New Orleans’ Yardi Gras Houses

This year has been unlike any other. A tremendous amount of setback, disappointment, and loss consumed the vast majority of our days. In spite of it all, New Orleanians did what New Orleanians always do - found a reason to celebrate.

When the news broke that Mardi Gras parades were canceled, locals got to work. Contemplating and creating their own COVID-safe celebration now dubbed - Yardi Gras. Thanks to the efforts of the Krewe of House Floats, home and business owners linked up with local float makers and artists to recreate the same visually stunning and cleverly themed floats Mardi Gras is known for right on their front porches.

People have gone ALL out! Making this year different, but equally as memorable and festive. Grab your mask and a couple of close family members and take a self-guided tour of all the amazing Yardi Gras Houses.

You can find a full map of ALL Krewe of House Floats homes HERE, and we’ve rounded up a few of our personal favorites below.

Queen of Bounce House

4321 Laurel St.

You already knowwwww! The Queen Diva, BIG Freedia was named Grand Marshal of the Krewe of House Floats, so it only makes sense that someone decorated a house in her honor. This Uptown-based abode comes complete with the classic green, yellow, and purple carnival colors, a cutout of the queen diva, and of course, a couple of twerking grannies to keep the party pumping. Big Freedia herself even made an appearance to see what the hype was about. She wasn’t disappointed and you won’t be either. 

The Night Tripper (The Original Skull House)

1834 Toledano St.

Whoever said first is the worst has been proven wrong! The very first of the Krewe of House Floats belongs to this light-up skull home, which was influenced by the night tripper himself, the late Dr. John. 

Zulu House Float

1827 Peniston St.

Because what’s Mardi Gras without Zulu? The coconut throwing super krewe has a house in its honor decorated down with throws, cultural references, and the gold Zulu is known for. 

Cafe du Monde House 

539 First St.

Created in honor of a true New Orleans delicacy - Cafe du Monde beignets. The decor is sweet, simple, yet oh so satisfying. Just like beignets and cafe au lait in the morning. .

Little Shop of 2020 Horrors House

430 Bouny St.

Because sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying. This satirical take on Yardi Gras is a culmination of everything that went sour last year from COVID to killer bees. Ten out of ten for creativity! 

Jurassic Park House 

5809 St. Charles Ave. 

A massive Mardi Gras home designed to the tune of Jurassic Park. It is decked out with three different dinosaurs - one of which stands over 15ft tall and comes complete with carnival beads around his neck. Pro-tip: it looks even better at night! 

Carnival Time House 

622 Nashville Ave. 

A classic Carnival theme complete with its jester centerpiece. This house is a fun and feel-good “float” that transports right down Canal Street on Mardi Gras Day. 

Chef Leah Chase House 

2918 Bell St.

An ode to the late and great Chef Leah Chase, this stunning doorstep depicts Mrs. Chase making a large bowl of her classic gumbo. It is surrounded by all of the fixings such as crawfish, onions, garlic and more. The cherry on top? A smoke machine bubbles from the gumbo pot!

Krewe of Muses House 

4026 St. Charles Ave.

The goddesses of Mardi Gras have spoken, and Cosmos was the theme. The Krewe of Muses unveiled their house float depicting the nine muses. It is majestic and beaded out just like the annual parade. 

Schitt’s Creek House 

5975 Canal Blvd. 

Schitt’s Creek theme with a quarantine twist! This home boasts the cast of the beloved six-season series along with some silly sayings that we can all relate to at this time in our lives.