Acadiana Mardi Gras Schedule

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Paul Kieu

In the space between the extravagant flamboyance of New Orleans Carnival and and the irreverent cacophony of the prairie courirs—Louisiana Mardi Gras wears many, incredibly diverse, masks. The Acadiana region boasts too many celebrations to count, each with their own distinct brand of revelry. And though we scoured far and low to provide you with the most comprehensive calendar possible—we're sure to have missed a fantastic feast or two. Refer to individual event sites for more information, and check your parish tourism sites or lafayettetravel.com for the most up to date information regarding this year's festivities. 

February 3

Bayou Mardi Gras Association Parade: This family-oriented parade runs along Bayou Teche in historic New Iberia, energized by community leaders committed to building on past traditions while creating new ones. 7 pm. bayoumardigras.com.

February 4

La Danse de Mardi Gras at the ACA: The Acadiana Center for the Arts in Lafayette celebrates rural Cajun Mardi Gras traditions with this country dance, including commentary about local traditions by American Routes Host Nick Spitzer, lively music by Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys, Cedric Watson, and Jeffrey Broussard, as well as dinner by Tony Chachere’s chefs. $35-$500. 5 pm. acadianacenterforthearts.org.

Imperial Mardi Gras Ball: This Opelousas event, themed "Imperial Goes to the Movie" will take place in the historic Delta Grand Theatre, so come out in your best cocktail attire and Mardi Gras mask. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at Frank’s Poboys or Sebastien Dupre Fine Jewelry. 7 pm. facebook.com/opelousasimperialmardigras.

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Daniel Landry Photography

February 10

Krewe de Canailles: Celebrating inclusivity, creativity, and sustainability, this walking parade down Jefferson Street in Lafayette does allow for floats—if you drag them yourself. Tossing out eco-friendly throws and joining together groups of sub-krewes, these carnival crusaders have found a way to party their way to a better Lafayette. This year’s theme is “There’s Something in the Water”. 7 pm.  krewedecanailles.com.

February 10–11

Lakeview Park & Beach Children's Mardi Gras: Immerse your tots in the traditional Mardi Gras experience at Lakeview in Eunice, where chickens will be set loose for chasing, and live music will usher in a two step. lvpark.com. lvpark.com. 

February 11

Lebeau Mardi Gras: It starts with an old-school courir that includes the addition of a greased pig, and zydeco tunes. Then the Lebeau Mardi Gras Parade welcomes participants on horse, ATV, automobile, wagon, or a traditional float. Festivities start at 8 am, parade departs at 1 pm and ends at a music fest at the Immaculate Conception Church. cajuntravel.com.

Courir de Mardi Gras de L’anse: The men of Mermentau Cove are suiting up traditional courir-style and rambling around its backroads. Come for the run, stay for the fais-do-do and gumbo afterwards at a home on Lafosse Road, which the public is invited to enjoy. Courir begins at 8 am, Fais Do Do at 4 pm. $5. acadiatourism.org. 

Carencro Mardi Gras Parade:  The Carencro Mardi Gras Association is run entirely by volunteers who love Mardi Gras, and it has been bringing this grand tableau to the backroads of Carencro for thirty-nine years now. Family friendly fun with dance troupes and mega floats, starting at Carencro High School and ending at the Community Center. Rolls at 10 am. carencroparade.com. 

Krewe Des Chiens: We all know that we don’t deserve them, so the least we can do for our dogs is to parade them, in all their grandeur, through the streets of Lafayette. Noon on West Vemilion Street. krewedeschiens.org.

Lake Arthur Mardi Gras Run/Parade: Bringing the extravagance of Carnival right up beside the old Acadiana traditions, Lake Arthur's celebration includes both floats and riders on horseback. Children's "Chicken throws" will take place on Fox's Rad, Trailer Town Road, and at the baseball field beside Lake Arthur Park. Courir style run begins at 9 am from Lake Arthur Park, followed by the float parade at 2:30 pm. jeffdavis.org. 

Krewe of Carnivale en Rio: Known for its vibrant floats, dazzling lights and the jubilant accompaniment of maracas, the Parada—which honors Brazil’s first emperor Dom Pedro I and his granddaughter Dona Isabel—has become Lafayette’s premier Mardi Gras event. 6:30 pm down Johnston and Vermilion. 6:30 pm. riolafayette.com.

February 12

Courir de Mardi Gras at Vermilionville: Vermilionville and the Basile Mardi Gras Association are hosting a traditional country Cajun Mardi Gras run in the historic village. Begins at 10 am with a screening of Pat Mire's documentary Dance for a Chicken, followed by a presentation on the traditional "Chanson de Mardi Gras" at 11 am. The run kicks off at 11:30 am, chicken and all. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at the onsite restaurant and head to the dancehall for a fais do do. $10; $8 for seniors; $6 for students; and children younger than five are free. bayouvermiliondistrict.org.

Scott Mardi Gras Parade: This small town parade is one of Acadiana’s largest, and a favorite for families city-wide and beyond. Floats and costumed riders will vie en fete for the title “Most Original Float.” Rolls at 1 pm. scottsba.org/mardi-gras.

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Denny Culbert

February 17

Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Kick-Off Parade: Getting things started for the slate of events that makes up the Association's celebration of Mardi Gras in Lafayette, this parade travels from the corner of Simcoe, Surry, and Jefferson through the Downtown area over to Johnston, turning on to College to land at Cajun Field. This year's theme is honoring Lafayette's Bicentennial with a celebration of the city's festivals. Rolls at 6:30 pm. gomardigras.com. 

February 17–21

Le Festival de Mardi Gras à Lafayette: Head to Cajun Field in Lafayette for Carnival rides (see what we did there?) and games, live music like Wayne Toups, the Chee-Weez, Three Thirty Seven, L.A. Roxx, Clay Cormier, Lil' Nate, and more. Times vary. 800-346-1958, gomardigras.com.

Eunice Cajun Mardi Gras Festival: In the days leading up to Eunice's historic courir on Mardi Gras Day, the city convenes downtown for five days of fais do-doing. Some of the acts to look forward to include Wayne Toups, T'Monde, Clay Cormier & the Highway Boys, Travis Mattte & the Kingpins, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys—and as the grand post-courir finale: Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie. Don't miss the open jam session at Saturday morning, or the traditional boucherie by the Pa Ta Sa Krewe on Sunday. Expect to watch the end of Eunice's courir come through town at 3 pm Tuesday afternoon, then dance until the dang day is done. Festivities start at 7 pm Friday, 10 am Saturday, 9:30 am Sunday, 7 pm Monday; 9:30 am Tuesday. eunicemardigras.com. 

February 18

Cankton Courir de Mardi Gras: A chicken run, trail ride, gumbo cook-off, live music, and more at Landon Pitre Memorial Park. 7 am. $10 to participate in each event; all proceeds benefit the Special Olympics of Louisiana. facebook.com/cccdmg.

Mamou Street Dance: Saturday mornings are always a riot in good old Mamou, but the Saturday before Mardi Gras is something else entirely. Find traditional music in Fred's Lounge, then step outside and find it in the street, too—along with a crowd of eager and dedicated locals who will show you just how it's all done. Starts at 9 am. evangelineparishtourism.org. 

Church Point Children's Courir & Parade: A children's chicken run, with all the trappings, at Saddle Tramp Clubhouse. For children younger than fourteen years old. Starts at 10 am, with Main Street Parade at 1 pm. churchpointmardigras.com. 

Youngsville Mardi Gras Parade: Youngsville’s favorite family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration returns, with its over-the-top floats, marching groups, and tomfoolery to boot. Sets out at 11 am, starting and ending at the Youngsville Sports Complex. youngsville.us.

Jennings Mardi Gras Festival & Parade: Strolling along since 1994, this parade is marked on both ends by festive food and family-style activities, including live music, home-style food, and crafts. Starts at 11 am in Founders' Park with the Squeezebox Shoutout Cajun Accordion Championship; Parade on Main Street begins at 4:30 pm. louisianatravel.com.

Sunset Mardi Gras Parade: Once one of the largest celebrations in the area, Sunset Mardi Gras has continued on as a carnival classic with beads, doubloons, and live music—along with children’s activities along the parade route. 11 am. sunsetmardigras.com. 

Lafayette Children's Parade: The city's tiniest krewes will head down Johnston, in all their majesty, at 12:30 pm. gomardigras.com. 

Eunice Parade of Paws: It's a ruff world out there, but not on the Saturday before Mardi Gras. Come see the pups parade through Downtown Eunice, then catch Fred Charlie & the Acadiana Cajuns on the bandstand afterwards. 3 pm. eunicemardigras.com.

Rayne Mardi Gras Parade: Everyone is invited to participate in Rayne’s annual parade—walkers, trailer-hitchers, drivers, and floaters alike (though, leave your eighteen-wheelers and your live animals at home). Starts at American Legion Drive, and ends at the Frog Festival Pavilion. 3 pm. raynechamber.net. 

Lafayette's Krewe of Bonaparte: A hallmark of Lafayette Mardi Gras since 1972, this Krewe infuses excitement and youth into the city's annual traditions. See them roll down the Greater Soutwhest Louisiana Mardi Gras route, from Jefferson to Johnston, to the CajunDome, starting at 6:30 pm. gomardigras.com. 

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Courtesy Teche Center for the Arts

February 19

Courir de Mardi Gras Church Point: Once named “The Best Traditional Mardi Gras,” this run features costumed horseback riders, wagons, buggies, floats, and live music along with all your characteristic chicken chasing and greased pig capturing. 8 am–1:30 pm. $40 to participate, must be in costume. Main Street parade begins at 1 pm. churchpointmardigras.com.

Eunice Lil' Mardi Gras: Some might argue that it's easier to catch a chicken if you're closer to the ground. Watch the 'lil costumed runners race after the courir's mascot—fueled by the promise of a chicken-shaped trophy. $10 per child to participate; $10 per vehicle to follow along the route. The day begins at 9 am with the traditional run at the Eunice Recreation Complex, followed by the official chicken chasing competition at 1:15 and the children's parade through downtown Eunice at 3 pm. facebook.com/eunicelilmardigras. 

Sunset Kids Wagon Parade & Family Fun Day: Celebrate the season with the whole family in tow. This inaugural parade begins and ends at the Sunset Community Center, featuring decorated wagons and children decked out for theme of "Alice in Wonderland," and starts at 1 pm. Stick around from 2 pm–4 pm for live music and food behind the Community Center. Free. sunsetmardigras.com. 

Grand Marais Mardi Gras Parade: Admire costumes from the artistic to the repulsive—all elaborate, plus floats and dance troops at this family-friendly Jeanerette parade, which begins at Grand Marais Park at 2 pm. iberiatravel.com.

St. Martinville's Annual Newcomers Mardi Gras Celebration: Join the Newcomers Club for their annual Mardi Gras celebration with music, food, and children’s activities beside the Evangeline Oak. 2 pm–10 pm. Stmartinville.org.

February 20

Lundi Gras at Lakeview: Lakeview Park & Beach in Eunice know how to throw a party, and their free Lundi Gras pig roast is no different. Get your fill, then stick around all day for live music by Jamming with Bird and Cajun Fire, and then the traditional barn dance in the evening, with performances by Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie from 4:30 pm and Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys at 7 pm. lvpark.com. 

Lafayette's Monday Night Parade: In Lafayette, Lundi Gras is for the queens—Evangeline LXXXII and LXXXIII will reign over the city's most regal krewes, rolling down the Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras route at 6 pm. gomardigras.com. 

February 21

Courir de Mardi Gras de Grand Mamou: One of the most raucous and famous Cajun chicken runs on the prairies. Starts at 6:30 am, and travels throughout the country roads collecting goods for that end-of-the-day gumbo. Catch the parade at the end of the day in downtown Mamou around 3 pm (watch where you step, horses have been known to enter the bars). evangelineparishtourism.org. 

Courir de Mardi Gras Basile: Begging for gumbo, racing for chickens, two-stepping to traditional Cajun tunes. Welcome to an Evangeline Parish courir. 7 am. Visit The Basile Mardi Gras Association, Inc.'s page on Facebook for details. 

Faquetaigue Courir de Mardi Gras: Founded in 2006 by friends Joel Savoy, Linzay Young, Jesse Brown, Lucius Fontenot, Lance Pitre, and Dave Johnson—this courir celebrated annually on the outskirts of Eunice holds values of tradition, as well as inclusivity, at its heart. Designed to be appropriate for all ages, to be family friendly, and to emphasize culture—the run takes place on horseback, on foot, and via trailer, journeying thorughout the Faquetaigue community. Dancing, begging, and singing are aplenty, all leading up to a traditional gumbo and concert at the day's end. Begins at 8 am; full costumes with hats and masks are required. $20. faquetaigue.com. 

Le Vieux Mardi Gras de Cajuns de Eunice: Dating back to the city’s earliest days in the late nineteenth century, Eunice’s Courir de Mardi Gras features riders on horseback in masks, conspiring in chicken-chasing, revelry, general silliness, and an effort to make a community-wide gumbo. Costume-clad trailers follow behind—and all join together in downtown Eunice for a final fais do do at 3 pm. The day starts long before that, though, at 8 am at the Northwest Community Center. facebook.com/eunicemardigras. 

Tee Mamou-Iota Mardi Gras Folklife Festival: Featuring all your favorite clung-to traditions, the handmade costumes and masks, the masterfully medieval capuchins, and the unbridled chaos of it all—the Folklife Festival also celebrates with live music, folk crafts, and local food booths on the prairie. 9 am–4 pm. acadiatourism.org.

Carnival D’Acadie: Run into the heart of the Cajun Prairie to celebrate Fat Tuesday, Rice City Style. Crowley’s Fat Tuesday festival includes carnival rides, live music by Wayne Singleton, Swampland Revival, Adam Leger Band, and Dustin Sonnier—plus a grand parade at 2 pm. Music starts at 10 am. acadiatourism.org.

King Gabriel's Parade: Lafayette's grandest of parades, honoring the King of Carnival and the hundreds of volunteers who make the vibrant showcase down Johnston possible. Revelers will vie for beads, trinkets, and other memorabilia. Rolls at 10 am. gomardigras.com.

Opelousas Imperial Mardi Gras Parade: Floats, beads, and reigning royalty make up this Opelousas parade. Rolls from East Landry Street to Liberty Street beginning at 11 am. cajuntravel.com.

Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival Parade: Emitting the spirit fueled by the carnival atmosphere at Cajun Field, this parade will run down Johnston at 1 pm. gomardigras.com. 

Lafayette's Mardi Gras Indians: This historical event celebrates the great diversity of the Lafayette region, particularly the rich artistic and musical culture of its African American communities. Replicating the better-known Black Masking Indians of New Orleans, Lafayette's tribes have cultivated their own distinct traditions since the 1950s. See the elaborate costumes and the invigorating spirit of the tradition on display at "Pontiac Point" (the corner of Simcoe and Surrey Streets) at 1 pm, and again at the Judging Contest at Clark Field at 3 pm. Learn more about the tradition at lafayettetravel.com/blog/post/mardi-gras-indians-of-lafayette. 

Family Affair Mardi Gras Parade: Stick around Loreauville Main Street for family-friendly marching bands, dance groups, and music. 1:30 pm. louisianatravel.com. 

Krewe Chic-a-la-Pie Parade: Even the name of the parade sounds fun; old fashioned and put on by passionate Mardi Gras apologists, this family-style parade ignites the seasonal spirit in Kaplan. 2 pm. vermilion.org. 

Independent Parade: Anyone can participate in this parade, which closes out Mardi Gras day in Lafayette. Take part, or enjoy the show of "independent" floats rolling down Johnston, starting at 2:30 pm. gomardigras.com. 

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Paul Kieu