North Louisiana Mardi Gras

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Oh, were you one of those misinformed misanthropes who believed Mardi Gras only existed in South Louisiana? Well let your mind (and your world!) be opened! This state's got fêtitude from border to gulf-hewn border. Look up, folks! 

February 8

Krewe de Riviere Mardi Gras Parade: Enjoy a traditional New Orleans feel with floats, walking groups, riding groups, plenty of goodies and a roaring 20’s theme. Parade starts at West Monroe High School and ending around the Ouachita Parish Courthouse. 5 pm. monroe-westmonroe.org.

February 9

Krewe of Barkus and Meoux: The participants notoriously behave like animals for this one. But at least it all goes to a good cause, benefitting abused, neglected, and homeless animals of Bossier City. Activities begin at noon. Parade takes off at 3 pm. barkusandmeoux.com.

February 15

Krewe of Paws Mardi Gras Pet Parade: Leading the way for Monroe's Krewe of Janus, this Carnival will feature a boastful bunch of fantastic beasts. 11 am. pawsnela.org.

Krewe of Janus: Sure to be the greatest show on earth, Monroe’s 36th Krewe of Janus Parade is themed “The Magic of Fairytales." 6 pm. kreweofjanusonline.com. 

Krewe of Centaur: The largest parade in the Ark-La-Tex area, Shreveport's “Fun Krewe” is known for its raucously centurion celebration of the regional gambling industry. 3:30 pm. kreweofcentaur.org.

February 22

Krewe of Gemini: Shreveport and Bossier City's first parading Krewe of modern times, this event is one of distinctly royal revelry. In downtown Shreveport at 4 pm. kreweofgemini.com.

Ruston Mardi Gras Parade & Festival: This family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration will kick off downtown in Railroad Park starting with food trucks, live music, local vendors, activities for the family, and more. 11 am–10 pm. Parade starts at 6 pm. rustonlincoln.com.

February 23

Krewe of Highland: Lunch will be supplied at this eclectic parade in the form of grilled hot dogs and packaged ramen noodles hurled off of funky, unpredictable floats. After all the parade shenanigans, sit back and enjoy live music, crawfish, bloody marys and more at the Annual Mardi Gras Bash at Marilynn's. 2 pm. kreweofhighland.org.