Mardi Gras Tailgating in Louisiana: Must-Have Gear for the Ultimate Party

Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana isn’t just a celebration, it’s a sport. And like any sport, you’ve gotta have the right gear if you want to win. Now, “winning” Mardi Gras tailgating doesn’t mean getting a trophy. It means making it through the parade without running out of supplies, embarrassing yourself (too much), or waking up in a stranger’s lawn chair with no idea where your shoes went.

Last year, my buddy Boudreaux learned the hard way. He forgot half his stuff and ended up wearing a trash bag as a rain poncho and eating nothing but moon pies for 12 hours. Don't be like Boudreaux. Pack smart.

1. The Essentials (aka: Stuff You Actually Need)

• Lawn Chair: You think you’ll stand all day? Cute. Bring a chair before you end up sitting on a stranger’s ice chest.
• Ice Chest: Speaking of which, an ice chest isn’t just for drinks. It doubles as a seat, a dance platform, and a shield against rogue beads.
• Beads (Lots of ‘Em): You can never have too many beads, unless you’re trying to drive home with them tangled in your steering wheel.
• A Good Attitude: If someone knocks over your drink, just grab another. If someone steals your spot, find a better one. It’s Mardi Gras, go with the flow.

2. Food & Drinks (So You Don’t End Up Eating Mystery Gumbo)

• Boudin & Cracklins: Because it’s SWLA, and it’s basically a law.
• King Cake: Whoever gets the baby has to buy next year’s cake. Or, if you’re a true genius, you swallow the baby and deny everything.
• Tailgate Grill: Nothing smells better than burgers, hot dogs, and questionable meats cooked in a parking lot.
• Plenty of Beer: Preferably in a koozie that says something like “Laissez les bon temps rouler” or “Beer Me, I’m Cajun.”
• A Bottle of Water: No, seriously. At some point, you’ll want it.

3. Mardi Gras Survival Gear (So You Make It to the End of the Parade)

• Rain Poncho: If it doesn’t rain, congrats! If it does, at least you won’t be the guy wearing a Hefty bag.
• Backup Sunglasses: You will lose your first pair. It’s tradition.
• Portable Phone Charger: Because your phone will die right when your friend texts, “Where are y’all?”
• Comfortable Shoes: Cowboy boots? Fine. Flip-flops? Rookie mistake. Tennis shoes? Now we’re talking.

4. Things You Should Bring, But Will Probably Forget

• Toilet Paper: Public bathrooms at Mardi Gras are what nightmares are made of. Come prepared.
• Hand Sanitizer: Because at some point, you’ll regret high-fiving that guy in the alligator suit.
• A Trash Bag: For your empties, your leftovers, or your buddy Boudreaux when he passes out.
• Duct Tape: You won’t know why you need it, but trust me, you will.

Mardi Gras tailgating in SWLA is an art. It takes skill, planning, and at least one person responsible enough to drive home. Pack wisely, pace yourself, and remember, if you end up wearing a plastic crown and leading a second line down Ryan Street at midnight, you’re doing it right.

Laissez les bon temps rouler!