The top five things to do at Mardi Gras are bar-hopping along St. Charles Avenue, dressing up in costume, following the krewes, catching parade throws, and learning the festival's history. Parades roll for about 2 weeks before Fat Tuesday, which lands on February 17 in 2026, so the Bayou Swamp Tours team built this quick itinerary.
There is so much to do in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, and our full guide to Mardi Gras covers the planning details. Use the five ideas below to fill your days, then read on for a way to escape the crowds when you need a break.
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Where Should You Go Bar-Hopping?
Every year parades are held throughout the city. One of the best parade routes is along St. Charles Ave between Napoleon and Canal Street. Here you will find a mixture of people young and old hanging out watching the different floats roll by. There are plenty of bars to pop in and grab a drink. It is the perfect area for bar-hopping. Don’t forget to taste some delicious local cuisine. From margaritas to local craft beer there is sure to be something for everyone in your group.
Should You Dress Up in Costume?
Everyone dresses up for Mardi Gras. Go ahead and wear something crazy. Don’t have any costumes in your closet? No worries, stop by one of New Orleans’ many costume and mask shops to get yourself sorted. There are shops located in the French Quarter and Garden District, including Fifi Mahony’s and Bootsy’s Funrock’n. If you’re not into wearing crazy outfits you can opt for dressing in the official colors of Mardi Gras: green, gold, and purple.
What Are the Mardi Gras Krewes?
The krewes play a very important role during Mardi Gras. They are in many ways the ring leaders of the celebrations. If you have the opportunity to be invited to a Krewe Carnival Ball, go. It may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you are not lucky enough to get a personal invite, head over to the Endymion Extravaganza. The Carnival Ball is open to the public; all you have to do is buy a ticket. For animal lovers, go watch the parade of dogs hosted by the Mystic Krewe of Barkus. Yes, you may have a chance to meet some of the pups! For the full parade calendar and route maps, check Mardi Gras New Orleans.
How Do You Catch Beads and Doubloons?
While watching the parades keep an eye out for throws. This is when krewes toss items out to the spectators. Some of the items you can catch include colorful beads, doubloons, decorative cups, and much more. You may even have a chance to catch a rare item such as Zulu coconuts. Bring home a piece of Mardi Gras! Stand near the front of the crowd, make eye contact with riders, and keep your hands up to improve your odds.
Why Does Mardi Gras History Matter?
Finally, it’s important to take a moment to learn about the history and culture of the festival. Stop by one of the many museums such as Mardi Gras World, or take one of the Mardi Gras guided tours. This is a good option for anyone visiting New Orleans outside of Mardi Gras. With roughly 18 million visitors passing through the city in a recent year, per New Orleans & Company, the culture behind the beads runs far deeper than a single party.
How Can You Escape the Crowds?
When the parade routes get overwhelming, trade the pavement for the water. Bayou Swamp Tours runs 90-minute airboat trips departing about 30 minutes from the French Quarter, carrying 6 to 10 passengers on small airboats and up to 27 on large boats. February highs in New Orleans average about 62 degrees, according to the National Weather Service, making a mid-day tour a comfortable break from the crowds. Book a swamp tour to balance the festivities with a little nature.
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