Headed to Lafayette Mardi Gras? Read This First

LAFAYETTE, La. (KMDL-FM) - We’re officially in the thick of Mardi Gras season, and the weekend leading up to Fat Tuesday is packed with parades, chicken runs, festivals, and more across Lafayette.

Lafayette, Louisiana has one of the biggest Mardi Gras celebrations outside of New Orleans. Festivities are in full swing now through Mardi Gras Day.

Planning Before You Attend Lafayette Mardi Gras

If you're planning to attend any of the festivities in the Hub City, Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG) has put together a handy-dandy guide to help you have the best time possible.

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Here's everything you need to know before you go to Lafayette Mardi Gras:

Barricades & Street Closures

Barricades are in place and will remain through Mardi Gras Day, Tuesday, February 17. Streets along and surrounding parade routes will close one hour prior to each parade.

On Mardi Gras Day, all streets in and around parade routes will close one hour before the first parade and will remain closed until the final parade concludes and the streets are cleared.

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Parade Schedule & Times

Friday, February 13

• 6:30 p.m. - Krewe of Allons Kick-Off Parade

Saturday, February 14

• 12:30 p.m. - Children's Parade (Lafayette St. & W. Vermilion St. to Cajun Field)
• 6:30 p.m. - Krewe of Bonaparte Parade

Monday, February 16

• 6:00 p.m. - Monday Night Parade honoring Queen Evangeline LXXXVII

Tuesday, February 17 (Mardi Gras Day)

• 10:00 a.m. - King Gabriel's Parade
• 1:00 p.m. - Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival Parade
• 2:00 p.m. - Independent Parade

All parade routes, except the Children's Parade, begin at Pontiac Point (Jefferson St. at Surrey St.) and end at Cajun Field

Traffic & Transit

Crossover intersections at University Ave. and Johnston St. and St. Mary Blvd. and Johnston St. will remain open until parades approach. Lafayette Transit System will operate limited night service with detours on parade days and will not operate on Mardi Gras Day.

Parking

No parking is allowed on streets or sidewalks along the parade route. While the Vermilion Street parking garage will be closed, the Buchanan Street parking garage will be open and available to the public.

Safety Reminders

• Lost Children: Designated lost child stations are located at Fire Station #1 (Vermilion & Lee) and Fire Station #5 (Johnston & St. Julien). Lost or found children may also be brought to any law enforcement officer along the route.
• Accessible Viewing: An ADA-accessible Mardi Gras Parade Zone is available at Fire Station #5 (Johnston St. & St. Julien Ave.).
• Medical Assistance: Acadian Ambulance units will be stationed along parade routes.

Important Numbers to Know:

• Call 911 for emergencies or immediate medical assistance.
• Call 211 for community resources and non-emergency assistance.
• Call 311 for City-Parish services, questions, or concerns.

Prohibited items along parade routes include glass containers, silly string, drones, animals (except service animals), and entering barricaded areas.

More Mardi Gras Information

For detailed Lafayette Mardi Gras information including official parade routes, schedules, parking maps, barricade locations, and safety information, visit lafayettela.gov/mardigras.