Event Overview

Merchants’ Parade Friday, February 8, 7 p.m. Downtown-Midtown Lake Charles

Carlyss Mardi Gras Trail Ride Saturday, February 9, 8:30 a.m. Begins and ends at West Cal Arena in Sulphur. Line up at 6 a.m. Admission fee for trail riders is $5.

*World Famous Cajun Extravaganza/Gumbo Cook-Off Saturday, February 9, 8 a.m.—2 p.m. You will not want to miss this taste-from-every-pot event or the live, hot Southern and Cajun music that comes along with it. Admission is $5, and children 5 and under are admitted free.

Krewe of Omega Parade Saturday, February 9, 2 p.m. Downtown Lake Charles.

*Zydeco Dance Saturday, February 9, 3—5 p.m. Live bands playing Mambo and Zydeco

*Krewe of Barkus Parade Saturday, February 9, 3 p.m. Fantastically disguised canines parade in full Mardi Gras attire, all vying for the title of "Mystical Dog." Entry fee applies.

Krewe of Cosmos Presentation Saturday, February 9, 6:30 p.m. The Krewe of Cosmos presents their royal court in style at the Sulphur High School Auditorium with skits, songs and more.

*Krewe of Illusions Saturday, February 9, 7:30 p.m. Celebrate Mardi Gras with the 24th annual presentation of the Krewe of Illusions. Tickets are $30 orchestra, formal attire required. $18 balcony reserved seating and $15 standard balcony seating, casual attire.

*Taste de la Louisiane Sunday, February 10, 11 a.m.—2 p.m. Pots and pots of all-you-can-eat traditional Louisiana cuisine for a $7 admission fee.

*Children’s Day Sunday, February 10, noon—3 p.m. Old-time Louisiana culture, arts and crafts, Mardi Gras music and magic. An education station complete with safety and health information.

Children’s Parade Sunday, February 10, 3:30 p.m. Downtown Lake Charles. A purple, green and gold parade for the young and young at heart.

*Lighted Boat Parade Sunday, February 10, 7 p.m. Be dazzled by the glowing boat parade on shimmering Lake Charles.

*Royal Gala Monday, February 11, 7 p.m. The Cinderella moment of the season features the 2013 courts of more than 50 krewes with kings, queens, royal dukes and duchesses, captains, courtesans and jesters. Tickets are $5 in advance, or $6 at the door. Children 5 and under are admitted for free.

Iowa Chicken Run Tuesday, February 12, 10 a.m. The chicken run starts and ends at KC Hall and runs west down 90. Ride a float, catch a chicken and finish with some gumbo and live music for a toe-tapping good time.

Motorcycles, Hot Rods & Classics Parade Tuesday, February 12, Noon Downtown-Midtown Lake Charles

Krewe of Krewes’ Parade Tuesday, February 12, 5:00 p.m. Downtown-Midtown Lake Charles. Hundreds of elaborate krewe floats, costumes, beads and more wind through the city in the culmination of the Fat Tuesday celebration.

* Denotes events happening at Lake Charles Civic Center