Get Ready to Roll! Your Ultimate Guide to Lafayette Mardi Gras 2026
Lafayette, Louisiana, is gearing up for an explosion of purple, green, and gold as Mardi Gras 2026 approaches! From vibrant walking parades to grand, show-stopping krewes, the Hub City knows how to celebrate. If you’re planning to experience the magic, mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable Fat Tuesday season!
Why Lafayette Mardi Gras?
While New Orleans gets much of the fame, Lafayette offers an authentic, family-friendly, and incredibly lively Mardi Gras experience. You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere, unique local traditions, and plenty of opportunities to catch beads, enjoy delicious Cajun cuisine, and dance to the sounds of zydeco and swamp pop.
Lafayette Mardi Gras 2026 Parade Schedule: Dates & Times
To make sure you don’t miss a single moment of the revelry, here’s your comprehensive guide to the Lafayette Mardi Gras 2026 parade schedule, complete with dates, times, and parade names.
Friday, February 6th, 2026
- 7:00 PM: Krewe de Canailles (Walking Parade)
- Kick off the season with this unique, bohemian walking parade through downtown Lafayette!
Saturday, February 7th, 2026
- 12:00 PM: Krewe des Chiens (Dog Parade)
- A local favorite! Watch costumed canines and their owners strut their stuff for charity. Adorable and fun for all ages!
- 6:30 PM: Krewe of Carnivale en Rio
- Experience a taste of Brazil meets Acadiana with elaborate floats, stunning costumes, and high-energy music.
Friday, February 13th, 2026
- 6:30 PM: Krewe of Allons “Kick-Off” Parade
- The official start of the main weekend festivities, setting the stage for a non-stop party!
Saturday, February 14th, 2026
- 12:30 PM: Children’s Parade
- Designed with the little ones in mind, this parade is packed with kid-friendly floats, characters, and plenty of throws for the excited youngsters.
- 6:30 PM: Krewe of Bonaparte
- One of Lafayette’s largest and most anticipated parades, known for its grand floats and generous throws.
Monday, February 16th, 2026 (Lundi Gras)
- 6:00 PM: Queen Evangeline’s Parade
- A regal procession featuring the court of Queen Evangeline, adding a touch of classic Mardi Gras elegance.
Tuesday, February 17th, 2026 (Mardi Gras Day!)
- 10:00 AM: King Gabriel’s Parade
- Start your Fat Tuesday bright and early with King Gabriel’s procession, a long-standing tradition in Lafayette.
- 1:00 PM: Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival Parade
- The biggest parade of the day, a culmination of all the season’s excitement, winding its way to Cajun Field.
- 2:30 PM: Independent Parade
- Following the main festival parade, catch this vibrant procession with diverse krewes and community groups.
Where to Watch the Parades
Most major parades in Lafayette kick off at Pontiac Point (the intersection of Jefferson Street and Surrey Street) and roll south, typically ending at Cajun Field. Cajun Field is also home to Le Festival de Mardi Gras Ă Lafayette, which runs from February 13th to February 17th, offering carnival rides, live music, and delicious food.
Pro Tip for Parade Goers:
- Arrive Early: Especially on the main parade weekends and Mardi Gras Day, find your spot along the route well in advance.
- Bring a Bag: You’ll need something to carry all those beads and throws!
- Stay Hydrated: It’s a long day of fun, so keep water handy.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of standing and possibly dancing!
Lafayette’s Mardi Gras is a celebration of culture, community, and pure joy. Start planning your trip now and get ready to catch some beads! Laissez les bons temps rouler!
