The city of Lake Charles comes alive during the festive season of Mardi Gras. Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras) 2024 falls on February 13, but before that, Southwest Louisiana celebrates with a vibrant array of parades, gumbo cookoffs, and King Cake, creating a family-friendly atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. Mardi Gras traditions are deeply ingrained in the fabric of Southwest Louisiana, and Lake Charles showcases this rich cultural heritage through its various events. Families can enjoy the excitement and joy of Mardi Gras by attending the numerous parades organized by over 60 krewes. The Southwest Krewe of Krewes parade, held on Fat Tuesday, is a highlight of the season. In addition to the parades, there are also gumbo cookoffs where locals can showcase their culinary skills. The city’s bakeries, restaurants, and businesses actively participate in the Mardi Gras spirit by offering traditional King Cakes and seasonal specials. Lake Charles truly embraces the family-friendly nature of Mardi Gras, creating an unforgettable experience for all.

2023 Lake Charles Mardi Gras Parades and Events Schedule

Lake Charles Mardi Gras Twelfth Night

• January 6
• Lake Charles Event Center
• Doors open at 6 PM, event starts at 7 pm

History of Mardi Gras Opening Reception

• January 18
• Imperial Calcasieu Museum
• 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Lake Charles Mardi Gras Community Dance

• January 25
• Lake Charles Event Center
• 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Knights Of St. Peter Claver Mardi Gras Parade

• February 3
• 2526 Opelousas St

Lake Charles Mardi Gras Parade

• February 4
• Starts at Lake Charles Event Center
• Registration 8 AM -11:45 AM; Parade Starts at 12:45 PM

Lake Charles Mardi Gras Lighted Boat Parade

• February 8
• Lakefront Promenade
• Starts at 7 PM

Oak Park Elementary Mardi Gras Parade

• February 8
• Oak Park Elementary School

Lake Charles Mardi Gras Merchants’ Parade

• February 9
• Downtown-Midtown Lake Charles down Ryan Street
• Starting: 7:00 PM

Lake Charles Children’s Mardi Gras Stroll

• February 10
• 11 am – 12 pm

Krewe of Barkus Parade

• February 10
• Downtown Lake Charles
  
• 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Krewe of Omega Parade

• February 10
• Downtown Lake Charles on Ryan Street
• Starting: 02:00 PM

World Famous Cajun Extravaganza and Gumbo Cook-off in Lake Charles

• February 10
• Lake Charles Event Center
• 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

Lake Charles Mardi Gras Madness 5k

• February 11
• Starting: 12:30 PM

Lake Charles Mardi Gras Children’s Day

• February 11
• Lake Charles Event Center
• 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Lake Charles Mardi Gras Children’s Day Parade

• February 11
• From Downtown on Ryan Street to Sale Road
• 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Mardi Gras Royal Gala

• February 12
• Inside the Lake Charles Event Center
• Starting: 7:00 PM

Jeeps on Parade

• February 13
• Downtown Lake Charles, down Ryan Street
• Starting: 02:30 PM

Lake Charles Mardi Gras in the ZONE

• February 13
• Empty parking lot between the Charleston Building and Parish Court House
• 11:30 am – 3:30 pm

Lake Charles Mardi Gras Southwest Krewe of Krewes Parade

• February 13
• Downtown-Midtown Lake Charles on Ryan Street
• Starting at 5 pm

Lake Charles Motor Gras Parade

• February 13
• Downtown-Midtown Lake Charles on Ryan Street
• Starting at 3 PM

Lake Charles Second Line Stroll

• February 13
• Downtown Lake Charles, Route is Ryan Street, south to Sallier Street.
• Starting: 01:00 PM

Lake Charles Mardi Gras Block Party

• February 13
• Broad Street
• 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm