Family Gras is a FREE celebration of Carnival and family that takes place two weekends before Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras Day), and is located just ten minutes from downtown New Orleans in the suburb of Metairie. It takes place on Veterans Memorial Boulevard, across from Lakeside Shopping Center.
With crowds surpassing 80,000 each year, it’s big family fun just outside the Big Easy! Bring your kids to enjoy the traditional spectacle of Mardi Gras parades, authentic New Orleans cuisine, local art at the Art Market, a Kids' Court with face painting and interactive games, and free outdoor concerts by both national artists and Louisiana's own.
This year's entertainment lineup is impressive! On Friday, February 10th, you can see Vince Vance & The Valiants and The Jacksons. On Saturday, February 11th, Rick Springfield is the headliner and other entertainers include Imagination Movers, Hailey Whitters, A.J Croce - Croce Plays Croce, and Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles.
In past years, the entertainment line up has included Martina McBride, Lauren Alian, Marie Osmond, Girl Named Tom, David Batiste & the Gladiators, Ann Wilson of Heart, John Oates, Michael McDonald, Brett Eldredge, B.J. Thomas, The Righteous Brothers, The Gatlin Brothers, Taylor Swift, Michael McDonald, Cyndi Lauper, Cowboy Mouth, Blood Sweat & Tears, Wilson Phillips, Montgomery Gentry, The Drifters, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Tony Orlando, Kansas, Billy Ray Cyrus, The Monkees, Sheena Easton, Jesse McCartney, Brian Williams and The Marshall Tucker Band.
Of course, a big part of Family Gras are the fabulous parades rolling directly next to the Family Gras festivities, including the Krewe of Excalibur, the Krewe of Symphony, the Magical Krewe of MadHatters, the Krewe of Centurions, and the Krewe of Atlas Check our schedule for more information.
The Flambeau Food Court vendors "cook up" a good time with such favorites as jambalaya, crawfish pasta, muffulettas, pizza, and gator-on-a-stick, plus desserts like bread pudding and king cake.
Book your hotel room now and Reserve your Mardi Gras package
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