Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras

Lake Charles Celebrates January 6 - February 17, 2026!

Mardi Gras in Lake Charles is an assembly of celebrations and events leading up to Mardi Gras Day, Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras krewes are gearing up for a festive season filled with parades, gumbo cookoffs, and plenty of King Cake. 

Whether you're dancing through the streets, tasting your way through king cakes, or catching beads from a float, Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras is a celebration you won't forget!

Major Mardi Gras Events in Lake Charles

The Mardi Gras season begins with the Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Queens Pageant in November. The celebrations continue shortly after Christmas at Twelfth Night. Featured Mardi Gras events are held primarily in Downtown Lake Charles and at the Lake Charles Event Center, with daily celebrations kicking off during the Mardi Gras Merchants' Parade held annually on the Friday before Mardi Gras.

The Saturday before Mardi Gras is a full day of events including the World Famous Cajun Extravaganza and Gumbo Cook-off at the Lake Charles Event Center's Arcade Amphitheater, the Krewe of Omega Parade, and the Krewe of Barkus Parade.

The Cinderella moment of Mardi Gras, with the presentation of the outgoing royal courts, takes place on the Monday before Mardi Gras, at the Royal Gala. Mardi Gras Day a.k.a. Fat Tuesday, features an array of parades including the Second Line Stroll, Jeeps on Parade, and Motor Gras Parade, all leading up to the Mardi Gras Southwest Louisiana Krewe of Krewes Parade.

Family Friendly Mardi Gras Events in Lake Charles

With non-graphic music, street barricades, and police escorts accompanying floats-not to mention an entire day dedicated to young revelers, Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana is an affair for the whole family.

Mardi Gras Children's Day is packed with Mardi Gras crafts, photo booths, and meet and greets with pageant royalty leading up to the Mardi Gras Childrens' Day Parade. You can also enjoy the Downtown Mardi Gras Block Party, Mardi Gras in the ZONE, and the Iowa Chicken Run on Mardi Gras day.