Mardi Gras in Shreveport-Bossier City

Carnival celebrations in Shreveport-Bossier City emphasize family fun, with plenty of food, music, parades and activities – the kind of entertainment that makes events in this area anything but average.

Take our parade "throws," for instance: By some estimates, Mardi Gras float-riders in this area toss more than 8 million beads each year to seas of people waving their arms and shouting, "Throw me something, mister!" Over the course of two weekends, parades by Carnival organizations the Krewe of Centaur and the Krewe of Gemini attract as many as 400,000 visitors. The parades are so successful that in 2005 the American Bus Association named the Krewe of Centaur Parade one of the Top 100 Events in North America.

Besides those two big parades, smaller events by such groups as the the pet-owning Krewe of Barkus and Meoux, the Krewe of Highland and the Krewe of Aesclepius are popular with local crowds. In addition to the parades, the glitzy Mardi Gras balls and the tradition of king cakes help make the Carnival season particularly memorable for visitors.

Get your full schedule of Shreveport Mardi Gras Parades

2013 Mardi Gras Events Not To Miss:

• 
Krewe of Centaur's New “Inflatable Event”
  The 2013 Krewe of Centaur parade will roll at 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013. In keeping with the family-friendly nature of Mardi Gras parades in Shreveport-Bossier, the Krewe of Centaur has announced the Inflatable Event featuring 20 “bounce houses” of all shapes and sizes for children of all ages.
• 

Marilynn’s Place 2nd Annual Mardi Gras Bash

  Marilynn’s Place, a Cajun restaurant, has announced details of a block party scheduled to take place at the restaurant following the Krewe of Highland parade on Sunday, Feb. 10. Marilynn’s Place Mardi Gras Bash, will feature live music, clowns and face painting for children, and traditional Cajun cuisine plus live music! Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.
• Parti-Gras 2013 Offers All-Inclusive Parade Day Experience for Krewe of Gemini Parade

  Parti-Gras 2013 will offer an all-inclusive parade day party package for the Krewe of Gemini parade, 1-6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 9, including access to a party tent with live music, cuisine catered by Twine Shreveport, a keepsake custom Parti-Gras 2013 bead, two drink tickets per guest (a cash bar will also be available), appearances by local Mardi Gras royalty and more. Following the parade, Parti-Gras participants will be invited to after-parties hosted by select downtown night clubs and casinos.

You’ll have so much fun at our Mardi Gras festivals, you won’t want them to end. Come on and get in on the Mardi Gras fun!