Mardi Gras Merchants Parade Returns to Lake Charles

Annual parade showcases local businesses with floats, beads, and revelry

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The annual Mardi Gras Merchants Parade is set to take over the streets of downtown Lake Charles, Louisiana tonight. The parade, which kicks off five days of Mardi Gras festivities in the city, features local businesses showcasing their brands on floats, trailers, and other vehicles while tossing out Mardi Gras trinkets like beads, cups, and toys to the crowds.

Why it matters

The Merchants Parade is a long-standing tradition that celebrates the local business community in Lake Charles and helps to generate excitement and revenue for the city's Mardi Gras celebrations, which are a major economic driver for the region.

The details

The parade will begin lining up at 3:00 pm at the Lake Charles Event Center, with the parade itself kicking off at 7:00 pm. The route will take the floats and participants down West Pine Street, turning south on Ryan Street and traveling several miles before ending at the corner of Ryan Street and Sale Road in South Lake Charles. Road closures will be in effect along the parade route.

  • The parade will begin lining up at 3:00 pm on February 13, 2026.
  • The parade is set to roll at 7:00 pm on February 13, 2026.

The players

Townsquare Media

The media company that owns radio station Gator 99.5, which will be participating in the parade with its "Buddy Russ Bus".

Deep South Productions

A local production company that will also be featured on the "Buddy Russ Bus" in the parade.

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What they’re saying

“Holla at us. We will be in the Buddy Russ bus and we will throw you something.”

— Mike Soileau (929thelake.com)

The takeaway

The Mardi Gras Merchants Parade is a beloved annual tradition that showcases the vibrant local business community in Lake Charles and helps to kick off the city's larger Mardi Gras celebrations, which are a major cultural and economic event for the region.