Must Do Mardi Gras Activities | Best Guide to Celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans (2026)

Ahh… Mardi Gras in New Orleans. If you’re looking for some grown-up fun, this is basically the biggest, wildest, most colorful party in the U.S..

Think parades, beads flying everywhere, and people dancing in the streets like they don’t have to work the next day (spoiler: a lot of them don’t).

It’s a mix of tradition, chaos, and just the right amount of “should I really be doing this?” energy. And yes, you should. You’ll either love it or you’ll hate it but, at least you can say you went.

In this blog, I share your guide to celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans the right way with Mardi Gras activities, insider secrets, tips, and how to stay safe.

What is Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras (aka “Carnival” or “Fat Tuesday” in French) is the last big party before Lent, which means people go all out… big costumes, bigger floats, and a wildly fun atmosphere where anything goes.

Even though it technically started as a religious holiday, it’s now mostly an excuse to eat, drink, and party in the streets. And New Orleans? They do it better than anyone.

You Never Forget Your First Time

Growing up, Mardi Gras made frequent appearances in my family’s household. The fleur de lis symbol may as well have been our family’s crest…

It got to the point where I had so many outlandish souvenirs and bags of colorful beads from my parents’ frequent trips that the only thing I could do was deck out my teen bedroom.

My first Mardi Gras was at 17 for a graduation gift. Most parents try to prevent their kids from partying… Not mine.

It wasn’t like when they innocently took me to Vegas for the (now extinct) “Masquerade Show in the Sky” at Rio (which was my first taste of catching beads from a balcony).

This was different… like my cool parents’ version of a bat mitzvah, officially welcoming me into adulthood.

The VIP party technically had an 18+ rule, but a well-placed tip to the host took care of that.

It was then that I realized just how fun my parents could be… But also, that their love affair with New Orleans would rub off on me forever. I’ve been going to Mardi Gras ever since.

Your Guide to Celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans Like a Local

Get ready to beg for beads and make a fool of yourself. Hey, no one will judge you. It’s New Orleans.. the party just keeps on going. 😉

When is Mardi Gras 2026?

Unlike annual events like Christmas or 4th of July, Mardi Gras’ date changes every year.. in fact, so does the month. It’ll either be in Feburary or March. This year (2026), Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

When’s the Best Time to Go to Mardi Gras? (2026)

If you want the full Mardi Gras experience, the best time to go is the long weekend right before Fat Tuesday. In 2026, that sweet spot runs from February 11 – 17 and just happens to overlap with Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day weekend.

You’ll still get all the parades, parties, and over the top festivities… just with fewer people fighting you for beads. Plus, you’ll have time to check out all the Mardi Gras activities I’m about to share.

🎭 Where to Stay for Mardi Gras: Best Picks for Every Budget

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What to Expect from Mardi Gras

When you come to NOLA during this crazy month-long frat party, just know, there will be a lot of boobs, booze, and beads. It’s basically Vegas with its shirt off. 😉

Lots of eclectic, fun people in creative costumes, themed parade floats led by “krewes”, people throwing beads, amazing food and music, locals getting in the spirit with their beautifully decorated homes (and painted bodies)…

It’s just one big jolly time. There are no shortage of Mardi Gras activities.

Balcony vs. The Crowd: Two Ways to Experience Mardi Gras 🎭

You’ve got two main ways to experience the madness: down in the action or above it all on a balcony. Both are incredible—just depends on what kind of energy you’re looking for.

🏆 The Balcony – VIP vibes, killer views, drinks, food & private restrooms on demand. You throw the beads, watch the chaos, and maybe challenge someone to catch one with their neck. Highly entertaining.

🎭 The Crowd – Shoulder to shoulder madness, prime bead-catching real estate, and a front row seat to the action. I once got so many beads from 1 person that it swallowed my neck up to my chin.

💡 Pro Tip: Be cool. No one should have to flash for a bead if they don't want to. Fellas, I’m talking to you.

Mardi Gras Activities in New Orleans

Sometimes it can be hard to know what Mardi Gras activities there are if you're not a local. From my experience, there are lots of things to do both inside and outside the French Quarter.

What to Expect at Mardi Gras Parades

A big highlight of Mardi Gras is the colorful and extravagant parades. There are so many different krewes, each with their own interesting story like, “Krewe of Rex” (where many of Mardi Gras’ traditions in New Orleans started).

If you think Mardi Gras is just about catching as many beads as possible, you’re kind of missing the point. Sure, it’s fun to feel like a bead magnet, but the real magic is in the throws—the trinkets that krewe members toss from their floats.

Each krewe has its own signature throws, and they get wildly creative. You might catch a hand-painted shoe, a coconut, or some other oddly wonderful keepsake that makes you wonder, who thought of this? (And can I get another one?)

Serious parade goers even try to score a throw bucket... basically a big, colorful container for all your loot.

If you’re feeling fancy, you can decorate your own, or if you’d rather just focus on catching as much as possible, you can buy one pre-made.

Either way, prepare to haul home more random trinkets than you ever knew you needed.

Parades Aren’t Just in the French Quarter

If you really want the best parade experience, don’t just stick to Bourbon Street... branch out and see what else is rolling. Every neighborhood and surrounding district has its own spin on the festivities. Some are massive, some are more local and laid-back, but they all have their own unique charm.

Who knows you may even catch a celebrity sighting. Shaquille O'Neal and Rutina Wesley have participated in recent parades.

Krewe of Tucks and Krewe of Iris: Held on the Uptown route, these parades are known for unique throws and a less crowded atmosphere compared to larger events like Endymion. Many locals prefer these for their charm and accessibility.

See Where the Mardi Gras Floats Are Made

Mardi Gras World in New Orleans is a 300,000 sq. ft. facility for tourists to explore. Take a self guided tour, learn the history of Mardi Gras and get inspired!

Shop Mardi Gras Masks and Souvenirs

You’ll find cheesy shops all over French Quarter selling beads and masks but, if you want a real special spectacle, head to Mardi Gras Mask Market for cool beads, masks, hats, & other unique NOLA finds.

Enjoy a Mardi Gras Tradition - King Cake

One of the biggest traditions of Mardi Gras is King Cake, which you can get at a bakery anywhere in the city. You can also some for home from famous New Orleans bakery Gambino’s. Free shipping included.

Yes, there’s a baby Jesus inside the “cake”. Whoever finds it in their slice is queen or king for the day. 😉

Luxury Mardi Gras Experiences: Beyond the Beads & Crowds

Mardi Gras in New Orleans doesn’t have to mean jostling through packed streets and dodging airborne beads. For those who prefer a more refined celebration, there are exclusive experiences that let you enjoy the magic of Carnival in ultimate style.

Afternoon Tea with a Mardi Gras Twist 🍰☕

Indulge in a themed high tea at Le Salon in the Windsor Court Hotel, featuring king cake scones, champagne-infused treats, and festive cocktails in an elegant setting.

VIP Balcony Packages🍾

I love people-watching at Mardi Gras... the costumes, the energy... But after a while, you’ve seen enough… and by "enough," I mean the same guy’s bare butt hanging out of his jeans every time you walk by.

That’s when it’s time to head up to a private balcony at a historic French Quarter mansion. Up here, you get premium open bar, gourmet hors d’oeuvres and dinner, king cake, private restrooms and personal service. Plus, the best view in the city without the street chaos.

And let’s be honest... being the one tossing beads from above? Way more fun. Oh, and the air conditioning on humid days doesn’t hurt either. 😏

How to Book Tickets

Through my hotel, I was able to book balcony tickets at Cornet Restaurant right where all the action on Bourbon Street is. Or, you can book for yourself here.

Attend a Mardi Gras Ball

Most of these balls are exclusive, invitation only events and only open to members of the krewe or invited guest. However, in recent history, select krewes have opened tickets up to the public like Endymion and Orpheus. Check with your hotel concierge for more info.

Where to Eat Your Weight in Mardi Gras Treats 🍩

Mardi Gras in New Orleans isn’t just a party. It’s a glorious, powdered sugar-drenched, pastry-filled excuse to consume way too many festive treats. Here’s where to indulge:

☕ Café du Monde – Beignets. Mountains of powdered sugar. You’ll look like you lost a fight with a flour bag, but it’s worth it.

🍩 Café Beignet – Like Café du Monde but with more seating and fewer flying elbows. 4 locations in French Quarter: Bourbon & Royal are my favorite with outdoor patio. Occasionally whips up Mardi Gras-themed surprises and has live music.

🍰 Sucré – French desserts so fancy they practically have an accent. Home to a legendary King Cake and the kind of treats that make you feel like royalty.

💡 Pro Tip: Mardi Gras means off-menu. Check their Instagrams or risk missing out on something wildly delicious. ✨

Transportation to New Orleans & Getting Around

✈️ Flying In: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is the main hub. Book flights early, as Mardi Gras season sees a surge in travelers.

🚗 Skip the Rental Car Hassle: Rental car lines at MSY can be insanely long during Mardi Gras. Book online in advance to avoid the wait, or opt for a rideshare instead—parking in the French Quarter is a nightmare anyway.

🚕 Getting Around:

• Streetcars 🚋 – A charming and cheap way to explore ($1.25 per ride, $3 for a day pass).
• Uber/Lyft & Taxis 🚖 – Convenient, but expect surge pricing during peak times.
• Walking 🚶‍♂️ – The best way to soak in the city, especially in the Quarter!

💡 Pro Tip: Skip renting a car unless you're road-tripping—parking is expensive, and many streets are closed for parades.

How to Plan in Advance

It's fine if you're spontaneous and low-key, but if you're like me and want the best of the best, you got to book in advance.

Mardi Gras fans are die hard. I even met a guy before our party with legit... 6 HUGE moving-sized boxes of beads from a wholesale supplier months before.

Book hotels, restaurants, VIP balcony parties, costume rentals, and events, far in advance as early as August and as late as December the previous year. Southern Costume Company and Carl Mack Costumes have good costumes and check out Fifi Mahony's for headdresses.

Amazon also has costumes for men and women and beads.

That's a Wrap!

And there you have it! I hope you enjoyed this Mardi Gras guide and so you can plan your trip to New Orleans!

Would you go to New Orleans for Mardi Gras? Have you been to Mardi Gras? Tell me your favorite experiences in the comments below!