Louisianans love to party year-round, but Mardi Gras is by far the most popular party state-wide! In Southwest Louisiana, Mardi Gras is celebrated from Twelfth Night to Fat Tuesday with festive parades, lively concerts, mouthwatering food, extravagant costumes, and more. This Mardi Gras Bucket List is your guide through the area's Carnival season featuring can't-miss events, must-try dishes, and souvenir inspiration. Get ready to experience one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations in the South.
1. Explore The History of Mardi Gras Costume Exhibit at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum
Have you dreamed about viewing the extravagantly embellished Mardi Gras costumes up close and personal? The Imperial Calcasieu Museum displays the wardrobe of past Southwest Louisiana’s Carnival royalty with an exhibition of the area’s most vibrant, gaudy costumes. Don't miss an awe-inspiring display of decorated gowns, crowns, and cloaks at this bucket list-worthy seasonal exhibit.
2. Chase the Chicken at the Iowa Chicken Run
There are numerous Mardi Gras parades with everything from lavish floats and high-energy crowds to the tossing of beads and treats however the Iowa Chicken Run is by far the quirkiest Mardi Gras parade in Southwest Louisiana. This tradition includes a series of floats traveling through neighborhoods in Iowa, a small town about 20 minutes outside Lake Charles. During this event you’ll see children chasing a live chicken, crowds enjoying Zydeco music, and non-stop joy along the route. The Iowa Chicken Run is held at Knights of Columbus Hall, located at 503 E Highway 90, on Fat Tuesday, March 4, and the parade rolls at 10 AM.
3. Eat King Cake for Breakfast
The Southwest Louisiana food scene is incredibly diverse. With everything from smoked meats and delicacies to fresh seafood, you’ll fall in love with the flavor and festivities at the same time! But you haven’t truly celebrated Carnival season until you've started your morning with a fresh slice of king cake. For all restaurants, bakeries, and other businesses selling king cake check out The Ultimate Southwest Louisiana King Cake Guide as a reference. Don't forget to leave the knife in the box!
4. Sample Various Boudin Flavors Along the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail
Boudin is considered a staple snack throughout Louisiana. Traditional boudin ingredients include pork, liver, rice, onions, parsley, and flavorful seasonings which can be purchased by the pound. It’s one of Southwest Louisiana's favorite finger foods, and that’s how the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail came to be – you can’t just have one bite! This route includes over 25 stops at local restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores across Calcasieu Parish. Check out the complete list of locations along the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail.
5. Honor Lundi Gras at the Mardi Gras Royal Gala
Lundi Gras is the Monday before Fat Tuesday when all the Mardi Gras Royal Gala magic happens. The event will occur on Monday, March 3, at 7 PM at the Lake Charles Event Center. Prepare for a promenade of the krewes’ royalty in extravagant, glittering costumes before hundreds of spectators. Kings and queens, royal dukes and duchesses, captains, courtesans, and jesters in museum-quality costumes will be on full display, along with music and dancing for everyone at the second-largest Mardi Gras in Louisiana.
6. Meet the “Mystikal Dog” at Krewe of Barkus Parade
We’re a big group of party animals in Southwest Louisiana, literally! At the Krewe of Barkus Parade, cheer on costumed pets and their owners as they revel in a whimsical, carnival atmosphere. The title of "Mystical Dog" is given to the most strikingly costumed participant. This free, family-friendly, well-attended parade is a highly anticipated Mardi Gras event. The parade will roll from 1-1:30 PM on Saturday, March 1, starting at the corners of Ryan and Broad Streets and ending at Cumulus Broadcasting on 425 Broad Street.
7. Get the Daiquiri Shack Drive-Thru Experience
A daiquiri from Daiquiri Shack is a must, especially during Mardi Gras season! Experience their fun flavors like king cake, peach fuzz, funky monkey, and more. These frozen adult beverages are a popular way to embrace Louisiana’s party culture consumed onsite or to-go from a drive-thru window. Your drink will come in a plastic gallon jug or a styrofoam cup with a strip of tape over the lid and a straw. Keep your container sealed while the vehicle is in motion to keep the open-container laws intact. Once you reach your destination, enjoy the drink at your leisure. For a complete list of drive-thru daiquiri shops, click here.
8. Join the Second Line Stroll Walking Parade in Downtown Lake Charles
Dancing is inevitable during Mardi Gras, especially at the Second Line Stroll Walking Parade on Fat Tuesday, March 4 at 1001 Ryan Street at 1 PM. The band will bring invigorating tunes as dancers and more strut their Mardi Gras spirit through downtown Lake Charles. Don’t be surprised if your neighbor grabs your hand to dance and try not to shy away as the second line swings by your friends or family. The Cajun/Creole heritage is rooted in unity and beautifully expressed when it’s time to party!
9. Experience the World Famous Cajun Extravaganza & Gumbo Cook-Off
The World Famous Cajun Extravaganza & Gumbo Cook-Off on Saturday, March 1, is packed with tasty fun for the young and old. Sample servings from various Mardi Gras krewes as you dance your way through the Event Center. If you miss the cook-off, you can always enjoy gumbo year-round at popular restaurants like Mama Reta's Kitchen. Mama Reta's is a legendary drive-thru joint, where every menu item combines the warmth and savory flavors unique to home-cooked soul food. This gumbo is an age-old family recipe that must be experienced first-hand. Check out Where to Get Gumbo in Lake Charles for additional gumbo hot spots.
10. Take Home a Few Louisiana Souvenirs
Mardi Gras memories live on forever especially with a few souvenirs from Flock of Five Gift & Art Emporium. This quirky shop houses treasures and trinkets crafted by local artists that showcase Louisiana’s unique history and culture. Expect to find hand-made jewelry, pottery, soaps, hand-poured candles, paintings, carvings, furniture, vintage items, books and other Louisiana-themed souvenirs. For a full list of local shops and boutiques in the area, click here.
There is no shortage of Mardi Gras celebrations in Southwest Louisiana. Build your own Mardi Gras Bucket list with more Carnival content and stay updated on the festivities in real-time by following #SWLAMardiGras and #VisitLakeCharles on social media channels. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
