Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras

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Photo by Kathryn Shea Duncan, courtesy of Visit Lake Charles.

Lake Charles's Krewe of Krewes, 2022.

If you're going to be in Lake Charles or anywhere in Southwest Louisiana this Mardi Gras, there's plenty of fun to be had. The area presents a packed Carnival calendar, including but by no means limited to these highlights. Keep abreast of these events even more Mardi Gras festivities all around Southwest Louisiana at swlamardigras.com.

February 13

Merchants Parade: Local business and civic leaders march the streets of downtown-midtown Lake Charles during this glowing community-oriented night parade. Begins at the Lake Charles Event Center, travels along West Pine to Ryan, and concludes at Sale Road. 7 pm. visitlakecharles.org. 

February 14

World Famous Cajun Extravaganza and Gumbo Cook-off: Amateur and professional teams compete for the chicken & sausage, seafood, and wild game gumbos. Tasting begins at 11 am at the Civic Center, with live music and DJs keeping the energy up throughout the day. $10 presale; $15 day-of, kids ten and younger free. visitlakecharles.org. 

Mystical Krewe of Barkus Parade: Furry and fabulous, costumed pets parade down Gill Street in Lake Charles for one of the most highly-attended parades of the season. 1 pm. visitlakecharles.org.

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Kathryn Shea Duncan, courtesy of Visit Lake Charles

Krewe of Barkus

Krewe of Omega Parade: The oldest and first Southwest Louisiana Krewe to hold its own parade, Omega celebrates the African American community of the region. Begins at 2 pm on the north side of the Event Center and loops around to end in the same place. visitlakecharles.org.

DeRidder Parade: Returning for its second year, DeRidder Mardi Gras kicks off on Mardi Gras Saturday with a Gumbo Cook-Off, children's chicken run, costume contest, crawfish races, a king cake contest, a children's shoebox float parade, a line dancing contest, and more. It all leads up to the parade, which rolls at 4 pm from the Beauregard Parish Fairgrounds. Details on the DeRidder Mardi Gras Events Facebook Page. 

February 15

SWLA Mardi Gras Children's Day Parade: Fun on wheels for the little ones. 3:30 pm.  visitlakecharles.org.

February 16 

Mardi Gras Royal Gala: Experience one of the most inclusive and accessible Mardi Gras balls in the region, with all the glitz and the glamour. Be part of the lavish promenade of Krewe royalty, in all their museum-quality costumes. It's an unforgettable nbight of dancing, music, and Carnival magic. $10; free for children younger than ten. 7 pm. visitlakecharles.org. 

February 17

Second Line Stroll: Skipping the floats, area groups strut their Mardi Gras spirit down Ryan Street to the tunes of Mardi Gras music in this walking parade. 1 pm. visitlakecharles.org.

Jeeps on Parade: The name says it all about this Jeep-centric Lake Charles Mardi Gras Parade down Ryan Street. 2 pm. visitlakecharles.org.

Motor Gras Parade: Right behind the Jeep-snobs, hot rods classics and motorcycles ride down Ryan. 3 pm. visitlakecharles.org.

Mardi Gras Southwest Krewe of Krewes Parade: The big one. Over a hundred floats from a variety of local krewes roll through downtown Lake Charles starting at 5 pm, in full gaudiness and glitz. Come with an empty goody bag, cups and dubloons and beads will be flying.  visitlakecharles.org.

Iowa Chicken Run: Even if you don't catch a chicken, you still can have some gumbo after the chase. The courir departs from the Iowa Knights of Columbus Hall at 8 am, with performances at area homes—given in exchange for gumbo ingredients. Parade ends back at the KC Hall, where the pot is waiting. Live music will be performed by Rusty Metoyer & the Zydeco Crush. $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. visitlakecharles.org. 

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Kathryn Shea Duncan, courtesy of Visit Lake Charles.

At the Iowa Chicken Run, 2022.