Get ready to embrace the vibrant culture and excitement of Mardi Gras like never before! Our 2025 Mardi Gras Guide is your ultimate resource for celebrating this iconic Louisiana tradition. From specialty baking classes to 5K runs, pet parades, captivating museum exhibits, and, of course, those unforgettable Mardi Gras parades, there’s something for every family to enjoy. This guide is all about creating meaningful connections with our community while making cherished memories along the way. 💜💛💚
☕Macaroni KID is thrilled to partner with CC’s Coffee House of Monroe to bring this guide to life. CC’s is your go-to spot for incredible Gambino King Cakes (whole or by the slice) and irresistible seasonal beverages such as King Cake Espresso No. 22, Mardi Gras Mambo Mochasippi, and King Cake Latte —perfect for fueling all your Mardi Gras adventures! Just like CC's Coffee House of Monroe, the parades will be out-of-this-world and we can't wait to share all the fun. (ORDER NOW)
👑🍰ENTER TO WIN A GAMBINO KING CAKE FROM CC'S COFFEE HOUSE MONROE (Your kids will love this!)
Look at the image above and find all the King Cakes you can! Then click on the entry link and enter the number you found.
☀️At Macaroni KID Monroe-West Monroe, we want every family to feel included and enjoy the magic of Mardi Gras. That’s why we’re so excited to partner with THRIVE Pediatric Therapy to share thoughtful tips that can help make the festivities fun for everyone! THRIVE Pediatric Therapy provides exceptional pediatric, occupational, physical, and speech therapy services across northeast Louisiana. Built on a family-centered approach, THRIVE empowers families to play an active role in their child’s progress, ensuring that therapy goals extend beyond the center and into daily life. With consistency and collaboration, THRIVE helps children and their families achieve meaningful milestones together. (CLICK ON Parade Sensory Guide)
Don't forget to bookmark this guide, add the events to your calendar, and let the good times roll! 🎉 Check out the guide now and start making plans for a season full of fun, flavor, and family memories.
Mardi Gras Parades (Local and Louisiana) | ||
Mardi Gras Crafts, Recipe, King Cake Guide, and Fun Classes
MARDI GRAS RECYCLING TIPS:
- We've found great projects for your family, Mardi Gras Bead Recycling! Your Mardi Gras Beads can be taken to West Monroe City Hall, Alley Park, or Downtown West Monroe. You will see bead receptacles at these locations.
- Pack a bag for your throws and a bag for your trash. Take your trash, sort out your recyclables, and dispose of everything properly.
- Keep your best beads to use for ornaments and garland for a Mardi Gras Tree next year, this is such a fun plan-ahead project and saves you a little money.
CRAFT
Shoebox Mardi Gras Float
Looking for a fun and creative activity to do with your family? Look no further than the Mardi Gras Shoebox Float! This craft is the perfect way to let your child's imagination run wild and create a unique and festive decoration for your home. So why wait? Let the good times roll and get started on your own Mardi Gras Shoebox Float today!
RECIPE
Quick Family Fun! - Mardi Gras Edition
We have an idea for some quick, affordable family fun! This article is for your kids, and it has a fun video that teaches all about Mardi Gras! A simple step-by-step recipe will show your kids how to make their own King Cake.
KING CAKE GUIDE
2025 Monroe-West Monroe King Cake Guide
Don't miss out on the 2024 King Cake Guide. It features some of the best local bakeries and eateries in our community and reveals the little secrets that make them so special. We have also featured some Mardi Gras favorites!
FUN CLASSES
King Cake Cupcake Decorating Classes
The Little Sweet Shoppe
Tower Place, 1500 N. 19th St., Monroe, LA (1st Floor Conference Room)
Dates: 1/18/25
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: $50.00 per person
In this class, you will join Amy Hobbs of The Little Sweet Shoppe, and learn the tips for decorating cupcakes with buttercream icing. We will have 6 cupcakes decorated with Purple, Green & Gold and Lots of Louisiana Flair!
Each guest will leave with their box of adorable cupcakes and the tip used in class. We will giggle, decorate cupcakes, and learn something new. Every single class is so much fun!
Extra boxes are available for $25/each if you would like to practice on an extra set at home after the event.
Note: Each guest will need a ticket to the class.
Mardi Gras Sugar Cookie Decorating Class
The Little Sweet Shoppe
Tower Place, 1500 N. 19th St., Monroe, LA (1st Floor Conference Room)
Dates: 1/25/25
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: $50.00 per person
In this class, you will join Amy Hobbs of The Little Sweet Shoppe, and learn the tips for royal icing cookie decorating! This is a beginner class that will teach:
Outline, Flood, Using Royal Icing Transfers, Consistencies, Sprinkles, and Wet on Wet designs.
Each guest will leave with adorable cookies and their own cookie scribe. We will giggle, decorate cookies, and learn something new. Every single class is so much fun!
Extra boxes are available for $20/each if you would like to practice on an extra set at home after the event.
Note: Each guest will need a ticket to the class.
King Cake: 4 Kids with Briarhill Farms
Ruston Farmers Market
Date: 1/30/25
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Cost: $35.00 per child
Join us on Tuesday, January 30th, from 5-7 PM for a fun and interactive King Cake Class just for kids. Taught by Lorrie from Briarhill Farms, this hands-on class will guide young bakers in creating their very own King Cake to celebrate Mardi Gras. Perfect for kids of all ages, this sweet and festive experience is one they won’t forget. Reserve a spot today and let your little ones get creative in the kitchen!
Call or Text (318)957-1305 with any questions.
Add to Your Calendar: 👑King Cake: 4 Kids with Briarhill Farms
Mardi Gras Sugar Cookie Decorating Class
The Little Sweet Shoppe
Tower Place, 1500 N. 19th St., Monroe, LA (1st Floor Conference Room)
Dates: 1/31/25
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cost: $50.00 per person
TICKET LINK
In this class, you will join Amy Hobbs of The Little Sweet Shoppe, and learn the tips for royal icing cookie decorating! This is a beginner class that will teach:
Outline, Flood, Using Royal Icing Transfers, Consistencies, Sprinkles, and Wet on Wet designs.
Each guest will leave with adorable cookies and their cookie scribe. We will giggle, decorate cookies, and learn something new. Every single class is so much fun!
Extra boxes are available for $20/each if you would like to practice on an extra set at home after the event.
Note: Each guest will need a ticket to the class.
Mardi Gras Sugar Cookie Decorating Class
The Little Sweet Shoppe
Tower Place, 1500 N. 19th St., Monroe, LA (1st Floor Conference Room)
Dates: 2/01/25
Time:10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: $50.00 per person
In this class, you will join Amy Hobbs of The Little Sweet Shoppe, and learn the tips for royal icing cookie decorating! This is a beginner class that will teach:
Outline, Flood, Using Royal Icing Transfers, Consistencies, Sprinkles, and Wet on Wet designs.
Each guest will leave with adorable cookies and their cookie scribe. We will giggle, decorate cookies, and learn something new. Every single class is so much fun!
Extra boxes are available for $20/each if you would like to practice on an extra set at home after the event.
Note: Each guest will need a ticket to the class.
Mardi Gras Events (Balls, Exhibits, Auctions, Jester Jog)
Celebrate Mardi Gras Day!
The Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum
323 Walnut St., Monroe, LA
Date: 1/11/25
Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Cost: $7.00 per person
The Twin Cities Krewe de Riviere and The Children's Museum are co-hosts for a fun day celebrating Mardi Gras! The King and Queen will be here handing out beads, a float will be in the parking lot, make/take king cakes, STEM activities, and more! Thanks go to our friends at Raising Cane's and James Machine Works for sponsoring! Admission is $7 per person at the door.
Add to Your Calendar: 👑Celebrate Mardi Gras at The Children's Museum!
Twin Cities Krewe de Riviere Grand Ball
ULM Bayou Pointe Event Center
4310 Bon Aire Drive, Monroe, LA
Date: 1/18/25
Time: 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Dress: Formal (Floor length gown and tuxedos required)
Cost: $100
Krewe of Janus Mardi Gras Ball
ULM Bayou Pointe Event Center
4310 Bon Aire Drive, Monroe, LA
Date: 2/1/25
Time: 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Dress: Formal (Floor length gown and tuxedos required)
Cost: See Website
King Cake Tasting & Mardi Gras Gown Exhibit
The Biendenharn Museum and Gardens
2000 Riverside Drive, Monroe, LA
Opening Date: 2/6/25
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Cost: $20.00 per person
Enjoy a selection of local bakeries' King Cakes to make your carnival sweeter. There will also be a chance to have the first look at our Mardi Gras gown and costume exhibit provided by the Krewe of Janus.
Add to Your Calendar: 👑King Cake Tasting at The Biedenharn
Mardi Gras Gown Exhibit
The Biendenharn Museum and Gardens
2000 Riverside Drive, Monroe, LA
Opening Date: 2/7/25
Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm - Closed Sunday and Monday
Cost: Adults $7.00, Military/Senior $6.00, Students $4.00
Experience over 40 years of Monroe Mardi Gras History, featuring the stunning court regalia and custom posters of local Krewes. This exhibit is included in general tour admission.
Jester Jog 5K Color Celebration
The Corner of Wood and Commerce, West Monroe, LA
Date: 2/15/25
Start Time: 2:30 pm
Cost: $35 per Person
The best 5K of the year and we are making it even better! Run the West Monroe Mardi Gras Parade Route and Downtown West Monroe on a double loop route to celebrate with the colors of Mardi Gras! Powder Mardi Gras Colors are thrown throughout the run/walk-in celebration!
Finisher specialty beads for everyone!
$35.00 entry fee includes a Silicone Mardi Gras Cup and Flying Heart Drink Token.
This color celebration 5K is not timed. The double-loop route is a true 5K. You can choose to do only one loop and make it a half-run if you like! Grab your support team and come downtown early to watch the Paws Pet Parade! Mardi Gras Activities begin at 10:00 am and continue all day! The 5K begins at 2:30 pm. We will gather at the corner of Wood and Commerce Streets. You can pick up your packet on Friday at The Spice & Tea Exchange of West Monroe, 229 Trenton Street, on Friday, 2/14/25 from 12:00-5:30 pm or the day of the race at the start line on the corner of Wood and Commerce Streets starting at 1:00 pm.
Wear your best Mardi Gras outfit and be prepared to have a blast on the best 5K run in the Twin Cities!
Wear your best Mardi Gras outfit and be prepared to have a blast on the best 5K run in the Twin Cities!
Costume prizes include: Best Child Costume, Best Female Costume, Best Male Costume, and Best Group Costume.
Add to Your Calendar: 👟👑Jester Jog 5K Color Celebration
2025 Krewe De Life Mardi Gras Ball, An event in Support of the LOPA Foundation
201 Washington St., Monroe, LA
Date: 2/22/25
Time: 6:00 pm - 11:30 pm
Cost: $125
You are cordially invited to attend the 2025 Krewe De Life Mardi Gras Ball fundraiser on Saturday, February 22, 2025 Enjoy an enchanted evening of music, dinner, dancing, and an open bar celebrating 2025 King Jason Dunavant and Honorary Queen Amy Leanne Fox. For more information, please reach out to llopez@lopa.org.
All proceeds from this event will benefit the LOPA Foundation and The John Clarke Perry Foundation. Your generous contribution will support LOPA's Core Purpose of MAKING LIFE HAPPEN and will assist families with children in need of life-changing medical treatments. Your donation may be tax deductible.
Krewe de Life .MP4 from Leah Lopez on Vimeo.
About LOPA: Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA) was established on April 1, 1988, as an independent, not-for-profit organ and tissue recovery agency. LOPA is federally designated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid as the organ procurement organization (OPO) responsible for servicing the state of Louisiana. LOPA is tasked with two main objectives; housing and maintaining the Louisiana Donor Registry, and recovering organs and tissue for transplant. LOPA partners with professionals throughout the state, including eye banks and all hospitals within Louisiana, to accomplish its life-saving and enhancing goals. Education is key to this process, and our staff offers a variety of educational opportunities for the public and professionals within our state.
Carnival on Caney
Jimmie Davis State Park
1209 State Park Rd., Chatham, LA
Date: 2/22/25
Time: 2:00 pm
Cost: $3.00 Admission
Come have a good time at our Mardi Gras parade for Carnival on Caney!!! Come early to get a hot beignet and coffee at site #56 where our local chapter of Dutch Oven Club, the Caney Creek Cuisinieres, will have a coffee bar from 9:30 - noon. The Dutch oven club will also have a cooking demonstration at site #56 starting at 9:30 and serving at noon. YUM!
Mardi Gras Parades Monroe-West Monroe
NEW ROUTE! Twin Cities' Krewe de Riviere Mardi Gras Parade
Date: 2/08/25
Time: 5:00 pm
King: Kristopher Kelley, Executive Director of the West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber
Queen: Kiama Johnson, Board Member NELA Pride
Route: The parade will begin on Nth 7th St., next turn will be left on Mill St. where it will cross the Lea Joyner Bridge into Monroe, the parade route officially ends at the intersection of Louisville Ave. and Washington St.
Cost: FREE
You're invited to the Out of this World - 5th Annual Mardi Gras Parade. Come line the streets to welcome floats, bands, dance groups, cars, and entertainers. To join or sponsor the Twin Cities Krewe de Rivière visit their website www.krewederiviere.com.
 New 2025 Twin Citie's Krewe de Riviere Parade Route |
18th Annual Krewe of D'arbonne
Date: 2/08/25
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Starts at Old Farmerville High School
Join the Farmerville Jaycees for the 18th Annual Krewe of D’Arbonne Mardi Gras Parade! Get ready to catch those beads and revel in the Mardi Gras spirit on Saturday, February 8, 2025! The Krewe of D’Arbonne is back for our 18th year, and we’re inviting everyone to be part of the fun. Whether you’re planning to ride in the parade or just enjoy the sights and sounds, now’s the time to make your plans.
Good news: Parade entry is FREE! So gather your krewe, decorate your floats, and let’s make this a celebration to remember. Don’t miss out on the most festive event of the season—see you there!
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Krewe of Janus - Children's Parade
Pecanland Mall-JC Penney Center Court
4700 Millhaven Road, Monroe, LA
Date: 2/15/25
Registration: 9:00 am
Parade Line-Up: 9:30 am
Parade Start: 10:00 am
Cost: FREE
The Annual Children's Parade at Pecanland Mall is a delightful event that is sure to put a smile on your face. It's a miniature Mardi Gras celebration that features decorated wagons, adorable little costumed riders, and plenty of throws to catch. Whether you come to cheer on the riders or join in the fun, you will surely have a great time at this festive event! The parade theme is Janus Flies to the Moon!
Krewe of Paws - Pet Parade
Antique Alley
100-400 Blocks of Trenton Street, West Monroe, LA
Date: 2/15/25
Parade Registration and Kid's Games: 11:00 am - 12:45 pm
Costume and Float Contest: Noon (Winners will be announced immediately following the contest).
Parade Start Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Cost: Attendance is FREE, Starting at $30.00 to Register a Pet
Everyone loves the pet parade! Handmade mini-floats, dogs in costume, and throws! This is also a pet-friendly day on Trenton Street so parade attendees will have their furry families enjoying the fun. MORE INFORMATION AND RULES
Online Registration or you can register your pets on parade day. This is a fundraiser for PAWS of Northeast Louisiana.
42nd Annual Krewe of Janus - Mardi Gras Parade
Date: 2/15/25
Time: 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Theme: Janus Flies to the Moon
Queen XLII: Kathie Spradling
King XLII: Robert MCCaa
Grand Marshal: Phillip Mark Thomas
Route: The parade starts in West Monroe at 1118 Natchitoches St. at 6:00 pm, the parade ends at Oliver Rd., Monroe, LA.
Cost: FREE
The Twin Cities’ Krewe of Janus Mardi Gras parade will celebrate its 42nd year of Mardi Gras tradition and flavor in the Twin Cities in 2025. The Twin Cities' Krewe of Janus Parade has entertained revelers since 1984 who eagerly gather along the 3.8-mile route through West Monroe and Monroe. The KOJ Parade is Northeast Louisiana’s oldest and most recognized Mardi Gras Parade. The parade includes nearly 50 units featuring several High School bands! The Parade has been recognized as one of the Top 20 Tourism Events in the South for three consecutive years as well as a Top 10 Attraction by the Southeastern Tourism Association. This year's featured groups are the 501st Legion (this group looks like Stormtroopers) and the Budweiser Clydesdales!
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Mardi Gras Parades in Louisiana
New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana
Mardi Gras New Orleans
St. Tammany-Northshore Mardi Gras
Louisiana Cajun Bayou Lafourche Parish
Baton Rouge Area
Baton Rouge Mardi Gras (9 Parades)
Pointe Coupee Parish Mardi Gras
Acadiana and Southwest Louisiana
Mardi Gras Lafayette
Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras
Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras
Iota Tee Mamou Mardi Gras Festival
Soileau Mardi Gras in Oberlin (Facebook Page)
Central Louisiana
Alexandria Mardi Gras (TBA)
North Louisiana
Shreveport-Bossier Mardi Gras (7 Parades)
Parade Sensory Guide
THRIVE Pediatric Therapy is thrilled to share these helpful parenting tips to ensure that all families can fully enjoy the excitement and magic of Mardi Gras! Their goal is to make this festive season fun, inclusive, and memorable for everyone. Let’s celebrate Louisiana culture together in a way that works for all! (MEET THEIR TEAM!)
Below are common sensory-rich features you may see at most parades.
- Crowds of people gathered in small areas.
- Loud music and instruments playing.
- Bright lights.
- Moving decorations.
- Alarms and sirens.
- Strong scents or smells.
- Limited accessibility to toilets.
- Lack of food and drinks.
- Prepare Your Child in Advance:
- Talk about what to expect at the parade—loud noises, large crowds, and lots of activity.
- Use social stories or visual aids to help explain the event step-by-step.
- Watch videos of parades together so they can get an idea of the environment.
- Choose Your Location Wisely (If we learn of designated areas for Calm Down Spots, etc. we will add them here):
- Find a less crowded area toward the start or end of the parade route for a calmer experience.
- Arrive early to secure a spot that gives your child some personal space.
- Check if there are designated sensory-friendly zones at the parade.
- Bring Noise-Canceling Headphones or Earplugs:
- Protect your child’s ears from loud music and cheering.
- Let them try wearing headphones beforehand to ensure comfort.
- Create a Sensory Toolkit:
- Pack comfort items like a weighted blanket, fidget toys, or favorite snacks.
- Bring sunglasses or a hat if your child is sensitive to bright lights.
- Have a calming device, like a tablet with headphones, for breaks.
- Establish a Plan for Breaks:
- Locate nearby quiet areas or your car as a safe retreat.
- Let your child know it’s okay to take breaks when they feel overwhelmed.
- Dress for Comfort:
- Make sure your child wears comfortable clothing, including layers in case they get too warm or cold.
- Avoid itchy fabrics or costumes that might irritate them.
- Practice Safety Measures:
- Use a wristband or ID tag with your contact information in case you get separated.
- A luggage tag can work great! Write all information and connect the tag to a belt loop.
- Talk about staying together and set boundaries about where they can go.
- Encourage Participation in Their Own Way:
- Let your child decide if they want to yell for beads or just watch quietly.
- Bring a small bag of beads and throws for them to enjoy without needing to compete for items.
- Manage Expectations with Siblings:
- Explain to siblings why certain accommodations are in place.
- Plan for alternate activities for siblings if the parade becomes overwhelming for the whole family.
- Know When to Leave:
- Park in a location that allows easier access after the parade, even if it means walking a bit farther to avoid blocked roadways.
- Ensure your vehicle is close enough to use as a quiet retreat during the parade if needed.
- Plan for downtime in the car, such as having a movie ready on a tablet or portable DVD player, snacks, and blankets, in case you need to wait for roadways to reopen.
- Reflect After the Parade:
- Talk about what went well and what didn’t for future parades.
- Celebrate the small victories, like staying for part of the parade or enjoying specific moments.
Parade Safety for Pets
Parades are filled with lots of great food, family, friends, and strangers. Thinking about Mardi Gras just brings a smile to your face, right? You might even decide your pet needs to get a little dressed up for the event and/or ride in a heavily decorated float (wagon)!
Let's make sure you are prepared. Of course, bring the essentials like water, food, if on hot asphalt maybe booties...
Here are 7 tips for safety:
1. Use pet-friendly decorations.
Sparkly decorations can be seen as a "toy" to animals who play with or eat them. Avoid costumes that have buttons or other decors that can become loose and swallowed. Remember, you want the costume to fit properly (not too tight or loose). You also want to keep any sharp-edged decorations or glitter away from your pet's eyes. Make sure any props are made of shatterproof materials.
2. The pet should be on a leash at all times.
First of all, it is the law but most importantly a leash can keep your pet safe and more easily monitored. They will be outside in a place that is unfamiliar to both of you and there could be food, beverages, and also plants that can be harmful. The ASPCA has full lists of toxic and non-toxic plants for dogs and cats:
3. Know your fur baby.
If your baby doesn't like loud noise, crowds, kids, or being petted 5 million times, this might not be a happy place for them.
4. Don't forget to scoop the poop.
Make sure you have all of the essentials for cleaning up after your pet. Plastic bags, gloves, and baby wipes (for your hands). This may not be a safety issue, but it is very good pet etiquette.
5. Vaccinations
Most events that invite your pet to attend require that they are current on their vaccinations.
6. Lost Dog
Just in case your dog runs away (we know it happens), make sure your pet has an ID tag or microchip.
7. How Should Children Greet Pets?
Greeting unknown dogs slowly and letting a dog sniff your hand is a nice way to introduce yourself. Also, teaching children to ask for permission before they pet a dog. Remember, if a dog is eating or playing with a toy, giving the dog space could be important. Children might not be as aware of an animal's body language so parents can help teach their children how to help become aware of this silent language.
Many veterinarians are not open 24/7 so it’s really important to know where your nearest emergency vet facility is located. If your dog or cat accidentally ingests a potentially toxic substance, contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 (a fee may apply) for immediate assistance.
Parade Safety
As a reminder, please read the following:
- Keep kids with you at all times
- Put pertinent information in your child's pockets in case they are lost.
- Act responsibly
- Don’t run in the street after throws
- Stay away from the floats honoring barricades if present.
- DO NOT approach floats for any reason.
- DO NOT block the streets.
- Pay close attention to your children as well as others in your immediate area. Place a contact number of a parent/guardian in your child’s pocket, or shoe, or write your number on their arm. You can get temporary tattoos made with contact information.
- If you see something, say something. Several police personnel will be stationed throughout the parade route. Call 318-329-2600 for assistance in Monroe and (318)396-2722.
The Monroe and West Monroe Police Department asks for all citizens to assist in adhering to these guidelines to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable evening.
Road Closures - TBA
Is there an event missing? Please feel free to SUBMIT the event now!
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