New Orleans erupts with Mardi Gras parade magic today as 10 days of krewe celebration continues through Fat Tuesday, February 17. From the French Quarter to Uptown, legendary krewes like Hermes, Endymion, and Rex command the streets. Here’s exactly what you need to know to catch the kings, queens, and krewe spectacle happening right now.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Fat Tuesday: Falls on February 17, 2026, marking the official climax of Carnival season
- Parade Duration: 10 days of major parades roll through New Orleans from today through Fat Tuesday
- Peak Weekend: February 13-17 features the biggest, most elaborate parades with massive crowds
- Krewe Count: Over 30 major parading organizations showcase floats, marching bands, and costumed royalty
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The final 10 days of Mardi Gras pack more parade magic than any other stretch. Starting today, February 7, krewes have already launched their elaborate floats. The real spectacle intensifies dramatically this coming Friday, February 13, when Krewe of Bosom Buddies kicks off at 11:30 AM in the French Quarter. The evening explodes with Krewe of Hermes (5:30 PM), Krewe d’Etat (6:30 PM), and Krewe of Morpheus (7:00 PM) all rolling in Uptown.
Saturday, February 14 launches the legendary super krewes. Krewe of Iris and Krewe of Tucks dominate daytime, while Krewe of Endymion steals Saturday night with massive floats and celebrity appearances. Sunday, February 15 brings the Krewe of Bacchus, one of Carnival’s most prestigious organizations, plus Okeanos, Mid-City, and Thoth, all competing for crowd enthusiasm.
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Every krewe parade crowns its own king and queen, creating an elaborate hierarchy of Carnival royalty. The most prestigious krewes like Krewe of Rex and Krewe of Zulu reign supreme on Mardi Gras Day itself. Each krewe’s royal court arrives on elaborate floats, dressed in period costumes dripping with jewels, feathers, and ceremonial regalia. Throws of beads, doubloons, and specialty items rain down from above.
The Krewe of Zulu kicks off Fat Tuesday morning at 8:00 AM, followed by the legendary Krewe of Rex at 10:00 AM. These ancient organizations have paraded for decades, with Proteus dating back to 1882 and Rex maintaining traditions since 1872. Their royal courts embody Carnival’s pageantry like no other.
Parade Schedule Table: When to Catch Each Major Krewe
| Date | Time | Krewe Name | Location |
| Feb 13 | 5:30 PM | Krewe of Hermes | Uptown |
| Feb 14 | 4:00 PM | Krewe of Endymion | Mid-City |
| Feb 15 | 5:15 PM | Krewe of Bacchus | Uptown |
| Feb 16 | 6:00 PM | Krewe of Orpheus | Uptown |
| Feb 17 | 10:00 AM | Krewe of Rex | Uptown |
“Each parade has its own unique theme, and is hosted by a different Krewe. Parades feature floats, marching bands, dance troupes, mounted riders, Krewe royalty and more.”
Mardi Gras Insider Tours
Lundi Gras and Mardi Gras Day: The Grand Finale
Monday, February 16, called Lundi Gras, features the Krewe of Proteus and the music-themed Krewe of Orpheus. This is when the monarchs of Zulu and Rex arrive by boat at the Mississippi riverfront at the foot of Canal Street. An all-day celebration erupts with traditional New Orleans jazz, dancing, and cuisine.
Mardi Gras Day itself explodes early. The Krewe of Zulu kicks off at dawn with their signature coconuts and beads. The Krewe of Rex follows with the King and Queen of Carnival, parading down toward Canal Street where the city officially greets them. Smaller neighborhood parades, walking clubs, and Mardi Gras Indians in traditional feathered costumes fill the streets all day.
How Can First-Time Visitors Best Experience This Unforgettable Carnival Magic?
Veterans recommend arriving by Friday, February 13 to maximize parade day experiences. Stake out spots early along St. Charles Avenue in Uptown or Canal Street in the French Quarter. The parade routes are well-established, with the same streets rolling annually. Pack chairs, water, snacks, and wear comfortable shoes for hours of standing.
Pro tip: Mardi Gras 2026 coincides with Presidents’ Day weekend, meaning many Americans already have time off. Book accommodations now in the French Quarter, on Bourbon Street, or along the parade routes in Uptown. The celebration is free to watch from public streets, though grandstand tickets offer premium viewing. Experience the balls, Bourbon Street parties, and restaurants between parades for the complete Carnival immersion.
Sources
- Mardi Gras Insider Tours – Official 2026 parade schedule with krewe details and locations
- New Orleans Official Guide – Complete schedule of all 30+ parades rolling through 2026
- NOLA.com – Updated parade information and forecasting
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.