Click on the Mardi Gras krewes below for further information about the krewe and to see their usual route for each parade. Please note: Events and activities are subject to change without notice. Stay tuned to the site for further info. Stay tuned to Facebook or Instagram for any last-minute weather updates to the schedule. From neighborhood second lines to the major parade routes, Mardi Gras touches pretty much every part of New Orleans in one way or another during Carnival Season. When it comes to parades, the main route runs down the length of Saint Charles Avenue–parades begin rolling on Napoleon and Tchoupitoulas, before turning down St. Charles towards Mardi Gras in New Orleans is arguably the best party you'll find in the United States. Every year over a million people travel to New Orleans to join in the fun during Carnival season, which begins on January 6, known as Epiphany or Twelfth Night, and lasts until Mardi Gras or "Fat Tuesday." The term "Mardi Gras" is commonly used to refer to the entire Carnival season, but Mardi Gras (a.k.a. "Fat Tuesday") is actually just a one day, pre-Lent party. When is Mardi Gras? New Orleans comes alive during Mardi Gras in ways that are impossible to capture until you’ve seen it with your own eyes. The vibrant parades, dazzling costumes, and infectious energy create an experience that's truly one-of-a-kind—but, let’s be honest, it can also overwhelm first-timers. Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a one to a three-month stretch of the year in which the streets come alive with music, art, and costumed revelers. Beginning on Twelfth Night, January 6, the best season of the year is upon us: king cake, bead-tossing, and parading begins and only increases as we make our way toward Mardi Gras Day. New Orleans is world-renowned for its music, and during Mardi Gras the city comes alive with brass bands, jazz, and impromptu street performances, turning every corner into a stage. If you want to immerse yourself in NOLA’s legendary music scene, head to spots along Frenchmen Street, Bourbon Street , and Jackson Square. This first-time New Orleans Mardi Gras guide shares everything you need to know about visiting NOLA during the carnival season, including Mardi Gras tips, best parades, partying on Bourbon Street, hotels, restaurants, bars, activities, and more. 2025 New Orleans Mardi Gras is less than two weeks away, Several roads will close during the parades and parking can be a hassle. Here is a guide for beginners and experts alike. Here’s everything we’ve done in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, to give you some ideas of what is possible in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. 1. Drink Coffee at Café du Monde. Easily the most famous Café in New Orleans, Cafe du Monde is known for its beignets (a type of doughnut) and chicory blended coffee (this can be a bit of an acquired HaSizzle "The King of Bounce" performs on the Congo Square Stage during the second day of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans, Friday, April 26, 2024 The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) operates bus routes across the city. Some regular routes are altered during the Mardi Gras season: All parade detours start two hours before the parade start time. Detours will remain in place until clean up crews’ finish cleaning the parade route. How to Get Around During Mardi Gras As crowds and floats take over the streets, prepare for changes in regular transport. Like every balcony in the French Quarter, the streets of New Orleans are overcrowded during Carnival season. Transportation Tips for Mardi Gras 2025. If you’re visiting NOLA during Mardi Gras, getting around requires some planning since many streets are closed for parades. Public transportation, ride shares, and walking are your best options. Pro Tip: Stay near the parade routes to save your energy for the festivities. Celebrate Mardi Gras traditions throughout New Orleans: Twelfth Night, Chewbacchus, Zulu, Rex and more. Click here to find the best Mardi Gras events in New Orleans. Where To Dine During Mardi Gras According To David Wallace. David Wallace is a New Orleans resident and owner of Dream House Lounge-- a wellness space and an excellent place for non-drinkers or After the success of my Super Bowl LIX weekend guide, I decided to make one for concerts during the 2025 Mardi Gras season you can not miss!. Family Gras. When: Friday, February 21st through Sunday, February 23rd The store, with locations across the New Orleans area and Mississippi Coast, also carries Mardi Gras headbands and other items tailored to families traveling to Disney, an idea that came from her New Orleans is a pretty popular place around Carnival season. Hotels fill-up, relatives you haven’t heard from for a year call and ask if they can sleep on your couch, etc. Come Mardi Gras, streets are closed for parades, streetcars and busses run on irregular schedules, and it can all become quite confusing on how to get around the city to have the best experience. A girl catches a headband during the Krewe of Nereids Mardi Gras parade on Highway 90 in Bay St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023.
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