List: 2026 Mardi Gras weekend parades across New Orleans | Mardi Gras

Strap yourselves in, people — it’s here!

Mardi Gras 2026 is reaching its zenith, and metro New Orleans will be the center of the galaxy for parades, balls, parties and more as the city that “perfected” Carnival.

More than two dozen full-fledged float processions will roll from the northshore to the West Bank and all points in between, with the bulk of the happenings hitting the thoroughfares of Uptown and Canal Street.

Also of note, many of the “superkrewes” will be on the move, with loads of throws and thrills to go around.

Thursday

UPTOWN

CHAOS: 4:30 p.m. The Knights of Chaos move to the front of the line of three parades — that all start an hour earlier this year — on the Thursday before the final weekend of the Carnival season. Shrouded in layers of secrecy, the knights parade with a satirical procession. The 200 members will ride 16 floats that often skewer local, state and national politics and events. The parade is ruled over by Number One, whose identity is never revealed. The krewe is known for a variety of lighted beads, knight helmets, swords and shields. The krewe also traditionally throws a themed doubloon.

BABYLON: 5:30 p.m. Though the theme of the parade is never revealed until the day of the procession, the Knights of Babylon seem to be mining the treasures of the opera house for their floats, with titles such as La Traviata, Don Giovanni, The Magic Flute and Mephistopheles. The more than 390 riders will be joined by a dozen riding lieutenants on horseback. The 27 floats will include a redesigned float for the monarch and three rebuilt and redesigned theme floats. Ruling over the festivities is Sargon LXXX, whose identity is not revealed. The krewe parades to its bal masque and will select a queen from the court. A variety of doubloons will be thrown, including riders, horsemen and dukes. Also look for Babylon-themed sweatbands, wristbands, socks, insulated wine totes, plush, in addition to hand-strung jester, medallion, Royal Barge and Gates of Ishtar beads.

MUSES: 6:30 p.m. The trend-setting Krewe of Muses keeps its theme a secret until it rolls with 30 floats along the traditional Uptown route with a pageant certain to be filled with humor and satire. The 1,175 riders will also ride on signature floats including The Ducks, the Goddessey, the Bathing Muses, the Sirens and the Muses Shoe, a sparkling pump that will carry the honorary muse Soledad O’Brien. The krewe is famous for its decorated, glittered shoes, one of Carnival’s most cherished catches. Members will also throw a variety of “re-Museable” items, including bar towels, cocktail napkins, wooden spoons, duckie night lights, stadium bags, coasters, totes, chip clips, rechargeable fans, socks, hair clips, necklaces and notepads. The krewe is also known for a variety of lighted headbands and beads, plus glass beads.

Friday

UPTOWN

HERMES: 5:30 p.m. With more than 900 riders, the Krewe of Hermes will take to the streets with the theme “Fabled Lands of Myth and Legend.” Twenty-six of the total 35 floats will carry out the theme with such titles as Xanadu, Dr. Moreau’s Island, Atlantis and The Emerald City. The St. Augustine High School Marching 100 will lead the parade. Joining in the parade will be the Talladega College and Mississippi Valley State University bands. Purple, green and gold doubloons will be thrown, with the king’s pages and riding lieutenants each throwing special doubloons. Other throws include lighted winged H wands, a lighted caduceus wand, stainless steel cups in a variety of colors, lighted Hermes capes and wings, gel beads, lighted gloves, plush bears, globes, soccer balls and themed medallion beads.

D’ETAT: 6:30 p.m. In keeping with tradition, Le Krewe d’Etat will keep its parade theme a secret until it rolls. The 545 members will ride 24 floats. Reigning over the masked festivities is the Dictator. Signature floats include Dictator’s Banana Wagon pulled by mules, Candy Wagon, Dictator’s Royal Navy, Dictator’s Guard and High Priest. Also marching with the parade will be the Dictator’s Dancin’ Dawlins and the Budweiser Clydesdales. The krewe will throw blinky beads, FRI-D’ETAT shirts, koozies for tall cans and old-fashioned glasses, color-changing cups, LED swords, fans, plus baseball, cowboy, jester and beanie hats, socks, fanny packs, flashlights, chip clips and four colored doubloons, including a cutout of a Mardi Gras ladder. Special doubloons will be thrown by the Dictator’s pages and riding lieutenants. Wooden nickels and the d’Etat Gazette newspaper will be given by Soul Sweepers that lead the parade. The krewe started the LTR RTL Foundation this year, a charitable foundation.

MORPHEUS: 7:30 p.m. “Morpheus Dreams of Literary Classic” will be the theme for the parade, with the 800 members on 24 floats. Titles will include Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and Around the World in 80 Days. Reigning over the festivities will be King Robert Grisham and Queen Michele Sanders. Costumes will be Susie Colombo. Grand marshal will be LSU Golden Band from Tiger Land and Morpheus member “Tuba Kent” Broussard. The parade will be led by the Marine Corps Band and Simmons College of Kentucky band. More than 18 bands will participate in the krewe’s annual contest. Turquoise, purple, green and gold doubloons will be thrown, plus the monarchs will throw a blue doubloon. A brown cut-out doubloon will also be thrown. Other throws include plush moons and sheep, plus a logo bucket hat and trucker hat.

SLIDELL

SELENE: 6:30 p.m. For its Friday the 13th parade, “Selene Presents: Fright Night Feast” will be the theme when the 550 members ride on 24 floats including the Selene Purse Float and Selene Float. Reigning over the festivities as Queen Selene XXVII is Taylor Caywood. Dennis Trosclair is King Selene XXVII. Grand marshal for the parade will be Slidell native and Witness vocalist Missi Spinosa. The handcrafted decorated purses, done by the members of the krewe, are a treasured throw from this parade. Other throws include Moon blown beads, lighted yo-yos, bead bracelets, LED bracelets, wineglasses, parade themed cups, Selene brush and mirror sets, plus retro glasses, air fresheners and construction hats. 

Saturday

UPTOWN

IRIS: 11 a.m. The big Saturday of Carnival gets off to a gigantic start with the 3,600 women of the Krewe of Iris rolling to “What An Iris Wants” on 34 floats. The oldest women’s organization in Carnival, among the titles of the floats are Love, Travel and Diamonds. Signature floats include the Iris Garden, Sunglasses, The Palace of Iris and the Iris Butterfly. Reigning as Queen Iris is Kimberly Richelle Williams, with King of Iris Warren Bruce Astler. The Iris Cavaliers horseback troupe, the Rolling Elvi, the Fat City Drug Corps and more than 40 marching units participate. The signature hand-decorated sunglasses are a much-desired throw. Also thrown are Iris streetcars, 3D theme cups and sunglasses bracelets. A purple sunglasses-shaped doubloon is thrown as is a fleur de lis captain’s doubloon.

TUCKS: Noon. The Krewe of Tucks keeps Carnival capers on the humorous side when the irreverent group of 2,500 stage “Tucks Finally Cracks.” The fun-loving riders will be on floats that include titles such as Cracker Jacks: A Surprise in Every Box, Crack the Bat and Crack the Case. Reigning over the festivities and on special floats are King Tucks LVIII Adam Lambert and Queen Ginny Casey. A band contest is part of the fun. The krewe throws a variety of items, including hand-decorated plungers and toilet brushes, toilet sunglasses, squirting toilets and more. Metal and wooden doubloons are also thrown. 

MID-CITY

ENDYMION: 4 p.m. Carnival gets mammoth when the Krewe of Endymion rolls from New Orleans City Park, down to Canal Street, into the Central Business District and ending at the Endymion Extravaganza in the Caesars Superdome. “American Songbook” will be the theme for the parade with 3,250 riders on 38 floats by Kern Studios. Floats include titles such as Roar, God Bless America and Walking to New Orleans. Several signature floats are included and the SS Poppa Joe will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Reigning over the festivities will be Lily Joyce Bruneau and Robert J. Blackwell. Carnival authority Arthur Hardy will be the grand marshal for the parade, joined by recently announced LSU coach Lane Kiffin. Purple, green and gold doubloons will be thrown, and riding lieutenants will throw red doubloons. Other throws include a talking Endymion horse, oven mitts, kitchen towels and a trove of lighted items. Husband and wife singers Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani will headline the entertainment at the Extravaganza. The krewe will also pay homage to the late Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Christopher Ohlmeyer with a riderless motorcycle.

WEST BANK

NOMTOC: 10:45 a.m. NOMTOC, New Orleans Most Talked Of Club, keeps Carnival cooking in Algiers when the venerable organization stages “Cooking With NOMTOC.” The 720 members will ride 32 delicious titles such as Crawfish, Philly Cheese Steak and Chicken. Grand marshal is restaurateur Edgard “Dook” Chase IV with Mia X as celebrity guest. Reigning will be King Barry Aubert and Queen Hollister Davis. A highlight of the parade is the appearance of more than 20 bands from the area and as far away as Ohio and Tennessee. In keeping with the culinary theme, the krewe will throw spoons, plus sequin hearts, signature backpacks and signature sunglasses.

KENNER

ISIS: 6 p.m. The Krewe of Isis rolls through the Jefferson Parish city with the 2026 theme “Galentine’s Gras.” The 200 members will ride 20 floats. Among the titles are Wine Tasting, Casino Night and Girls’ Trip to the Beach. Monarchs for the krewe are Queen Elizabeth Hauck Mercer and King David Allen Mercer. Serving as grand marshals will be “You Night” empowerment event cancer survivors. The parade also holds the March to Excellence band competition. A signature throw for the group is the hand-decorated bras. The krewe will also throw theme doubloons in red and pink.

Sunday

UPTOWN

OKEANOS: 11 a.m. The krewe starts a day filled with parades when the 350 men and women follow the traditional Uptown route with the theme “I Wish.” Twenty-two floats will include the Hippocampus, the krewe’s first and only double-decker float, designed like double-decker floats of the past. Reigning over the parade is King Jason Villar Paguio. Queen Simone Michelle Miller was selected from the court at the ball. The grand marshal will be local entertainer Vince Vance. The krewe throws 10-gauge doubloons and will feature king and captain doubloons in silver, theme doubloons in silver and the colors of Carnival, float-specific doubloons in black and wine, plus a teal doubloon for the Hippocampus float. Expect to see crawfish trays, signature ducks, alligators, plushies, socks, a new Hippocampus neck pillow, medallion beads and sustainable throws including jambalaya mix, red beans, popcorn, soap and bio-glitter.

MID-CITY, Noon. The unique image of Krewe of Mid-City floats will be shining in the sun as the organization parades with the theme “Lands Far and Beyond.” signature floats will feature 15 units with titles such as Wonderland, Candyland and Neverland. Monarchs are King Mid-City XCII Frank Anthony Milanese and Queen Mid-City XCII Amy Freese Carter. A highlight of the Sunday afternoon parade will be the Charles A. Bourgeois Memorial Greatest bands of the South contest. The krewe will throw special doubloons, including a king’s, queen’s and captain’s doubloon, plus the horsemen will also throw a special doubloon. Specialty items will include sequin heart plush, flip-flops, headbands, sunglasses, chips, crawfish serving trays, socks and a “foam” bobble head.

THOTH: Noon. “Thoth Toons” will be the theme of parade on a unique route that brings it to several institutions to spread the joy of Carnival to those who may not be able to attend. The 2,400 men will ride 40 floats, including 18 tandem units, with titles that include Flintstones, Superman and Bluey. Monarchs for the parade will be King Caleb Didriksen and Queen Savannah Bergeron. Riptide, the Tulane University mascot, will be grand marshal. The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies are special guests. Doubloons will be red and silver for the theme, Carnival colors for the court, plus poker chips in three colors and a pyramid-shaped cutout doubloon. Throws will include purses, festival hats, watches, sequined baseball caps, friendship bracelets, scarves, bar towels, four different types of T-shirts, fedoras and tissues.

BACCHUS: 5:15 p.m. Long known for innovation, the superkrewe Bacchus wraps Sunday’s parading with a 32-float procession and actor Patrick Warburton as Bacchus LVII. Known for his roles in “Seinfeld,” “Rules of Engagement” and “The Tick,” he is also the voice of Kronk in “The Emperor’s New Groove” and Joe Swanson in “Family Guy.” Warburton joins the 1,700 riders “Bacchus Celebrates America 250.” American Revolution, Louisiana Purchase, Immigration and Declaration of Independence are some of the floats in the parade also known for their signature floats, including the Kong family of floats, Bacchagator, Bacchasaurus and the Bacchawhoppa which will be joined by the Baby Whoppa this year. Doubloons will feature the theme, riding lieutenants, multiple floats and the monarch. The gigantic parade will roll into the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for the Bacchus Rendezvous featuring live music and entertainment.

METAIRIE

ATHENA: 5 p.m. The 700 members will roll under the banner “It’s About Time” on 26 floats with titles such as It’s Carnival Time, Recipes for a Good Time, Funny How Time Flies and Frozen in Time. Monarchs will be Queen Athena XI Christina Kalisha Long and King of Athena XI Dr. Maurice G. Sholas. Television personality Phaedra Parks, of Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” will be the grand marshal. The parade also features a band contest. A signature throw will be decorated Fedora hats made by members. Also thrown will be lighted beads, theme beads, lighted headbands, umbrellas and plush items.

Monday — Lundi Gras

UPTOWN

PROTEUS: 5:15 p.m. The venerable Krewe of Proteus, one of the oldest organizations in all of Carnival, rolls to the organization’s ball at the New Orleans Marriott. The 230 members and 24 lieutenants will carry out the theme “Journey of Sun Wukong” on 20 floats, including The Birthplace of Sun Wukong, Peaches of Immortality and The Sacred Sutras. The monarch, whose identity is never revealed, rides on a signature float featuring a giant shell in keeping with the aquatic theme of the krewe. The parade also features traditional flambeaux and a host of bands, including Marine Corps Bands, the Roots of Music Band and several high school musical ensembles. Among the signature throws are lighted seahorse beads, lighted plush seahorses, red and silver seahorse beads, socks, footballs and a silver krewe “sovereign” and the lieutenants will throw a red “sovereign.”

ORPHEUS: 6 p.m. “All the World’s A Stage” is the theme for the massive parade that wraps up Lundi Gras along the Uptown route, with the parade rolling to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for the Orpheuscapade, a power-packed entertainment spectacle. The 1,500 members will ride on 39 floats with titles such as Lord What Fools These Mortals Be, And All The Men and Women Merely Players and If Music Be the Food of Love. The superkrewe is known for signature floats, including the multi-tandem Smokey Mary and Leviathan. Emmy Award-winning actor Noah Wyle will be the celebrity monarch for the parade and he will be joined by several veteran monarchs, including Joey Fatone and Jennifer Finnigan. Heavily influenced by music, the krewe features a number of bands from around the country, including five different college bands. Several different doubloons are thrown, including a captain’s doubloon, Music Legends doubloons and the theme doubloon.

METAIRIE

CENTURIONS: 6:30 p.m. Centurions takes to the traditional Veterans Memorial Boulevard parade route with “Once Upon a Time,” carried out on 18 floats the 300 riders. Titles include such literary works as Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, and The Frog Prince. King Centurion XLVI is Keith Conley and Queen Centurion XLVI is Gabrielle Fischer. Grand marshal will be Rob Norman. Officers will throw purple doubloons, while the monarchs will throw navy doubloons. The grand marshal will throw green and krewe members will throw gold and red doubloons. Signature items include frisbees, koozies and bracelets.

ATLAS: 7 p.m. “Atlas is Hollywood Bound” is the Tinseltown theme for this Jefferson Parish krewe when it rolls on a new day. The 200 members will be on 14 McKinley Cantrell floats with a variety of celluloid titles, including Alice in Wonderland, Wizard of Oz and A Night at the Museum. Reigning over the Carnival celebrations will be King Atlas Adam Sartele and Queen of Atlas Carolyn Deanna Abadie. New for this year, the krewe will be throwing lighted medallions, krewe socks and krewe balls.

Mardi Gras — Fat Tuesday

UPTOWN

ZULU: 8 a.m. The big day of the Carnival season gets rolling in a big way when the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club sets out on its unique route through Central City to St. Charles Avenue and on to Canal Street and beyond. The 1,800 riders will carry out the theme “Zulu World of Entertainment” on 44 floats. Members will ride signature floats such as African Elephant, African Lion, African Leopard, Zulu Jaguar and the Pythian Theater. Reigning will be King Zulu Ronald Tassin and Queen Zulu Sharell Monique Chatman. A highlight of the parade is the signature characters, including the Big Shot, Witch Doctor, Ambassador, Mayor, Governor, Mr. Big Stuff and the Zulu Warriors. One of Carnival’s most treasured keepsakes is the hand-decorated coconut. The entertainment-packed Zulu Ball will be Friday at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

REX, KING OF CARNIVAL: 10:30 a.m. His majesty will emerge from his den on Claiborne Avenue and head down Napoleon Avenue to the traditional Uptown route for “Rebirth and Renewal.” The more than 500 members will ride such floats as The Phoenix, Ouroboros, The Whooping Crane and signature floats like The Jester, The Butterfly King and the popular Bouef Gras. A new reviewing stand at The Josephine will see Rex greet his queen and her court. Each float will have its own collectible bead. Focusing on sustainability, throws include oven mitts displaying the Bouef Gras, sports towels, stainless steel cups and Rex-branded sustainable throws such as postcards, soap, pencils, biodegradable glitter, herb starter kits, coffee beans and fiber tote bags. Rex will throw gold and silver theme doubloons and a limited number of purple, gold and green theme doubloons. The organization’s imperial reception ball will be held later in the evening at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel.

ELKS ORLEANIANS and CRESCENT CITY TRUCKS: After Rex. The Elks parade rolls for a 91st anniversary with more than 1,250 individual decorated vehicles rolling with an estimated 5,000 riders enjoying participating in Mardi Gras merriment. A traditional throw for this group is the Elroy plush Elk doll. Known for their generosity, riders on the trucks throw a variety of collectibles and unique items including frisbees, footballs, anniversary cups, koozies and doubloons in Carnival colors. The Crescent City Truck Parade will follow with more than 2,500 riders on 65 trucks. Each of the trucks will have its own theme and are decorated and ridden by groups of family, friends, classmates and colleagues taking part in the magic of Carnival.

METAIRIE

ARGUS: 11 a.m. Metairie gets very merry for Mardi Gras when the Krewe of Argus rolls with the theme “Argus Gets Animated.” The morning riders will mount 25 floats around the theme depicting vintage cartoon characters in the colorful display. Reigning over the festivities will be Argus XLI David Haydel Jr. with Queen Argus XLI Callie Anne Langhetee. Riders will throw a stuffed Gus the peacock, associated with the mythological Argus, a treasured keepsake. With an eye toward focusing on sustainable throws, they will also throw a variety of items including jambalaya mix emblazoned with Gus and the phrase “Coming in Hot for Over 50 Years,” a nod to the krewe’s lengthy history. Other throws will also include doubloons and sunglasses.

ELKS JEFFERSONIANS: After Argus. More than 2,000 riders will hop aboard 53 trucks that will roll through on Mardi Gras. Grand marshal for the parade will be Glen Geraci. The parade will also feature a special float with riders from the Krewe of We Care St. Michael. Throws including stuffed Elroy the Elk dolls, cups and signature frisbees.

COVINGTON

BOGUE FALAYA: 10 a.m. Mardi Gras shines brightly in St. Tammany Parish when Bogue Falaya rolls with “The Reality of Imagination.” The 600 members of the krewe will ride 23 floats with such themes as The Wizard of Oz, Where the Wild Things Are and The Page Master. The krewe will also debut The Tammany Special Train. Grand marshal will be Tim Lantrip. The parade will also feature the inaugural ride of the Krewe of Karts. Watch for a host of throws from local businesses including coffee and pancake mix, crawfish trays, toilet paper and coins and tokens. Tammany Gras free concert and after-party follows at the Covington Trailhead at 1 p.m.