Mardi Gras Parade Guide

First-Timer Tips & What to Bring

A practical checklist for your first Carnival, built from the City of New Orleans' own guidance plus common-sense planning.

Bring

  • A sturdy bag for throws (beads, cups and trinkets add up fast)
  • A fully charged phone and a portable battery
  • Some cash for food vendors and restrooms
  • Layers and a rain jacket — check the forecast before you go
  • Comfortable closed-toe shoes for long walks and sticky streets
  • Hand sanitizer and tissues
  • Water and snacks (coolers are fine if you stay with them — unattended coolers aren't allowed [1])
  • A folding chair, if it isn't upholstered furniture [1]
  • A plan for where to meet if your group gets separated [2]
  • For kids: a "safety selfie" photo taken that day and your phone number written on them [2]

Leave at home

Pets (except service animals), grills and open flames, generators, tents and enclosures, confetti guns, Mylar balloons and weapons. Drones are discouraged under FAA rules [1].

10 tips for your first Mardi Gras

  1. Times are estimates until the city confirms them. Parades also run late. Use our schedule and build in buffer time.
  2. Restrooms are the real challenge. Use the city's Routewise map to find restrooms, first aid and lost-child stations [3].
  3. Get there early, but no more than 4 hours before. That's the city rule for setting up [1].
  4. Never cross between floats. Stay behind barricades [2].
  5. Don't throw things back — it's a $250 fine [2].
  6. Drive less, walk more. Expect closures and tows. See getting around.
  7. Know the night. Weekend daytime parades feel more relaxed; big night parades are packed.
  8. See something, say something: report suspicious activity at 504-821-2222 [1].
  9. Weather alerts: the city points to weatherwise.nola.gov [2].
  10. Eat king cake — it's the season. See our king cake guide.
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Beginner-friendly city and food tours to fill the gaps between parades.

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Sources

  1. NOLA Ready (City of New Orleans) – Mardi Gras: Along the Route
  2. NOLA Ready (City of New Orleans) – Mardi Gras: Safety & First Aid
  3. City of New Orleans – Routewise parade map (restrooms, first aid, lost-child stations)

Last checked 2026-10-23. Rules and schedules change — always confirm with the official source before you go. Spot an error? Tell us.