Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras

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LindseyJanies.com

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 15

Mardi Gras Community Dance: Get your blood pumping with this free Cajun dance presented by the City of Lake Charles and Community Inclusion. 6–8:30 pm at the Civic Center. 

February 23

Vinton Mardi Gras: Frills, feathers, and Mardi Gras magic downtown Vinton. Gumbo cook-off at 8 am, parade at 1 pm starting at Vinton Middle School and ending at Knights of Columbus Hall just in time for free gumbo tastings.

February 26

Krewe of the Golden Years Senior Citizens' Mardi Gras Dance: An ode to those who passed this grande hoorah down to the rest of us. Food and a proper Mardi Gras ball at the Civic Center 8 am—12 pm.

February 28

City of Sulphur Mardi Gras Parade: Krewes, local businesses, groups, and organizations take to the streets of Sulphur. 6 pm. 

Lighted Boat Parade: See the lake light up, thanks to the efforts of well-festooned boats. 7 pm along the seawall. 

Lake Charles Mardi Gras Chicken Run: Starting at 1 pm, horses, ATVs, and floats parade down by the Lake Charles Civic Center; zydeco concert follows at 4 pm.

March 1

Merchants Parade: Local business and civic leaders march the streets of downtown Lake Charles. 7 pm. 

March 2

Krewe of Barkus Parade: Furry and fabulous, costumed pets parade down Gill Street for one of the most highly attended parades of the season, all competing for the title "Mystical Dog". 2 pm. 

World Famous Cajun Extravaganza and Gumbo Cook-off: More than 60 amateur and professional teams compete for the chicken & sausage, seafood, and wild game gumbos. 8 am–2 pm. $5.

Krewe of Omega Parade: The only Southwest Louisiana Krewe to hold its own parade, Omega celebrates the African American community of the region.  2 pm. 

March 3

Children's Day and Parade: A day devoted entirely to the little ones, this Mardi Gras fete brings together culture, music, and education. 12–3 pm, parade at 3:30 pm. 

Taste de la Louisiane: Pots and pots of traditional Louisiana cuisine for sampling. Held at the Civic Center from 11 am–1 pm. $10 admission.

Mardi Gras Madness 5K: Running for boudin, running for King Cake, and maybe an adult beverage or two.  2 pm.  

Mardi Gras Zydeco Dance: Get a few more moves in. Held at the Civic Center from 11 am–1 pm. 

March 4

Mardi Gras Royal Gala: The Cinderella night of Mardi Gras. Over 60 krewes promenade through the Civic Center Coliseum. 7 pm. $6 in advance, $7 at the door.

Lundi Gras Day Party: A masked party with all the bites and boogie of the season. Held from 5–9 pm at the Blue Martini. $75 admission.

March 5

Iowa Chicken Run: Even if you don't catch a chicken, you can have some gumbo after the chase. Held at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 10 am. 

Second Line Stroll: Skipping the floats, area groups walk their own damn selves through downtown Lake Charles. 1 pm. 

Jeeps on Parade: Jeep lovers unite to roll down Ryan Street. 2 pm. 

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

Krewe of Krewes: The big one. Over a hundred floats from a variety of local krewes roll through Lake Charles starting at 5 pm.