat Tuesday with the high-octane excitement of the Mardi Gras Motor Gras Parade on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 (Fat Tuesday) at 3:00 PM or immediately following the Jeeps on Parade! This spectacular event will showcase a dazzling lineup of hot rods, classic cars, and motorcycles, parading through the heart of Downtown and Midtown Lake Charles. Whether you’re a gearhead or just love the Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana events include the Twelfth Night activities, Boat Parade, Merchants' Parade, Gumbo Cookoff, Children's Day activities and the Children's Parade, the Royal Gala, and all parades taking place on Mardi Gras day in downtown Lake Charles. Contact: Reach Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana by calling (337) 425-8623. 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. § Motor Gras – 3 p.m. 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 Lake Charles Mardi Gras events: Friday, Feb. 28. Mardi Gras Merchants' Parade rolls at 7 p.m., from Lake Charles Event Center, along West Pine Street, down Ryan Street and finishing at Sale Road. Get ready for the 2025 Mardi Gras Jeeps on Parade happening Tuesday, March 4, 2025 (Fat Tuesday) at 2:00 PM, a high-octane event that brings together jeep lovers for a fun and festive ride down the heart of Ryan Street! In partnership with the Seven Slots Society, this parade is a must-see for car enthusiasts and Mardi Gras revelers alike. Whether you’re a jeep owner or a spectator, the
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |