Midsummer Mardi Gras is August 29

A Carnival Tradition Born on Oak Street

Mardi Gras may be months away, but New Orleans has never been especially good at waiting for a reason to costume, dance and take over the streets.

The Krewe of O.A.K. will bring Midsummer Mardi Gras back to the Carrollton neighborhood on August 29, 2026, at 6 p.m., turning Oak Street into a steamy, glittery preview of Carnival. This year’s celebration marks the event’s 40th anniversary. 

The Krew of O.A.K. is a neighborhood krewe closely connected to the Maple Leaf Bar at 8316 Oak Street. The legendary music venue serves as the starting and ending point for the krewe’s parades, its ball and its annual Midsummer Mardi Gras celebration. 

Unlike the massive float parades that travel along St. Charles Avenue during Carnival season, Midsummer Mardi Gras is a lively walking procession filled with brass bands, dancing groups, costumed characters and neighborhood revelers. The result is part parade, part block party and entirely New Orleans.

Whether you are counting the days until Carnival or simply looking for an only-in-New-Orleans summer celebration, Midsummer Mardi Gras offers an excellent excuse to costume, dance and let the good times roll—no matter how high the temperature climbs.

Photo: Krewe of O.A.K.