Mardi Gras in New Orleans

The king of New Orleans celebrations shows off the city's spirit

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. The next Mardi Gras day is on February 17, 2026.

There’s so much to celebrate during Carnival season, where locals rule and visitors are more than welcome to join in on the fun. On the weekends leading up to Fat Tuesday, parades roll all over town. Spectators gasp at the colossal Endymion floats and delight in the political satire of Krewe du Vieux. There’s something to do during every week of the Mardi Gras season.

Whether it's new traditions like Krewe of Chewbacchus (with its Star Wars-inspired tomfoolery) or decades-old stalwarts Zulu and Rex (which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year), visitors are encouraged to explore our Mardi Gras traditions. Some of our favorite ways to do this? Try ten different slices of king cake, stand in awe of community walking krewes, and make new friendships with your neighbors on the route. This is the place to have the authentic Mardi Gras experience.