Lake Charles

Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States

Louisianans love to party year-round, but it’s safe to say that Mardi Gras is the most popular party throughout the entire state. In Southwest Louisiana, Mardi Gras is honored from Twelfth Night to Fat Tuesday with parades, events, food, costumes, and more. This Mardi Gras Bucket List will explain how to celebrate the Carnival season like a local – where to go, what to expect, why the Lake Area gives one of the largest nods to Mardi Gras and Louisiana culture as a whole:

204 W Sallier St
Lake Charles, LA

To truly celebrate Mardi Gras is to truly understand the history of Mardi Gras. The Imperial Calcasieu Museum will give visitors a chance to view the wardrobe of past Southwest Louisiana’s Carnival royalty with an exhibition of the area’s most vibrant, gaudy costumes. The flamboyant costumes will be available for viewing at the end of January 2023, where you'll learn the roots of the celebration.

Lake Charles

Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States

When you’re dowsed in purple, green, and gold, you’re guaranteed to have more fun at Mardi Gras. You can wear a simple t-shirt or go all-out with bold wigs, vibrant hats, twinkling apparel, and other Louisiana statement pieces that will make you fit in with the locals at festive parties and parades. Click here to see a list of local shops and boutiques.

Lake Charles

Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States

There is no shortage of Mardi Gras celebrations in Southwest Louisiana, you can attend various parades that include downtown routes, pet lovers, neighborhood traditions, children’s festivities, and more, as well as gumbo cook-offs, galas, second-line dance parties, car shows, and more. To see a full list of Mardi Gras events happening in Lake Charles and its surrounding towns, click here www.visitlakecharles.org/swlamardigras/

Lake Charles

Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States

The Southwest Louisiana food scene is serious, everything from smoked meats to fresh seafood, you’ll fall in love with flavor and festivities all in one. During Mardi Gras, there are a few food items you must have to complete your Mardi Gras experience: Gumbo King Cake Crawfish Boudin Daiquiris

Lake Charles

Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States

We’re a genuine group of party animals in Louisiana, so don’t be surprised if your neighbor reaches for your hand to dance at one of the parades. Join the second-line dance if it swings by your friends or family or step into the groove with some Zydeco moves. The Cajun/Creole heritage of Southwest Louisiana is rooted in unity, and we express it best when it’s time to party. So I recommend all Mardi Gras revelers to dance until the rue runs dry.