Discover the most vibrant family-friendly events in Baton Rouge and beyond for an unforgettable Mardi Gras weekend with our Mardi Gras Weekend Planner. From colorful parades, live music, and bead throwing, to fun-filled activities, your weekend plans are covered! Take advantage of the endless adventures waiting for you and your family during the magical Mardi Gras season!
Events are subject to change, so please be sure to check that events are as scheduled before heading out.
THINGS TO DO IN BATON ROUGE
Mardi Gras Weekend Planner
Krewe of Artemis
Friday, February 2, 7:00 p.m
Starting on River Road near the Raising Cane’s River Center, the parade proceeds along River Road, turning right at Hollywood Casino to 3rd Street, then 4th, left on Main, right on 9th, left on Laurel, left on 6th, left on Convention, and left on River Road back to the River Center.
The Krewe of Artemis will roll through the streets of downtown Baton Rouge on Friday, February 2, 2024
at 7:00 p.m. Join the excited revelers as they line the parade route while joining in the festivities and
experiencing Baton Rouge Mardi Gras… Artemis style!! Revelers will be treated with themed throws, including the Krewe of Artemis’ signature High Heeled Shoe, along with footballs, light-up tambourines, stuffed animals, float beads, and lighted throws.
Krewe of Denham Springs
Saturday, February 3rd at 11:00 AM
Begins at DSHS, travels down Range and turns right on Veterans. Free concert before AND after the annual parade!!
Since its inception, the Krewe has become more organized, the size of the Krewe has varied as individual krewes formed, combined and disbanded through the years and the economy has turned sour. Each year, the Krewe of Denham Springs puts on a parade through downtown Denham Springs, throws a Mardi Gras ball for members and guests, and has an after party to celebrate the King and Queen after each parade. We strive to provide family fun for the community while having a good time ourselves, all in the spirit of Mardi Gras.
Krewe of Ascension Mambo – Gonzales
Saturday, February 3rd at 1:00 PM
Gonzales, La | Parade Route Begins on Irma Blvd and Ends at the corner of Hwy 44 and Hwy 30
Krewe of Mid City Gras
Sunday, February 4th 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Mid City Gras is always the Sunday before Mardi Gras on North Boulevard, a road connecting North and South Baton Rouge.
Krewe of Orion
Sunday February 4th, 6:30PM
Downtown Baton Rouge
The Parade route starts at the intersection of St. Phillip Street and River Road and ends at the Raising Cane’s River Center.
Paradegoers will be treated to a line of exciting, colorfully-lighted, and tractor-pulled floats. On the floats, masked and costumed riders will throw plenty of themed parade medallions, Krewe of Orion signature footballs, lighted throws, and beads. Marching bands, dance groups, and marching units (all of 20 members or more) will be among the great sights and sounds at this wonderful family-oriented parade.
Black History Month Program
Sunday, February 4th, 1-4 PM
Magnolia Mound
Special “back of the big house” self-guided tours will be offered focusing on the lives of the enslaved community. A walking trail will feature the lives of early African American East Baton Rouge pioneers in business, law, medicine, education, and religion. Event continues throughout the month.
LASM Free First Sunday
Sunday, February 4th, 1-5 PM
LASM
Join LASM for February’s Free First Sunday on Sunday, February 4, from 1 PM – 5 PM!
LASM’s Free First Sunday program provides complimentary admission to all visitors every first Sunday of the month from 1 PM to 5 PM and includes museum gallery experiences and free admission to unlimited shows in the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium.
In partnership with 100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge, Ltd. and EBR Schools, LASM’s February Free First Sunday will feature performances and artistic expression by EBRPSS Fine Arts students along with 100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge’s “My Brother Can Read” Program.
Family Gras
February 2, 3, & 4, 2024
Mardi Gras Plaza, 3300 block of Veterans Memorial Boulevard, across from Lakeside Shopping Center
Family Gras is a FREE event that features the spectacle of Mardi Gras parades, cuisine, local art, a kids’ court, and outdoor concerts by national artists as well as Louisiana favorites!
Family Gras features a wide variety of musical talent that the entire family can enjoy. The Beach Boys, Brett Eldredge, Cyndi Lauper, Martina McBride, Ann Wilson, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Marshall Tucker Band, The Pointer Sisters, Zac Brown Band, Lauren Aliana, Leann Rimes, and many others have performed in the past.
Shop the Art Market for items such as Louisiana photography, hair accessories, hand-crafted jewelry, and more. Our Kids’ Court has various activities for kids 12 and younger, such as face painting, hand-wax art, and interactive games. Savor delicious fare from our festival food vendors, such as shrimp po-boys, chicken andouille gumbo, crawfish mac n cheese, Louisiana-style meat pies, California sushi, spicy tuna tacos, and crab & tuna wonton nachos!
After the music ends, stay for an up-close look at the Krewes of Excalibur, Atlas, and Madhatters as they roll in front of the Family Gras site on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.