Mardi Gras 2027 FAQ

Mardi Gras Day (Fat Tuesday) is Tuesday, February 9, 2027. Lundi Gras is Monday, February 8.

Carnival begins on Twelfth Night, Wednesday, January 6, 2027, with evening parades such as Joan of Arc and Phunny Phorty Phellows listed for that night.

Mardi Gras is the day before Ash Wednesday, 47 days before Easter. Easter falls on March 28, 2027, so Ash Wednesday is February 10 and Mardi Gras is February 9.

Not yet. As of October 2026, published 2027 schedules are estimates based on previous years. In 2026, the City Council adopted official start times in late January. We mark all times as tentative.

In July 2026 the City Council approved new start times for some parades (for example, Druids at 5 p.m. and Tucks at 1 p.m.), four-hour parking bans near formation areas, higher fines for grills, tents, furniture and portable toilets ($1,000, then $2,000), and a higher boot fee ($172).

City guidance says no earlier than 4 hours before the parade. Items left earlier may be removed, and ladders, tents and furniture are regulated.

Yes, within the rules. It can be no taller than 6 ft, must stand on its own at least 6 ft back from the curb, can't be fastened to other ladders, and can't be left overnight.

Pets are on the city's list of items prohibited along the route, except service animals.

RTA hasn't released its 2027 plan. In 2026, St. Charles streetcar detours began 4 hours before Uptown parades, and the line was replaced by buses for the final days of the season.

No. Parades on public streets are free to watch. Grandstand seats and balcony parties are sold separately by private operators.

The city's Routewise map (routewise.nola.gov) shows restrooms, first aid and lost-child stations along the routes.

It's illegal. The city lists a $250 fine per violation.