Mardi Gras Events
Vinton Mardi Gras & Chicken Run | February 7
Celebrate Mardi Gras Vinton-style at the Vinton Mardi Gras & Chicken Run with live music all day featuring country, rock, Zydeco, and Cajun performers. Grab your team and start your morning at the Chicken Run, making stops throughout town, then head back for live entertainment, delicious food, and shopping. Don't miss your chance to catch goodies at the parade!
Lake Charles Mardi Gras Parade and Zydeco Dance | February 8
Lake Charles Mardi Gras Parade and Zydeco Dance features local organizations and businesses parading through downtown Lake Charles on everything from traditional floats to horses decked in purple, green, and gold! The party doesn't stop there— the parade crowd hits the dance floor for the official after-party with great food and infectious Zydeco rhythms! Don't miss the Chicken and Pig Run, where participants can win cash prizes or keep the pig!
Mardi Gras Merchants' Parade | February 13
Kick off your Mardi Gras weekend with the dazzling Mardi Gras Merchants' Parade! This is a gleaming night parade that invites residents and visitors to embrace the Carnival spirit. Local businesses and social organizations parade through streets with creative floats, exciting throws, great music, and lots of energy.
World Famous Gumbo Cook-Off | February 14
Sample mouthwatering bowls of gumbo from local Mardi Gras krewes and amateur chefs at the annual World Famous Gumbo Cook-Off. Each ticket is your tasting passport to savory pots of chicken and sausage, seafood, or wild-game gumbo.
Krewe of Barkus Parade | February 14
Don't miss the whimsy of the Krewe of Barkus Parade, where pets and their owners stroll through Downtown Lake Charles decked in their best Mardi Gras attire and accessories, vying for the title of "Mystical Dog" awarded to the best ensemble. Celebrate with fellow dog lovers at the Barkus Parade After Party.
Krewe of Omega Parade | February 14
The Krewe of Omega Parade is a historic event celebrating the contributions of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity in Southwest Louisiana while honoring its legacy as the first krewe to host its own parade.
Mardi Gras Lighted Boat Parade | February 14
This Mardi Gras Lighted Boat Parade is a one-of-a-kind celebration that brings the spirit of Mardi Gras to the water. Head to the Lakefront Promenade for a unique parade of boats decked in Mardi Gras lights and décor and tossing trinkets to the crowd.
Mardi Gras Royal Gala | February 16
Grab your front-row seat to the glamorous Mardi Gras Royal Gala, a magnificent procession of Krewe royalty, showcasing kings and queens, dukes and duchesses, courtesans and more, draped in intricately designed costumes.
Iowa Chicken Run | February 17
Bring your dancing shoes and get ready to catch a chicken or two at the annual Iowa Chicken Run. This quirky celebration unites the community as they travel house to house, gathering ingredients for a giant pot of gumbo! As the meal is completed, guests can enjoy games and live music, concluding with live music by Rusty Metoyer & the Zydeco Krush.
Krewe of Krewes Parade | February 17
The grand finale of the 2026 Mardi Gras season, the Krewe of Krewes Parade rolls at 5 PM! Head downtown early for great food along the parade route or tailgate with friends as smaller parades roll during the day, then bring the energy for the closing celebration. Secure your spot along the route and get ready for elaborate floats, thousands of beads and trinkets, and a rowdy good time closing out the season.
