Lake Charles & Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Events 2025

Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana is right around the corner, and that means parades, music, delicious food, and a whole lot of fun! Whether you're a longtime local or just visiting, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Grab your beads, put on your best purple, green, and gold, and get ready for an unforgettable celebration!

Friday, February 28: Merchants' Parade

The party kicks off in Downtown Lake Charles with the Merchants' Parade! Businesses and organizations will roll through the streets with creative floats, handing out beads, trinkets, and tons of Mardi Gras spirit. It’s the perfect way to start the weekend!

Saturday, March 1: Gumbo, Krewes, and Pups!

Saturday is packed with excitement! First up, the World Famous Cajun Extravaganza and Gumbo Cook-off takes over the Lake Charles Event Center. If you love gumbo (and who doesn’t?), you won’t want to miss this chance to taste some of the best around!

After you’ve filled up on delicious gumbo, head downtown for the Children’s Mardi Gras Stroll, where little ones get to join in on the fun. Then, stick around for the Krewe of Omega Parade, followed by the always adorable Krewe of Barkus Parade, where costumed pups strut their stuff!

Sunday, March 2: Kids Take Over Mardi Gras!

Sunday is all about family fun! Mardi Gras Children's Day happens inside the Lake Charles Event Center, featuring interactive activities, crafts, and games. Later, the Children’s Mardi Gras Parade rolls through, giving kids their very own spotlight in the celebration!

Tuesday, March 4: Fat Tuesday Madness!

Mardi Gras Day, also known as Fat Tuesday, is the grand finale of the celebration! The streets come alive with an action-packed lineup of parades, including the Second Line Stroll, Jeeps on Parade, and the Motor Gras Parade. Then, the biggest and most anticipated parade of all—the Southwest Louisiana Krewe of Krewes Parade—takes over downtown!

But that’s not all! You can also check out the Downtown Mardi Gras Block Party, bring the kids to Mardi Gras in the ZONE, or head to Iowa, Louisiana, for the unique and quirky Iowa Chicken Run!

CALENDAR OF PARADES FOR SWLA MARDI GRAS 2025:

FEB 22 - Sam Houston Jones State Park Parade
FEB 23 - Lake Charles Mardi Gras Parade & Zydeco Dance
FEB 28 - Mardi Gras Merchants' Parade
MAR 01 - Children's Mardi Gras Stroll
MAR 01 - Krewe of Barkus Parade
MAR 01 - Krewe of Omega Parade
MAR 02 - Mardi Gras Lighted Boat Parade
MAR 02 - Mardi Gras Children's Day Parade
MAR 04 - Iowa Chicken Run
MAR 04 - Second Line Stroll
MAR 04 - Jeeps On Parade
MAR 04 - Motor Gras Parade
MAR 04 - Krewe of Krewes Parade