New Orleans Carnival Parade Guide: What to Do This Weekend

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The Carnival season in New Orleans is in full swing, with five parades happening on Friday, February 7th, and more throughout the weekend. From the Krewe of Cork in the French Quarter to the Krewe of Dionysus in Slidell, there are plenty of festive events and signature throws to catch across the region. The article provides a detailed schedule of the parades, highlights some of the most sought-after parade throws, and offers suggestions on where to eat and drink along the parade routes.

Why it matters

Carnival season is a beloved tradition in New Orleans, drawing locals and visitors alike to celebrate the vibrant culture, music, and community of the city. These parades are a highlight of the season, offering a chance to experience the energy and excitement of Mardi Gras firsthand.

The details

The Carnival parade schedule kicks off on Friday, February 7th, with five parades happening across the New Orleans metro area, including the Krewe of Cork in the French Quarter, the Krewe of Excalibur in Metairie, and the Krewe of Oshun and Krewe of Cleopatra in Uptown. The festivities continue on Saturday with a packed lineup of parades, including the Krewe of Pontchartrain, Legion of Mars, Krewe of Choctaw, and Krewe of Freret in Uptown, as well as parades in Madisonville, Abita Springs, Chalmette, Metairie, and Covington. On Sunday, the Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale, Krewe of Carrollton, and Krewe of King Arthur will parade Uptown, while the Krewe of Barkus takes over the French Quarter and the Krewe of Dionysus parades in Slidell. The article also highlights some of the signature throws that parade-goers will want to catch, including hand-decorated wooden shields and dragon eggs from the Krewe of Excalibur, handmade fans from the Krewe of Oshun, and bejeweled mirror compacts from the Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale.

• The Carnival parade season kicks off on Friday, February 7th.
• The main parade activities take place over the two weekends leading up to Mardi Gras Day.
• The Krewe of Cork parade is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Friday, February 7th in the French Quarter.
• The Krewe of Dionysus parade is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Sunday, February 9th in Slidell.
• The Mystic Krewe of Music parade is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, February 10th on the West Bank.

What’s next

Revelers can continue to enjoy the Carnival festivities leading up to Mardi Gras Day on February 25th, with additional parades, parties, and celebrations scheduled throughout the region.