A Guide to Mardi Gras

By Bella Stryker

Sparkles, Hurricane drinks, velvety purple, masquerade masks and feathers—welcome to Carnival season! Maybe you want to celebrate in Dallas, or perhaps you’re thinking about making the pilgrimage to New Orleans. No matter how you choose to celebrate, this article is a great starting point.

The first thing you need to know is that this year, the main Mardi Gras weekend will be February 28 and ends with Fat Tuesday on March 4. While Carnival season officially begins on January 6 (Epiphany) and runs through Fat Tuesday, the largest celebrations occur toward the end of the festival.

Next, you need to decide whether you’re attending Mardi Gras in New Orleans or at Tulane University. If you’re heading to Tulane, start reaching out to friends and secure your wristbands as soon as possible. Mardi Gras weekend is their biggest event of the year, and due to increasing popularity, security has tightened. Additionally, it’s essential to figure out your housing early. Do not plan on commuting from the city—parades lead to major road closures, creating overwhelming traffic. Expect to walk everywhere.

If you’re heading to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, here’s your ideal three-day trip breakdown and some essential tips.

Friday

If you’re driving down on Friday, plan to leave Dallas as early as possible to beat the traffic. The worst congestion points occur as you exit Dallas and enter New Orleans, so time those entries and exits strategically. The drive isn’t bad—especially compared to a long ride on a fraternity bus—so pack some snacks, queue up a good podcast and cruise.

Once you arrive in New Orleans, pick up a case of water and snacks for the hotel. I recommend staying at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside—it’s affordable, clean and located in a safe area. The Four Seasons is right next door for those seeking a more luxurious stay, and both are within walking distance of Starbucks and the French Quarter.

Before heading to Bourbon Street for the night, download a parade tracker app—I used the WDSU Parade Tracker, and it was incredibly helpful (download here). Since most major roadways close for parades, Apple and Google Maps become largely ineffective. Additionally, if you’re concerned about safety—or need to reassure your parents—check out this New York Times article on Mardi Gras security. This year alone, New Orleans has hosted Taylor Swift, the Super Bowl and President Trump, so the city has already ramped up security.

Another smart move for the weekend is securing a driver if you’re staying with friends and not in a central location. Rideshare services experience price surges and struggle to meet demand, so relying on them isn’t always the best plan.

Saturday

Fully embrace the Mardi Gras experience by starting the day with brunch at Brennan’s or Commander’s Palace. Festive costumes are highly encouraged, with bright colors and glitter as the standard. If you need outfit inspiration, check out the looks put together by LOOK below and what we’ve linked to our Rodeo account.

After brunch, be sure to catch some of the must-see parades, including Bacchus, Endymion and Zulu. For food breaks in between, grab beignets at Café du Monde, a po’ boy from Parkway Bakery and jambalaya from Coop’s Place. By the evening, you might need a break from the chaos—head to Frenchmen Street for live jazz and a more relaxed, local atmosphere compared to Bourbon Street.

Sunday

The morning might be a little rough, especially with the knowledge of a long travel day ahead. Just like the drive in, roads will be congested when leaving the city. If you’re flying, be sure to arrive at the airport early. No matter how you’re getting home, take a moment to reflect on all the memories you’ve made.

Mardi Gras is an unforgettable experience, but it requires planning. Whether you’re partying at Tulane or immersing yourself in the full New Orleans celebration, book early, pack wisely and get ready for non-stop fun.

Shop the LOOK’s style guide below on our RODEO here!