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. 

January 20 

Imperial Mardi Gras Ball: This Opelousas event will take place in the historic Delta Grand Theatre, so come out in your best cocktail attire and Mardi Gras mask at the fifth annual Imperial Mardi Gras Ball. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at Sebastien Dupre Fine Jewelry. 7 pm. facebook.com/opelousasimperialmardigras.

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. 2 pm. raynechamber.net. 

January 26

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. 6:30 pm. bayoumardigras.com.

January 27

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. $35-$500. 6 pm. acadianacenterforthearts.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 forty 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. 

January 28

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 "The Enchanted Forest," and starts at 10 am. Stick around from 2 pm–4 pm for live music and food behind the Community Center. Free. sunsetmardigras.com. 

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Daniel Landry Photography

February 2

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 “Into the Shadowverse”. 7 pm.  krewedecanailles.com.

February 3

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. 

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. 

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. riolafayette.com.

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 11 am. scottsba.org/mardi-gras.

La Rivière Mardi Gras Chicken Run and Parade: This kid-friendly chicken run starts at Riverview RV Park & Resort and heads along the Achafalaya River, offering a boudin intermission, and a bowl of gumbo at live music at the end. $10 for the trailside, $15 for the chicken, cash only. 9 am. (337) 351-4260. 

February 4

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. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at the onsite restaurant and head to the dancehall for a fais do do. 10 am–4 pm. $10; $8 for seniors; $6 for students; and children younger than five are free. bayouvermiliondistrict.org.

Krewe of Ezana Jeanerette Mardi Gras Parade: This parade features marching bands, dance groups, Mardi Gras royalty and lots of throws. Starts on Main St. at 1 pm. For more information call (337) 255-9539.

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Denny Culbert

February 9

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. Rolls at 6:30 pm. gomardigras.com. 

February 9–13

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 and others. 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, Donna Angelle & The Zydeco Posse, Fred Charlie & The Acadiana Cajuns and much more. 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 6:30 pm Friday, 11 am Saturday, 9:30 am Sunday, 12:30 pm Monday; 9:30 am Tuesday. eunicemardigras.com. 

February 10

Cankton Courir de Mardi Gras: A chicken run, trail ride, gumbo cook-off, live music, and more at Landon Pitre Memorial Park. 7 am. $5 to participate in each event; all proceeds benefit the Special Olympics of Louisiana. facebook.com/cccdmg.

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 10 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. 

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. 

Lake Fausse Pointe Mardi Gras Parade: Catch some groovy throws at Lake Fausse Pointe State Park and stay afterwards for live Cajun entertainment. 2 pm. iberiatravel.com.

Hot Grits & the Krewe of Couchs Couche Secret Revolutionary Ball: Catch the Krewe of Bonaparte Parade from Cliff’s Bar at Cite des Arts, then stick around for the Secret Revolutionary Ball and Beaumont powerhouse jam band Hot Grits in the theater at 8:30 pm. $12. citedesarts.org.

February 11

Eunice Parade of Paws: It's a ruff world out there, but not on the Sunday before Mardi Gras. Come see the pups parade through Downtown Eunice. 3 pm. eunicemardigras.com.

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. 

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.

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Courtesy Teche Center for the Arts

February 12

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 then the traditional barn dance in the evening. 8 am–6 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 13

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. 

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. $25. 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, and 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. 

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. 

Zyde Gras on the Square: Zydeco music legend Keith Frank and the Soileau Zydeco Band will perform at the St. Landry Parish Courthouse Square following the Opelousas Parade. 2 pm–5 pm. Free. (337) 948-3688. 

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. 

Papa Red Dog Mardi Gras Parade: Loreauville Legend, Papa Red keeps tradition alive at this parade. Enjoy throws, live music, and more. 2 pm. (337) 967-4554.

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Paul Kieu