Mardi Gras, French for "Fat Tuesday", is the final day of the carnival season that begins on January 6 and ends the day before Ash Wednesday. In New Orleans, it is the biggest event of the year, with dozens of parades, costumed krewes, marching bands, brass music and nonstop street life. The 2027 date, Tuesday, February 9, is earlier than in many recent years, so crowds and hotel demand may build earlier than you expect. This guide explains how the season works, the key parades, where to watch, how to stay safe, what to wear and how to organise a first visit.
Mardi Gras 2027 Dates
Mardi Gras Day is Tuesday, February 9, 2027, which falls 47 days before Easter. The carnival season formally begins on January 6, the Epiphany or Twelfth Night, when king cake appears in bakeries across the city. Parades run for roughly two weeks before Fat Tuesday, with the biggest crowds on the two weekends before and on the final three days: the Saturday before, Sunday, Monday (Lundi Gras) and Tuesday. The parade schedule is published by the city and the krewes in the weeks before the event, so check the official New Orleans tourism and city sites for the exact schedule, routes and any changes.
Understanding Krewes and Parades
A krewe is a social club that organises a parade, designs the floats, chooses a theme and throws items, called throws, to the crowd. Some krewes are small and local, while others, called super krewes, have thousands of members and huge, elaborate floats. Famous parades include Endymion, which rolls on the Saturday before Mardi Gras, Bacchus on the Sunday, Orpheus on Lundi Gras and, on the morning of Mardi Gras itself, Zulu followed by Rex, the oldest and most traditional. Most major parades run along St. Charles Avenue in Uptown and Mid-City, rather than in the French Quarter, which is a common misconception among first-time visitors.
What Are Throws?
Throws are the items tossed from floats, including colourful plastic beads, doubloons (metal or plastic coins), cups, stuffed toys and decorated coconuts from Zulu, which are one of the most prized throws. The traditional call is "Throw me something, mister!" Do not rush into the street to pick up throws, and watch for hands and feet near floats and tractors. Bring a bag to carry your catch, and ask kids to stand back from the curb.
Where to Watch
- St. Charles Avenue (Uptown): the classic family-friendly spot, with picnics, tents and neighbourhood groups. Arrive early to claim a space, and check the current rules on ladders and chairs.
- Canal Street and the CBD: a more urban, bustling atmosphere with easier access to hotels and public transport.
- The French Quarter: famous for its street party and costumes, but with fewer large parades. It is lively and crowded, and better suited to adults.
- The Marigny and Bywater: a more local and artistic scene with walking parades and costumed groups on Mardi Gras Day.
- Mid-City: where Endymion rolls, with massive crowds and a festival atmosphere.
King Cake and Food
King cake is the signature treat of the season: a ring-shaped, brioche-like cake covered in purple, green and gold sugar, with a small plastic baby hidden inside. Whoever finds the baby is traditionally supposed to buy the next cake or host the next party. Beyond king cake, try gumbo, jambalaya, po'boys, beignets with café au lait, red beans and rice and fresh seafood. Book dinner reservations early for Mardi Gras weekend, since popular restaurants fill up fast.
A 4-Day First-Timer Plan
Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival and a parade
Arrive, check in, and walk through the French Quarter before the crowds build. In the afternoon, catch an Uptown parade, and enjoy dinner in the Garden District or the Quarter.
Day 2 (Sunday): Uptown family parades
Stake out a spot on St. Charles Avenue, enjoy a picnic and the parades, and take a streetcar back to your hotel.
Day 3 (Monday, Lundi Gras): Music and the Quarter
Walk along Frenchmen Street for live music, enjoy the evening and rest for Fat Tuesday.
Day 4 (Tuesday): Mardi Gras Day
Wake early, watch the morning parades of Zulu and Rex, and then walk through the French Quarter and the Marigny to see costumes and walking parades. Public events end at midnight, when police clear Bourbon Street, marking the end of the season.
Hotels and When to Book
Mardi Gras is peak season, with hotel prices several times higher than normal and many hotels requiring minimum stays. Book as early as possible, ideally six months ahead, and compare locations: the French Quarter is atmospheric but loud, the Warehouse District and CBD are convenient for parades and the streetcar, and the Garden District is quieter and charming. Check cancellation terms, and ask about parking, since street closures make driving difficult.
Getting There and Around
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport serves the city, with direct and one-stop flights from many cities. Within the city, the streetcar along St. Charles Avenue is a scenic and practical way to reach Uptown parades, though it can be crowded. Ride-hailing services work, but roads are closed and surge pricing is common. Walking is often the fastest way to move around the central areas. Avoid driving on parade days, and plan to leave extra time for any flight home, since the airport is very busy after the event.
Costumes, Masks and Local Customs
Costumes are a big part of Mardi Gras, and many people dress up, particularly on Mardi Gras Day. Local rules generally restrict wearing masks in public except on Mardi Gras Day and during certain events, so check the current rules if you plan to wear a face mask. Avoid costumes that are offensive or that involve cultural appropriation. The traditional colours are purple (justice), green (faith) and gold (power). Be careful with flowing costumes near crowds and moving floats.
Safety: Practical Advice
- Keep your phone, wallet and passport secure, since pickpocketing happens in crowds. Use zipped inner pockets.
- Do not carry valuables to parades, and avoid walking alone late at night in quiet areas, even in popular neighbourhoods.
- Drink responsibly. Public drinking is allowed in plastic cups, but heavy drinking leads to many injuries and robberies.
- Stay away from floats and tractors, and keep children close.
- Use official taxis or ride-hailing, and agree on a meeting point with your group.
- Follow police and event staff instructions, particularly in the French Quarter at night.
What to Pack
Comfortable walking shoes, layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons, a rain jacket, a small crossbody bag, a power bank, sunscreen, a reusable cup and ear protection for loud brass bands. Pack beads and costume items if you plan to dress up, and leave expensive jewellery at home.
Budget Planning Without Guesswork
New Orleans is much more expensive during Mardi Gras. Build a list of flights, hotel nights with minimum stays, food, drinks, transport, parade viewing seats if you buy them, costume items and a buffer of 15 percent or more. Compare hotels in several neighbourhoods, and check taxes and fees. Free parades and street music keep costs down, and cheaper hotels on the edge of the central area may save money.
Pairing New Orleans With Other Trips
If you are comparing carnivals, see our guides to Rio Carnival 2027 and Venice Carnival 2027. For a longer US Gulf Coast or southern route, Zentrevo's curated journeys are a good source of route ideas to adapt around Mardi Gras week.
More Questions Visitors Ask
Is Mardi Gras suitable for children?
Yes, in family-friendly areas such as St. Charles Avenue during the daytime. The French Quarter and Bourbon Street are better suited to adults.
Do I need tickets for parades?
No, parades along public routes are free. Some grandstand seats and private balconies charge for viewing.
When is the best day to visit?
The weekend before Fat Tuesday offers many large parades, while Mardi Gras Day is the culmination. Weekdays earlier in the season are quieter and cheaper.
How many days do I need?
Four days covers the main parades, the French Quarter and a day to rest.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Booking hotels late and paying very high prices.
- Expecting all the big parades in the French Quarter.
- Driving on parade days and getting stuck in closures.
- Carrying valuables and large bags to crowded events.
- Underestimating the energy needed for several days of crowds.
Final Checklist
- Parade schedule and routes checked on official sites.
- Hotel booked with flexible terms and a meeting plan agreed.
- Comfortable shoes, a crossbody bag and a power bank packed.
- A safe plan for getting back to your hotel each night.
If you want help planning New Orleans around your dates and budget, use the contact form below.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Mardi Gras 2027?
Mardi Gras Day (Fat Tuesday) is Tuesday, February 9, 2027, with the carnival season starting on January 6.
What are the biggest Mardi Gras parades?
Endymion on the Saturday before, Bacchus on Sunday, Orpheus on Lundi Gras, and Zulu and Rex on Mardi Gras morning.
Where should I watch the parades?
St. Charles Avenue is the classic family-friendly spot, while the French Quarter is best for the street party and costumes.
What is king cake?
A ring-shaped brioche-style cake in purple, green and gold, with a plastic baby hidden inside.
Is Mardi Gras safe for tourists?
It can be, with normal precautions: secure valuables, stay with your group and use reliable transport.
How early should I book a hotel?
As early as possible, ideally about six months ahead.
