Mardi Gras 2026: Krewe News

Mardi Gras may be an ancient celebration but there's always something new to discover. As the krewes announce their 2026 themes, throws and celebrity monarchs and riders, we'll post that information here. For krewe history and more information about the individual parades, check our krewe pages.

Twelfth Night Parades

The Carnival season kicks off on January 6, King's Day (a.k.a. Twelfth Night). The Society of Champs Elysée rolls at 7:30 p.m. in the French Quarter followed by the beloved French Krewe of Joan of Arc at 8 p.m. Coincidentally enough, January 6 was Joan's birthday. Uptown there are two streetcar parades. The Phunny Phorty Fellows and the Funky Uptown Krewe. 

Fools of Misrule

The Fools of Misrule in Covington parade will roll at 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 10. This bawdy procession features flambeaux, brass bands and revelers in costumes celebrating mischief and merriment.

Mande Kings Day

In Mandeville, Mande Kings Day takes place on Monday, January 10 with the Mande Milkshakers' Walking Parade & Festival on the lakefront at 3:00 p.m., featuring a parade followed by a free after-party at the Mandeville Trailhead. 

Krewe Mosaïque

he 2026 theme for the third annual Krewe Mosaïque parade is “Walking Art Installation.” If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a hand-decorated mosaic tiles created by this artful group who makes their own floats, costumes, and throws. This family-friendly procession takes place Saturday, January 17th in the French Quarter beginning at 6 p.m.

Krewe of Chewbacchus

The Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus will roll Saturday, January 24 at 7 p.m. in the Marigny with over 3,000 members and 100 subkrewes. This year's theme is "Rebellions Are Built on Hope." 

Krewe Bohème 

The Krewe Bohème is a visual and auditory feast of mystery, artistry and fun. The procession is led by a symbol of the bohemian spirit, a green absinthe fairy, followed by several inner krewe marching clubs. The krewe will parade Friday, January 30 in the French Quarter.

Titans

The Krewe of Titans will roll with the theme, "Magic, Myths & Miracles" with 21 floats. Viewers will catch socks, lighted beads, plush collectables and more. The parade rolls Friday, January 30 at 6:30 p.m. in Slidell. 

Krewe of Bilge

This annual Eden Isles boat parade will cast off with the theme “Under the Sea.” The good times will roll beginning at 12 p.m. in Slidell.

Krewe of Poseidon

The Slidell krewe Poseidon  is rolling with the theme "The World is Your Oyster" with 24 floats. The 610 Stompers, the Mande Milkshakers, the Golden Sioux Mardi Gras Indians, the Honey Island Clydesdales, and many more groups will be entertaining the crowds. Look for numerous throws including LED items, SNAPO tridents, trident beads, an animated chunky chain necklace, special doubloons and more. Poseidon rolls on Saturday, January 31 at 6 p.m. in Slidell.

’Tit Rex

'Tit is a Cajun abbreviation for petite or small. This microkrewe, the city's first and only, parades with decorated miniature shoebox floats. They even toss mini throws. Watch for 'tit Rex Sunday, February 1 at 4:30 p.m. in the Marigny.

Pearl River Lions Parade

The whole town comes out for the Pearl River Lions Prade which typically rolls with 15 or so floats, the Pearl River High School Band, dance groups, cheerleaders, local clubs, churches, and families. The lions roar February 1 at 1 p.m. in Pearl River.

The Krewe of Little Rascals

Named after the famous group of kids from TV and film, the Little Rascals will return to the parade route this year with more than 200 riders and 10 floats. The kids will be throwing cups, doubloons, bracelets, cup, wooden nickels and more. Little Rascals will roll Sunday, February 1 at Noon in Metairie.

Antheia 

"That’s Entertainment" is the 2026 theme for the 200-member, all-female Krewe of Antheia in St. Tammany. Throws will include decorated purses. Antheia will roll in Slidell on Sunday, February 1 at 1 p.m. 

Krewe of Nefertiti

The Krewe of Nefertiti was named for the legendary Egyptian queen. The 14-float parade will roll along Lake Forest and Read boulevards with the theme, "Bayou Nefertiti." This year's Grand Marshal is Chef Benjamus Butler. Since ancient Egyptians were famous for adorning themselves in jewelry, the krewe will throw a surprise piece of jewelry. Don't miss it Sunday, February 1 at 1 p.m in New Orleans East. 

Krewe of Oshun

"Culture, Community & Legacy” is the theme of the 2026 Krewe of Oshun parade. The almost 500-member krewe will be throwing glitter hearts and doubloons. Oshun rolls on Friday, February 6, at 5:00 p.m. Uptown.

Krewe of Cleopatra

The Krewe of Cleopatra’s 2026 parade theme will "Cleopatra's Friday Night is for the Girls.'' Throws will include decorated drinking glasses Cleo the Cat pillows, crawfish trays and more.  It will depart Friday, February 6 at 6:00 p.m. on the Uptown parade route. 

Eve

"40 Fabulous" is the theme of this 775, all-female Northshore parade featuring 33 floats. We're hoping to catch a ruby anniversary doubloon and a red mint julep cup. Eve rolls in Mandeville on Friday, February 6 at 7 p.m.

Krewe of Cork

Pop over the French Quarter for this intoxicatingly fun walking parade featuring krewe members wearing wine-related costumes.   accompanied by wine police in golf carts. Their motto: "To serve and pour.) The krewe tosses throws bearing their grape logo. The corks start flying Friday, February 6 at 3 p.m.

Krewe of Excalibur

The 2026 theme for the Krewe of Excalibur parade is “Celestial Knights.” There will be 18 floats including the title float and the maids in the court. The signature throw for Excalibur is an 8-inch hand-decorated Dragon Egg. Excalibur rolls February 6 at 7 p.m. during Family Gras. 

Krewe of Paws

Mardi Gras has gone to the dogs! The Krewe of Paws will parade Saturday, February 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Olde Town Slidell. 

Krewe of Mona Lisa and MoonPie

According to the Krewe’s captain, His Mostly Magnificent Magnanimous Muckiddy-Muck, Slidell’s original marching club is celebrating their 42nd year with the theme “Mona’s Myths, Legends and Tall Tales.” The parade begins and ends at KY’s in Olde Towne. Get ready to catch your fair share of Moon Pies on Saturday, February 7 at 7:00 p.m.

Knights of Nemesis

Around 330 riders will be hitting the parade route in St. Bernard Parish in this parade featuring 15 floats. Throws include Nemesis t-shirts, medallion beads, foam swords, and more. The Knights of Nemesis parade will roll on Saturday, February 7 at 1 p.m. in Chalmette.

Magical Krewe of MadHatters

This amazing Metairie parade features "Alice In Wonderland" theme with floats including Jabberwocky, MadHatter, and Smokin' Caterpillar. Pierre Thomas will be the MadHatter and Karen Waldrup is Alice. You’ll also get a chance to see many stars including Grand Marshal Irma Thomas, Vince Vance and the Valiants, Bobby Hebert, Scoot and more. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a MadHatter hat. The Magical Krewe of MadHatter's adventure begins Saturday, February 7 at 5 p.m.

Krewe of Pontchartrain

"Super Pontchartain" is the theme of this popular parade from the Krewe of Pontchartrain. Come catch a plush grouper hat, superhero capes, and a special orange 10-gauge doubloon. Pontchartrain rolls February 7 at 11:30 a.m. on the Uptown route.

Legion of Mars

"Defending Freedom for 250 Years" is the theme of this 21-float parade from the Legion of Mars. The 600 riders will include first responders and veterans, including Purple Heart recipients. Throws will include camouflage "Boonie" hats. The parade will roll Uptown on Saturday, February 7 at noon.

Krewe of Choctaw

The Krewe of Choctaw has announced that its theme for 2026 will be "Choctaw Sparkles with Timeless Hollywood Glamour" and will feature 15 floats. Keepable throws include signature hand-decorated wooden tomahawks and rare wooden nickels. Choctaw will hit the parade route on Saturday, February 7 at 2 p.m. in Uptown New Orleans.

Krewe of Freret

The theme of Freret in 2026 is "The Pulse of Mardi Gras" with 23 floats that honor local music makers. Come see Trombone Shorty, Big Freedia and Diplo. Throws include hand-painted Mardi Gras masks, hats, fanny packs, reusable totes and more (no plastic beads for this eco-friendly krewe). Freret rolls Saturday, February 7 on the Uptown Route at 3:30 p.m.

Sparta

The 400-member Knights of Sparta and their sister organization the Mystical Order of the Phoenix will roll in 2026 with 27 floats representing the theme, "Sparta’s Silver Celebration, A Diamond Jubilee." Throws will include a special mystery throw which will be announced on the day of the parade, along with decorated platters, hot and cold packs, plush items, special doubloons and more. The parade begins Saturday, February 7 at 5:30 p.m. on the Uptown route.

Mystic Krewe of Olympia

The 500-member, 30-float Olympia parade is shrouded in secrecy. While we can’t tell you the theme, we can tell you that throws will include Olympia and lightning bolt-themed beads, doubloons, cups and more. The fun begins Saturday, February 7 at 6:00 p.m. in Covington.

Pygmalion 

The 25-unit Pygmalion progression will roll for the 26th time with the theme "Tales of the Brothers Grimm." Saints QB Tyler Shough will serve as Grand Marshal. Come get your share of doubloons, lighted Pygmalion tumblers and socks. The procession will roll Saturday, February 7 at 6:15 p.m. on the Uptown route.

The Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale

This year's theme for the 1,400-member, 38-float Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale parade is "Femmes Just Want to have Fun!" Come catch their signature compacts, metal cloisonne bottle openers, golf umbrellas, ice buckets, maracas and more. The krewe parades Sunday, February 8 at 11 a.m. along the Uptown route.

Krewe of Carrollton

The 2026 theme for the 23-float, 600-member Krewe of Carrollton parade is "Date Night." Special throws will include Carrollton's signature decorated shrimp boots. Carrollton rolls Sunday, February 8 at 12:30 p.m. following Femme Fatale on the New Orleans Uptown route.

Krewe of King Arthur

The theme for the Krewe of King Arthur’s parade is “Cooking Across America, Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary." Throws will include their signature hand-made grails, Merlin and knight plushes, special 250th USA doubloons and so much more. The parade features the diversity of the Camelot Nation with over 1,800 knights riding on 63 floats. The Krewe of King Arthur will roll Uptown on Sunday, February 8 at 1:30 p.m. 

Krewe of Dionysus

The theme for 19-float Krewe of Dionysus parade is "Visionaries and Vagabonds." The Royal Escorts mounted riders will throw a special doubloon. It will roll Sunday, February 8 at 1 p.m. in Slidell.

Mystic Krewe of Barkus

Barkus, the beloved Carnival canine krewe will again parade through the French Quarter with the theme “Wicked & Wagged: Barkus Believes in Change for Good.” The best dog walk in the world begins at Louis Armstrong Park on Sunday, February 8 at 1 p.m.

Mystic Krewe of Music 

The third annual Mystic Krewe of Music parade is entitled "Healing Through Music" and will feature 350 co-ed members on 20 floats. Top catches will include Music pillows, krewe lighted beads, and decorated tambourines. The procession takes place Monday, February 9 at 6 p.m. on the West Bank. 

Mystic Krewe of Druids

While the theme for Druids is kept secret until p-day, they are divulging that there will be 275 riders on 20 floats for their parade in 2026. Throws include doubloons, wands, wizard hats, lighted necklaces, and more. Don't miss Druids, Wednesday, February 11 at 6:15 p.m.

Krewe of ALLA 

The 2026 theme for this beloved organization's 18-float parade is "ALLA Shoots for the Stars.” Throws will include the ALLAgator neck pillow, stainless steel cups, sustainable throws and more. Of course, you may still get your wish and catch a hand-decorated genie lamp. The magic starts Wednesday, February 11 on the Uptown route following Druids.

Nandi

Nandi will have its third annual procession this year with the theme "Nandi Takes Hollywood." There will be 16 floats carrying 300 "madams." Throws include a custom-decorated tea cup. Nandi will roll Wednesday, February 11 at 6 p.m. on the West Bank. 

Krewe of Symphony

"Symphony Plays the ‘90s Hits" is the theme of Symphony's 2026 procession. Look for throws including a lighted tambourine, Symphony chocolate bars, and Symphony socks. The 250+, all-male Krewe of Symphony will roll February 10 at 6:30 p.m. in Metairie.

Knights of Babylon

Although the Knights of Babylon's theme is always kept a secret until parade day, it’s no mystery why this old-line krewe draws the crowds. The stunning procession includes King Sargon on a mule-drawn float surrounded by flambeaux. It will feature 27 floats and 390 riders. Throws will include doubloons, sweatbands, insulated wine totes, hand-strung jester beads and more. The krewe parades Thursday, February 12 at 5:30 p.m. Uptown.

Knights of Chaos

Chaos will celebrate this year with a 16-float parade (theme to be revealed the night of the procession). This satirical night parade features flambeaux and 200+ members will be on horseback. Look for several old Momus floats. Throws include knight helmets, shields, swords, footballs and lighted beads. See you on the Uptown parade route at 6:15 p.m. Thursday, February 12 at 4:30 p.m. following Babylon.

Muses

Everybody who's anybody is looking forward to "Muses Hersday." While Muses' theme is not revealed until the parade, set your hopes on catching their famous hand-decorated Muses shoes as well as several “re-Museable” throws. Television anchor/journalist Soledad O’Brien will serve as Honorary Muse. A total of 1,175 riders will ride on floats like The Bathing Muses, The Goddessey, Sirens, The Ducks and the Muses Shoe) will roll Thursday, February 12 at 6:30 p.m.

Hermes

Hermes' 2026 theme is "Fabled Lands of Myth and Legend” and will feature 35 floats. Highlights of the parade include the St. Augustine Marching 100, the Great Tornado Band from Talladega College and the Mississippi Valley State University band. The krewe will be tossing doubloons, lighted winged “H” wands, lighted Hermes capes, and more. Hermes rolls Friday, February 13 at 5:30 p.m. Uptown.

Krewe d'Etat

The 545-member Krewe d'Etat is led by the famous Budweiser Clydesdales and the Skeleton Walking Krewe and is followed by 24 satirical floats, the Dictator's Banana Wagon, and the High Priest's Candy Wagon, patterned after the famous New Orleans favorite Roman Candy Wagon. Come catch blinky beads, FRI-D’ETAT shirts, wooden nickels and more, as well as this year’s edition of the d'Etat Gazette. d'Etat rolls Friday, February 13 at 6:30 p.m. Uptown.

Krewe of Morpheus

This year, Morpheus' theme is "Morpheus Dreams of Literary Classics." There will be 800 riders on 24 floats. There will also be a band contest with 18 groups. If you're there for the loot, ask 'em to throw you a signature plush sheep or moon or a hand-decorated sleep mask. The Morpheus procession takes place Friday, February 13 at 7:30 p.m. following d'Etat Uptown.

Krewe of Selene

This all-female, 550-member Slidell parade has chosen the theme, "Selene Presents: Fright Night Feast.” Their 24 floats include the Purse Float. Selene throws custom decorated purses, Moon blown beads, lighted yo-yos. and more. Snatch one if you can! They roll Friday, February 13 at 6:30 p.m. on the Northshore.

NOMTOC (New Orleans Most Talked of Club)

Head to Algiers on the West Bank for NOMTOC. This year's theme is “Cooking with NOMTOC.”  The krewe has 720 members and 32 floats. Throws will include spoons, signature backpacks, signature sunglasses, and more. NOMTOC rolls Saturday, February 14 at 10:45 a.m.

Iris

The Krewe of Iris is the oldest all-female krewe and, with 3,700 members, is the largest krewe in Mardi Gras history. Their theme for 2025 is "What An Iris Wants.” The parade will feature 34 floats – all tandem and some triple tandem. Signature throws are Iris hand-decorated sunglasses. (We're hoping to catch an Iris Streetcar!) The parade will start Saturday, February 14, at 11 a.m. on the Uptown route.

Krewe of Tucks

The theme of this comedic krewe's parade is "Tucks Finally Cracks." Come celebrate with 2,500 riders including King Tucks LVIII who will ride on the krewe’s signature royal throne toilet float. Catch squirting toilets, toilet sunglasses, and hand-decorated plungers and toilet brushes. Tucks rolls Saturday, February 14 at noon on the Uptown route.

Krewe of Endymion

The 3,250-member Endymion parade is always one of the biggest and most anticipated events of Carnival. The theme of their procession this year is "American Songbook.” Throws will include a talking Endymion horse, oven mitts, kitchen towels and tons of light-up items. The procession will end at the Endymion Extravaganza. Entertainers for the event include Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani. Endymion rolls Saturday, February 14 at 4:00 p.m.

Isis

The oldest female Mardi Gras organization in Jefferson Parish will celebrate Carnival 2026 with a 200-member, 20-float parade. This year's theme is “Galentines Gras.” Isis will be throwing decorated bras (they're committed to breast cancer charities), along with theme doubloons in pink and red. They hit the parade route Saturday, February 14 at 6 p.m. in Kenner.

Krewe of Okeanos

The 350 riders of the 22-float Okeanos parade are celebrating this year with the theme "I Wish" with Vince Vance as grand marshal. Along with doubloons you can catch five different kinds of crawfish trays, signature ducks, alligators, plushies, socks, a new Hippocampus neck pillow, medallion beads, and sustainable throws including jambalaya mix red beans, popcorn, soap and bio-glitter. Save yourself a place on the Uptown parade route on Sunday, February 15 at 11 a.m.

Krewe of Mid-City

In 2026, the Krewe of Mid-City will roll with the theme "Lands Far and Beyond" with 15 floats. Come catch your fair share of the doubloons, plus a sequin heart plush, flip flops, crawfish serving trays, socks, and a foam bobble head. Come join the party Sunday, February 15 at noon following Okeanos on the Uptown route.

Krewe of Thoth

"Thoth Toons" is the theme of the 2026 Thoth parade, featuring 2,400 men on 40 floats. They’ll be throwing all kinds of specialty doubloons, including a pyramid-shaped cut-out doubloon and poker chips in three colors. You can also catch purses, festival hats, watches, sequin baseball caps, friendship bracelets, four different kinds of T-shirts, fedoras, and more. We’ll see you on the Uptown parade route, Sunday, February 15 at noon.

Krewe of Bacchus

The 32-float Krewe of Bacchus parade is one of the most anticipated processions of Carnival Season. This superkrewe’s theme in 2026 is "Bacchus Celebrates America 250." Bacchus LVII is actor Patrick Warburton. New floats include the Baby Whoppa. The God of Wine rolls Sunday, February 15 at 5:15 p.m. on the Uptown route. The Bacchus Rendezvous will follow at the convention center.

Krewe of Athena

The 700-member, all-female Krewe of Athena's theme for 2026 is "It’s About Time" which will be brought to life on 26 floats. Athena is known for tossing hand-decorated fedoras, but you can also catch lighted beads, themed beads, plush throws, and more. Athena will roll Sunday, February 15 at 6:30 p.m. after the Krewe of Centurions.

Proteus

The old-line, 230-member, flambeaux-lit Proteus parade is a must! The theme this year is "Journey of the Sun Wukong.” Look to catch lighted seahorse beads, lighted plush sea horses, red and silver seahorse beads, socks, and more. Proteus will take to the Uptown Route on Monday, February 16 at 5:15 p.m.

Krewe of Orpheus

This year Orpheus celebrates with the theme, "All the World’s a Stage." The parade features 39 floats including their iconic signature floats the Smokey Mary, the Orpheus Leviathan, and the Captain's Galleon. The Lundi Gras procession will roll Uptown with Emmy-winning actor Noah Wyle as Monarch. Noah will be joined several veteran monarchs, including Joey Fatone and Jennifer Finnigan. Their post parade gala, Orpheuscapade, is open to the public. You can try and catch one of their signature hand-decorated tambourines on February 16 at 6 p.m. on the Uptown parade route.

Centurions

Get ready for "Once Upon a Time" from the Centurions. There will be 300 riders on 18 floats throwing doubloons, frisbees, koozies, bracelets, and more. The Centurions roll Monday, February 16 at 6 p.m. in Metairie.

Krewe of Atlas

The 200 riders of the Krewe of Atlas will parade with 14 floats centered around the theme, “Atlas is Hollywood Bound.” Prepare to catch lighted medallions, krewe socks, krewe balls, and more. Atlas rolls Monday, February 16 at 7 p.m. in Metairie.

Krewe of Zulu

Few throws are more prized than a coconut from the Krewe of Zulu. This year's parade, "Zulu’s World of Entertainment," will feature 44 floats and 1,800 riders, including legendary characters like Big Shot, Witch Doctor, and Mr. Big Stuff. Zulu rolls Fat Tuesday, February 17 at 8 a.m. on the Uptown Route, right before Rex.

Rex

Revelers at Rex parade will be treated to the theme, "Rebirth and Renewal." Signature floats include the animated Butterfly King Float, Jester, His Majesty's Bandwagon, and the Boeuf Gras. The 500 riders on 30 floats will be throwing float-specific beads, doubloons, and tons of sustainable items such as biodegradable glitter, herb starter kits, postcards and soap. Rex rolls on Mardi Gras Day at 10:30 a.m. on the Uptown parade route. It is followed by two truck parades, the Elks Orleanians and the Crescent City Truck Parade.

Krewe of Argus

The 25-float Krewe of Argus parade will take the streets of Metairie on Fat Tuesday at 11 a.m. with the theme "Argus Gets Animated." Highlights of the parade include the 3-tandem Peacock float. Throws include Gus, a stuffed Peacock, and sustainable items such as a jambalaya mix. Argus is followed by the Elks Jeffersonians and the Krewe of Jefferson truck parades. 

Krewe of Bogue Fayala 

More than 700 riders will take to the streets in Covington on Mardi Gras Day with a 25-float parade with the theme, "The Reality of Imagination." For the first time ever, the parade will feature the Krewe of Karts. Lucky parade goers will catch throws from local businesses including coffee and pancake mix, crawfish trays, toilet paper, and coins and tokens for free items. The fun begins February 17 at 10 a.m. on the Northshore.

Krewe of Mardi PAWS 

The Krewe of Mardi Paws began in Olde Mandeville and paraded on the Lakefront for almost 25 years before moving to downtown Covington in 2020. This year's theme is "A Howliday Parade." The excitement will be unleashed Sunday, February 22 at 2 p.m.

Krewe du Pooch

This year the Krewe du Pooch will parade on Saturday, February 28 at noon on the Mandeville Lakefront with the theme “Krewe du Pooch Goes to Howliwood.” There will be a parade, costume contest, on-site dog adoptions, local vendors, food, and fun activities for everyone – canines and humans alike.

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