A Tipsy Terrier’s Tips for Mardi Gras Madness in NOLA

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!

Mardi Gras in New Orleans isn’t just one day—it’s an entire season of celebratory chaos known as Carnival. Festivities officially begin on January 6th (Twelfth Night) and culminate in Fat Tuesday, the final day of feasting and indulgence before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Surprisingly, Fat Tuesday date changes year to year based on Easter, observed on the first Sunday after the first full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox.

Here is an enthusiastic look at how we plan to experience the magic, mixing time-honored traditions with Tipsy Terrier fun! Since this is our fourth time traveling to New Orleans to join in on this 300 year old tradition we have been able to refine the ultimate experience.

The Essential Mardi Gras Traditions

To fully immerse yourself, know the basics:

• Official Colors: First, you will see purple (for justice), green (for faith), and gold (for power) everywhere.
• Krewes and Throws: Second, parades are the heart of the celebration, organized by groups called “Krewes.” So be ready to yell, “Throw me something, mister!” and catch “throws”—trinkets tossed from the floats, including the famous Mardi Gras beads, doubloon coins, cups, and more. Furthermore, each Krewe has a signature throw that is highly sought after. Read here on how we joined the Krewe of Orpheus
• The King Cake: Next, this traditional, glazed, and often braided pastry hides a small baby figurine. Tradition dictates that the person who finds the toy must host the next party. Since this treat is only sold during Mardi Gras, don’t miss out!
• Masks: Finally, costumes and masks allow revelers to shed their inhibitions. While wearing a mask is illegal on most days in New Orleans, it is a key part of the fun on Fat Tuesday. In fact, all float riders are required by law to wear a mask while riding on a parade float.

Our 2025 Carnival Itinerary Highlights

First off, we are diving headfirst into the action from Mercredi Gras (Friday) right up to Fat Tuesday.

Most importantly, we’ve secured VIP bleacher tickets at the InterContinental Hotel for prime viewing of the major parades:

• Massive Superkrewes: Endymion, the legendary Bacchus (King Shaquille O’Neal in 2025), and the artistic Orpheus (Monarch Bianca del Rio).
• Mardi Gras Day Classics: The historic parades of Zulu and Rex are the last traditional krewes to roll.

Having bleacher tickets at a hotel is key because you get access to a real bathroom and a bar!

Balls, Parties & Unique Events

Obviously we’re hitting the biggest parties and some distinctly unique events:

Dining & Jazz

We’ll be soaking up the city’s culinary and musical heritage with reservations at classic spots:

• Classic Dining: Galatoire’s Restaurant and Antoine’s Restaurant.
• Jazz Brunch: Court of Two Sisters and Commander’s Palace.
• Live Music: A Dueling Piano Show at Pat O’Brian’s, and live jazz at the Blue Nile Jazz Club and Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub.

Check out our Best Classic Restaurants in New Orleans: Where Creole Dining Lives On post for more restaurants

Now, get your tickets, plan your costumes, and prepare for a whirlwind of excitement! Finally, we believe that Mardi Gras in New Orleans needs to be experienced at least once in your life.

Where to Stay

There are many options of where to stay in New Orleans. We have stayed in six different hotels in the French Quarter and highly recommend Hotel Monteleone. Located on Royal Street, one block off Bourbon closer to the River and not too far from Canal where the parades roll, is the perfect spot. Read our review here.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

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Planning more Crescent City adventures? Explore all of our New Orleans travel guides on The Tipsy Terrier, including our takes on Mardi Gras balcony parties on Bourbon Street, Bloody Mary Ghost Tours , best place to stay in the French Quarter, classic New Orleans restaurants, and our insider experience with the Krewe of Orpheus.

Cheers, Amy and Kirk