Mardi Gras in Lake Charles 2016: Family-Friendly Parades, Events & Full Schedule
In Southwest Louisiana, Mardi Gras is a thrilling tradition! In 2016, Fat Tuesday falls on February 9. Leading up to the celebration, the region hosts numerous events, with Lake Charles offering family-friendly fun for all ages.
(For a downloadable event & parade schedule, click here)
Events are hyperlinked below. For a full listing of Mardi Gras events, click here.
Celebrations began on January 6 with the 12th Night event, building excitement through Fat Tuesday!
Saturday, Jan. 23
Krewe des Gratis in Vinton kicks off the season with a gumbo cook-off and parade—perfect party starters!
Saturday, Jan. 30
The City of Sulphur features a parade plus a full-day Mardi Gras Festival at Heritage Square, including live music, a King Cake taste-off, food vendors, and kids' entertainment.
Mardi Gras Weekend
Friday, Feb. 5
Lake Charles parades begin with the Merchants’ Parade through Downtown-Midtown.
Saturday, Feb. 6
Enjoy a trail ride in Carlyss, traditional float (Omega) and Fido (Krewe of Barkus) parades, krewe presentations (Cosmos & Illusions), live Zydeco music and dancing, and the World Famous Cajun Extravaganza Gumbo Cook-off with Southern and Cajun tunes.
Sunday, Feb. 7
Sunday Funday offers all-you-can-eat dishes at Taste de la Louisiane; arts, crafts, music, and magic at Children’s Day; a Children’s Day parade; and a glowing boat parade on Lake Charles.
Monday, Feb. 8
The Royal Gala is the season’s highlight—a close-up view of courts from over 60 krewes, featuring kings, queens, dukes, duchesses, captains, courtesans, jesters, and stunning costumes.
Fat Tuesday, Feb. 9
Join the rural Iowa Chicken Run: ride a float, catch a chicken, and savor gumbo with live music. Then return to Lake Charles for the Motor Gras Parade and the grand Krewe of Krewes’ Parade with over 100 elaborate floats, costumes, and beads.
Can’t make Mardi Gras 2016? Visit the Mardi Gras Museum for year-round festivities. Planning ahead? Fat Tuesday is February 28 in 2017.
