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. Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana is family-friendly and boasts over 60 krewes participating in the Mardi Gras Southwest Krewe of Krewes parade, the culmination of the season on Fat Tuesday. Many bakeries, restaurants, and businesses also participate in the Mardi Gras season by offering traditional King Cakes, food, and drink options with a Mardi Gras twist or seasonal specials and events to embody the spirit in Southwest Louisiana.

Mark your calendar: The season begins with the Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana Queens Pageant in early November. The celebrations continue at Twelfth Night on Monday, January 6. Begin the daily Mardi Gras celebrations in Downtown Lake Charles at the Merchants' Parade on Friday, February 13. Saturday, February 14 is a full day of events including the World Famous Cajun Extravaganza and Gumbo Cook-off in the exhibition hall of the Lake Charles Event Center, the Children's Mardi Gras Stroll, the Krewe of Omega Parade, and the Krewe of Barkus Parade.

The Mardi Gras Children's Day and Parade will take center stage on Sunday, February 15, beginning in the exhibition hall of the Event Center. The Cinderella moment of Mardi Gras, with the presentation of 2025's royal courts, takes place on Monday, February 16 with the Royal Gala. Mardi Gras Day on February 17, a.k.a. Fat Tuesday, features an array of parades including Second Line Stroll, Jeeps on Parade, and Motor Gras Parade, all leading up to the Mardi Gras Southwest Louisiana Krewe of Krewes Parade. You can also enjoy the Downtown Mardi Gras Block Party, Mardi Gras in the ZONE, and the Iowa Chicken Run during the day on Mardi Gras.