Parades, Beads, and Big Easy Magic: Experiencing Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Mardi Gras is traditionally the pinnacle of New Orleans’ festival season, culminating on Fat Tuesday just before Ash Wednesday. After this celebration, decorations begin to come down, the city starts cleaning up the throws that filled the streets, and the pace of life slows just a bit. While there are still more events ahead in the coming weeks and months, there’s no question that Mardi Gras represents the city’s annual climax of revelry and excitement.

Mardi Gras means different things to different people. For many, the parades that march through various neighborhoods are the defining characteristic of this time of year. For others, it’s the chaotic nightlife that takes over Bourbon Street. Some simply enjoy watching travelers from around the world gather in New Orleans to soak up the city’s unique culture and traditions. I was able to experience a bit of all of these aspects and wanted to share my story for those who have New Orleans’ Mardi Gras on their bucket list.

Having a positive Mardi Gras experience requires planning ahead. If you’re thinking of getting around the city by car, you might want to reconsider. Major roadways throughout the city are shut down for the duration of the parades, and even the streetcar lines along St. Charles Avenue are impacted. Because of this, it’s best to choose the area of the city where you want to stay during parades and stick close by. Once the parades end for the day, moving around the city becomes possible again—though sometimes not until 9 or 10 p.m., depending on the parade schedule. Even then, ride-sharing services like Uber are usually the easiest way to get around, as streetcars and roadways can remain crowded long after the festivities have ended. Streetcar lines often fill to capacity with people trying to travel between Uptown and Downtown, so be prepared for limited personal space or longer waits. Using your own car isn’t ideal either, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the city’s layout. Parking is scarce and expensive, with many lots using dynamic pricing during peak times like Mardi Gras.

Now to the good stuff—the parades! Most Mardi Gras parades start in one of three areas: Uptown/Garden District, City Park/Mid-City, or the Marigny. All eventually make their way downtown along Canal Street. If your goal is to see as many parades as possible, Canal Street is a central spot—but be ready for huge crowds. Because the French Quarter is nearby, you’ll encounter plenty of spirited revelers, so this may not be the best area for families with small children or anyone hoping to avoid close crowds. That said, if you love big celebrations and meeting people from all over the world, the Quarter is hard to beat.

For a slightly more family-friendly parade experience, head Uptown and find a spot along Napoleon Avenue or St. Charles Avenue. While you might miss a few smaller parades, you’ll still see many of the big ones like Tucks, Muses, Bacchus, and Orpheus. These routes are still lively, but weekday parades tend to be more manageable in terms of crowd size. Securing a good viewing spot often requires planning. Dedicated parade-goers will set up tarps as early as 3 or 4 a.m. the day before a parade—yes, that early! While unofficial, most people respect these claimed spots. Some even camp out overnight, with grills and coolers set up hours before the first floats roll by. If you plan to be out for the full day, bring plenty of food and water: parades can run from morning into late evening with only short breaks in between.

Finding a restaurant along a parade route can be nearly impossible during peak times. On one occasion, a favorite restaurant we frequent usually had no wait, but during the parades the wait time was more than three hours. While that restaurant serves excellent food, I recommend exploring a few blocks off the main route instead. Magazine Street, for example, is filled with restaurants and shops that are far less crowded on parade days.

After the parades end, many people continue the celebration in New Orleans’ legendary nightlife scene. Bourbon Street is often packed, and getting from one end to the other can take some time. This atmosphere might be overwhelming for some, but it’s all part of the Mardi Gras experience. Be patient, be aware of your surroundings, and embrace the energy. One commonly shared image of Mardi Gras involves beads being thrown from balconies for anyone willing to show a little skin. While that does happen—especially along Bourbon Street—it’s not the only means of collecting throws. Many beads and other items are freely tossed from floats during parades throughout the city, so you’ll walk away with plenty if that’s your goal.

As in any large city event, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur when crowds are thick. Use common sense: travel light, stay with your group, and avoid isolated areas. During Mardi Gras, it’s always safer—and more fun—to stay where there are lots of people, music, and excitement.

While Mardi Gras may be my favorite time of year in New Orleans, the city offers many other incredible events throughout the year. Shortly after Mardi Gras, Saint Patrick’s Day parades and celebrations begin, followed by the French Quarter Festival and, later in the spring, the world-famous Jazz & Heritage Festival. But Mardi Gras holds a special place in my heart—nothing quite matches its intensity, cultural richness, and the sheer joy of letting the good times roll.