Lake Charles Mardi Gras 2025 in Louisiana

Southwest Louisiana is renowned for its vibrant Mardi Gras festivities, complete with authentic Cajun cuisine and lively parades. Lake Charles stands out as a top destination to experience Louisiana traditions, hosting over a dozen parades and parties early in the year. Among the highlights is the World Famous Cajun Extravaganza and Gumbo Cook-Off, where visitors can indulge in flavorful dishes and immerse themselves in the region's rich cultural heritage.

Parades & Events

The Mardi Gras season in Lake Charles kicks off with the Southwest Louisiana Queens Pageant on Saturday, November 2, followed by the Twelfth Night celebration on Monday, January 6. Festivities ramp up with the Merchants' Parade on Friday, February 28, marking the start of daily events in Downtown Lake Charles.

Saturday, March 1, features highlights like the World Famous Cajun Extravaganza and Gumbo Cook-Off at the Lake Charles Event Center, the Children's Mardi Gras Stroll, and the Krewe of Omega and Krewe of Barkus Parades. Sunday, March 2, focuses on family fun with the Mardi Gras Children's Day and Parade, also held at the Event Center. Royal Gala on Monday, March 3, will showcase a promenade of the Krewes’ royalty.

Iowa Chicken Run (March 4, 2024)

On Mardi Gras Day in Lake Charles, you can enjoy unique events like the Downtown Mardi Gras Block Party, Mardi Gras in the ZONE, and the Iowa Chicken Run. The Iowa Chicken Run is a lively tradition where participants chase chickens to make gumbo. The parade follows Hwy 90, stopping at local businesses and homes where participants dance to zydeco music to earn gumbo ingredients, including live chickens tossed into the air. Afterward, the ingredients are cooked into gumbo, and the event concludes with a zydeco dance featuring Rusty Metoyer & the Zydeco Krush at 5 pm.

Mardi Gras Day (March 4, 2024)

On Mardi Gras Day, also known as Fat Tuesday, Lake Charles comes alive with vibrant parades, including the Second Line Stroll, Jeeps on Parade, and Motor Gras Parade. The festivities culminate at 5 pm with the Krewe of Krewes Parade, a four-mile celebration featuring over 60 krewes on decorated floats. Participants toss beads, cups, and other trinkets to excited crowds. Don your purple, green, and gold and join the fun by shouting, “Throw me somethin’, mister!” for a lively and memorable Mardi Gras experience.

Tickets

Most Mardi Gras parades in Lake Charles are free to attend, making it an accessible and festive experience for everyone. For competitions and galas, admission is $10, with free entry for children aged five and under.