Mardi Gras is a celebration of culture, music, food, and community—whether you’re dancing in the streets, catching beads, or enjoying New Orleans cuisine, it’s an experience you’ll never forget! I have been going all my life. My grandmother was born ...
Stand along the parade routes and catch beads, doubloons, and trinkets tossed from floats—yelling “Throw me something, mister!” is part of the fun!
Throw-Catching Tips - Mardi Gras Traditions
If you can score an invite, Mardi Gras balls are elegant, tradition-filled events hosted by krewes, featuring masked revelers and elaborate costumes.
Mardi Gras Balls | Mardi Gras New Orleans
Avoid parades in the French quarters. The French Quarter is lively with street performers and costumed revelers, though the biggest parades roll in Uptown and Mid-City
French Quarters Areas to Avoid - New Orleans Forum
This colorful, cinnamon-filled pastry is a Mardi Gras staple—if you find the baby inside, tradition says you host the next party!
What is King Cake? The Epiphany-Mardi Gras Tradition, …
Mardi Gras is the perfect time to wear bold, creative costumes—think sequins, masks, and lots of purple, green, and gold
How To Dress for Mardi Gras - FrenchQuarter.com
Zulu and Rex are the two most famous krewes—Zulu throws decorated coconuts, while Rex sets the tone for the entire celebration.
WWL Louisiana Mardi Gras Parade Coverage
Bourbon Street is the center of Mardi Gras nightlife, filled with live music, balcony parties, and bars serving iconic Hurricanes and Hand Grenades.
Bourbon Street
Reserve a spot on a Bourbon Street balcony for a unique view of the revelry, perfect for catching beads and people-watching.
Bourbon Street Balcony Rentals
Not all Mardi Gras celebrations are wild—family-friendly parades with kid-friendly throws happen in Metairie and Uptown
Bring your kids to Mardi Gras. Yes, seriously.
Walking parades like Krewe of Barkus (a dog parade) or Krewe du Vieux (satirical floats) allow you to march in costume with fellow revelers.
Do You Want to Be in a Mardi Gras Parade?
New Orleans is known for its music—stop into a jazz club on Frenchmen Street or watch brass bands perform in the streets
The Jazz Playhouse
This behind-the-scenes attraction lets you see how Mardi Gras floats are made and gives you a close-up look at past parade floats
Mardi Gras World
Enjoy a plate of gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, po’boys, and beignets while soaking up the city’s culinary scene.
18 Classic New Orleans Foods You Need To Try Before You Die
If you need a break from the chaos, head to Jackson Square for live art, street performances, and a quiet view of St. Louis Cathedral.
Jackson Square
On Fat Tuesday, costumed revelers join the St. Anne Parade to say goodbye to Mardi Gras. The next day, many locals observe Ash Wednesday at St. Louis Cathedral.
Society Of Saint Anne Will Parade On Mardi Gras Day …