North Louisiana Mardi Gras
to
Shreveport, La. Shreveport, Louisiana

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 5
African American History Parade: This thirty-fourth annual parade celebrating the many contributions of Black Americans starts at the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium at 11 am. shreveport-bossier.org.
February 12
Krewe de Riviere Children's & Pet Mardi Gras Parade: Leading the way for Monroe's Krewe of Janus, this Carnival will feature a boastful bunch of fantastic beasts and little ones, too. 10 am. monroe-westmonroe.org.
Krewe de Riviere Mardi Gras Parade: Enjoy a traditional New Orleans feel with floats, walking groups, riding groups, and plenty of goodies. Parade starts at West Monroe High School and ending around the Ouachita Parish Courthouse. 5 pm. monroe-westmonroe.org.
February 13
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 11 am. barkusandmeoux.com.
February 19
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 pm. kreweofcentaur.org.
Krewe of Janus Children's Parade: A cute parade with even cuter riders at Pecanland Mall's Center Court. 10 pm. kreweofjanusonline.com.
Krewe of Janus: Sure to be the greatest show on earth, Monroe’s thirty-eigthth Krewe of Janus Parade is themed “Janus Goes to Hollywood." 6 pm. kreweofjanusonline.com.
Krewe of Paws Parade: Furry friends of all shapes and sizes will be in Antique Alley in West Monroe dressed in their Mardi Gras best. 11 am. monroe-westmonroe.org.
Mardi Gras Festival: Head to Downtown West Monroe for a day full of food trucks, festivities, and live music by Four on the Floor at a Mardi party that will get you ready for the big parade that night. Don your carnival best, and head to the new Alley Park for all the fun. 11 am–7 pm. monroe-westmonroe.org.
February 26
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 3 pm. kreweofgemini.com.
February 27
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.