Skip to content
0
Saved

Navigation

  • Communities
    • Avondale
    • Bridge City & Waggaman
    • Crown Point & Barataria
    • Grand Isle
    • Gretna
    • Harahan & River Ridge
    • Harvey
    • Jean Lafitte
    • Kenner
    • Marrero
    • Metairie
    • Westwego
  • Things to Do
    • Arts & Culture
    • Family Fun
    • Free Things to Do
    • Outdoors
    • Historic Districts
    • Shopping
    • Sports
    • Golf
    • Swamp & Historical Home Tours
    • Itineraries
    • Special Offers
  • Blogs
  • Outdoors
    • Beaches
    • National & State Parks
    • Biking
    • Hiking & Nature Trails
    • Lake Pontchartrain
    • Boating
    • Canoeing & Kayaking
    • Fishing
    • Birdwatching
    • Swamp & Historic Home Tours
    • Hunting
    • Camping
    • Golf
  • Events
    • This Weekend
    • Super Bowl 2025
    • Annual Events & Festivals
    • Seasonal Celebrations
  • Restaurants
    • Louisiana Oyster Trail - Indulge Yourself
    • Family-Friendly
    • Bars & Nightlife
    • Recipes
    • Bakeries, Desserts, & Sweet Treats
  • Hotels
    • Cabins & Campgrounds
  • Plan Your Trip
    • Transportation
    • Weather
    • Special Offers
    • Order A Visitor Guide
    • Jefferson Parish Mobile App
    • E-Newsletter Signup
  • Meetings & Groups
  • Sports Planners
  • About Jefferson Parish
  • Partners
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get Our Visitor Guide
  • Parade Schedule
  • Parade Routes
  • Rhythm on the Route
  • Mardi Gras Facts & History
  • Home
  • Events
  • Annual Events & Festivals
  • Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras Day: Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is known as "the biggest party on Earth," and Jefferson Parish is inviting you!

Spanning over two sides of the Mississippi River, Jefferson Parish offers Mardi Gras fun wherever you may be located. Come and experience the sights, sounds, food, music, parades, and the BEADS in this family-friendly celebration of Mardi Gras!

Family Gras Festival

Family Gras is a FREE three-day festival of concerts featuring local and national acts, local cuisine, an art market, a kids zone, various sponsor booths, and the pageantry of the Mardi Gras parades!

After the music ends, stay for an up-close look at the Krewes of Excalibur, Atlas, and Madhatters as they roll in front of the Family Gras festival site on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night.

Family Gras weekend kicks off the Jefferson Parish carnival season with live music and the majesty of Mardi Gras parades on February 6-8, 2026

Rhythm on the Route

The "Rhythm on the Route" program is Jefferson Parish's "battle of the bands," where middle school and high school marching bands compete along the Veterans Blvd parade route for the opportunity to earn bragging rights, a trophy, a banner, and prize money for the school's music program. This program offers the opportunity for marching bands to showcase their talents and earn much-needed dollars for their programs, as well as providing the public with top-notch entertainment during the carnival parade.

King Cake Capital of the World

Celebrate Mardi Gras in the King Cake Capital of the World—Jefferson Parish! Indulge in the holiday's favorite decadent dessert and discover the perfect king cake with the official Jefferson Parish Interactive King Cake Map. Whether you're a traditionalist or love adventurous flavors, this map will guide you to the best bakeries and hidden gems, helping you find your new favorite treat this season

Hotels in Jefferson Parish

Coming in town for the carnival season?

Jefferson Parish will meet your needs! From value-priced to deluxe accommodations, our hotels are designed to help you rest easy. Just 10 minutes from downtown New Orleans, we offer comfortable and affordable accommodations convenient to restaurants, entertainment, shopping, attractions, and more!

Click the photo to book your room NOW.

Map View

North Central South

Map View

North Central South

Kenner

Kenner is home to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, the City is first to welcome our guests from around the world! Established in 1855, Kenner is a blend of history…

Learn More

Metairie, LA

Metairie, Jefferson Parish’s largest community, is located on the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain between New Orleans and Kenner.

Learn More

Harahan & River Ridge

Harahan was named in honor of James Theodore Harahan, president of the Illinois Central Railroad from Harahan Elementary 1906-1911.

Learn More

Avondale

Avondale is located on the West Bank of the Mississippi and is bordered by Waggaman to the west and Bridge City to the east.

Learn More

Westwego

Once a passageway for pioneers headed to the Western frontier, Westwego borders some of Louisiana's most picturesque bayous and swamps.

Learn More

Marrero, LA

Marrero, on the West Bank of the Mississippi River, is home to the Barataria Preserve of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve.

Learn More

Harvey

Harvey is located on the West Bank of the Mississippi River and on the Harvey Canal which is a vital shipping route to the Gulf of Mexico.

Learn More

Gretna

As one of Louisiana's largest national historic register districts, Gretna is steeped in history and intrigue.

Learn More

Town of Jean Lafitte

Jean Lafitte, founded by the infamous pirate, Jean Lafitte, is a coastal community rich in history and tradition.

Learn More

Grand Isle

Welcome to Louisiana's only inhabited barrier island! At the southern end of Highway 1, the seven magical miles of Grand Isle hold all the wonders that Louisiana nature can offer.

Learn More
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get Our Visitor Guide
  • About Jefferson Parish
  • Who We Are
  • Media
  • Partner Login
  • Blogs

1221 Elmwood Park Blvd, Ste 411
New Orleans, LA 70123

P (504) 731-7083 | (877) 572-7474

F (504) 731-7089

E info@visitjeffersonparish.com

  • Download App
©2025 Visit Jefferson Parish |
  • Privacy Policy

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get news and more from Jefferson Parish in your inbox.

Sign Up

Cookie Policy

This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Learn More

Experience Builder

Quick Search

Search

Search

Location Map