Mardi Gras on the Northshore
New Orleans may have the flashy reputation, but they throw some wild parties across the bridge, too.
The Northshore Covington, Louisiana
David Thibodeaux
From raucous revelry, to family-friendly fun, to pooch parades, the folks of the Northshore in Slidell, Mandeville, Covington, and beyond have plenty of festivities to celebrate Carnival without ever having to cross the Causeway. When making your Mardi party plans, please remember to verify routes and schedules at individual parade sites and Facebook pages, or at louisiananorthshore.com, just in case any changes have been made.
January 27
Krewe of Bilge: The Northshore's marine-Mardi Gras, the boats of the Krewe of Bilge travel down the waterways of Slidell, starting at the Marina Cafe and ending at the Dock of Slidell. Noon. kreweofbilge.com.
Krewe of Poseidon: Themed “Carnivals, Around The World,” this year’s parade will feature around twenty-five floats traveling down Ponchartrain Drive in Slidell. 6 pm. poseidonslidell.com.
January 28
Krewe of Pearl River Lions Club: Join the town of Pearl River to celebrate the season with floats, the Pearl River High School Band, dance groups, cheerleaders, local clubs, churches, and families. 1 pm starting at Pearl River High School, heading south on Highway 41 then east to Highway 11, and ending at Town Hall. louisiananorthshore.com.
Phillip Colwart
February 2
Krewe of Eve: It began with six women, and now has over five hundred members (who wear elaborately decorated sweatshirts). With beautifully decorated Blaine Kern floats, this parade begins on LA-22 and continues down West Causeway Approach above Monroe Street, crossing 190 and ending on East Causeway Approach. 7 pm. kreweofeve.com.
Krewe of Mona Lisa and MoonPie Parade: Celebrate 40 years of Slidell's original marching club, the Krewe of Mona Lisa and MoonPie, as they shimmy, dance, and boogaloo through Olde Towne Slidell. Paying homage to the legendary Bill Murray, the parade invites everyone to join the festivities, whether as a member, flambeaux torch bearer, sponsor, or costumed viewer. With the route starting and ending at KY's in Olde Towne Slidell, this creative walking parade promises a family-friendly event filled with whimsical costumes, creativity, and, of course, MoonPies. Join the fun and express yourself with Mona. 7pm. visitthenorthshore.com.
February 3
Krewe of Push Mow: A group of artists in Abita Springs decided it would be a hoot if they decorated lawn mowers for a parade (spoiler alert: it is). Noon starting on Main Street. mardigrasneworleans.com.
Krewe of Tchefuncte: Cruising down Madisonville's Tchefuncte River, this boat parade celebrates maritime life on the historic river. 1 pm. kreweoftchefuncte.org.
Krewe of Olympia: The oldest parade in St. Tammany, King Zeus’ identity is kept secret until the parade, which starts on Columbia Street. 5 pm. kreweofolympia.net.
Krewe of Slidellians: Join the grandeur of the Krewe of Slidellians' Bal Masque with the newly crowned King and Queen Samaritan, along with maids, dukes, live performances in the 73rd edition of this Mardi Gras celebration.7 pm. facebook.com.
Krewe de Paws of Olde Towne: Join the fun at Krewe de Paws of Olde Towne, Slidell’s Canine Carnival Krewe, for a delightful dog-friendly parade through Olde Towne Slidell at 10 a.m. The theme for canine and human costumes will be revealed on their Facebook page closer to the event. This lively parade not only celebrates our furry friends but also raises awareness for pet rescue and adoption, with proceeds donated to local animal welfare organizations. facebook.com.
February 4
Krewe of Dionysus: Named for the Greek God of wine and "inspired madness", Slidell's first all-male krewe will set out at 1 pm on Berkley Street. kreweofdionysus.com.
Mason Wood
February 9
Krewe of Selene: Slidell's only all-female krewe tosses out one-of-a-kind hand-decorated purses. Rolls at 6:30 pm down Pontchartrain Drive and Front Street. kreweofselene.net.
February 10
Krewe of Omega: See the regal King Bradley Hayes and Queen Sarah Hayes when they roll through the streets of downtown Hammond as monarchs of the Omega parade, this year with the theme "Spirit of Louisiana!" 6:30 pm. kreweofomega.org.
Krewe of Bush: The Northshore community of Bush hosts its own family-friendly parade featuring trucks, boats, horses, and more. 9 am. mardigrasneworleans.com.
February 12
CMST Kids Krewe Parade: Celebrate Carnival with the Children's Museum of St. Tammany Kids Krewe Parade on Lundi Gras. Secure your spot by registering your wagon and join the festive procession. noon. cmstkids.org.
February 13
Carnival in Covington: Covington’s main parade includes full-sized floats, hand-built floats, marching bands, dancers, walking groups, horses, cars, and a kids’ costume contest at the mid-point of the parade route through the downtown area. 10 am. carnivalincovington.com.
Tammany Gras: This free party immediately follows the Carnival in Covington parade at the Covington Trailhead. Features live music, food trucks, drinks, a “Little Jesters” area with crafts, costume contests, and more until 4 pm. louisiananorthshore.com.
Krewe of Folsom: An eclectic parade invites all to join in on the fun with the citizens of Folsom. 2 pm. Begins and ends Magnolia Park. 2 pm. mardigrasneworleans.com.
Krewe of Bogue Falaya Mardi Gras Parade: Celebrate Mardi Gras Day on the Northshore with the Krewe of Bogue Falaya. This is a vibrant parade rolling at 10:15 am, featuring 600+ members, 20 traditional Mardi Gras floats, marching bands, walking groups, horses, and costume contests with prizes, promises a day of family-friendly festivities. The theme, "School Daze in a Mardi Gras Haze," adds a playful touch. Following the parade, the City of Covington hosts a lively party at the Covington Trailhead from 1 pm–4 pm, featuring live music, food trucks, and more. carnivalincovington.com.
February 17
Krewe du Pooch: Dogs for days out on the Mandeville Lakefront with the theme “Great Gatsby by Krewe du Pooch”. Noon. krewedupooch.org.
February 18
Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws: This dog parade in downtown Covington is a lot more bark than bite. 2 pm. mardipaws.com.
