Mardi Gras 2025 is coming in hot, and New Orleans is ready to roll! Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, this guide has everything you need to eat, drink, parade, and party your way through the biggest celebration of the year. From can’t-miss events to where to grab a drink on the parade route, ACCENT New Orleans has you covered!

 

Carnival Specials: Where to Eat & Drink During Mardi Gras

 

Mardi Gras is all about indulgence, and New Orleans does not disappoint when it comes to festive bites and sips. Whether you’re craving king cake, seasonal brews, or a cocktail to keep in your to-go cup, here’s a few places to check out:

 

• GW Fins: Located in the heart of the French Quarter, GW Fins is known for its seasonal offerings. While specific 2025 specials are yet to be announced, in previous years, they’ve delighted guests with creations like Soft Pretzel King Cakes and the “Iris on the Avenue” cocktail. Keep an eye on their official website for updates.

• Compère Lapin: Celebrate Mardi Gras with a special a la carte Friday Lunch at Compère Lapin on February 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy curried goat with sweet potato gnocchi, fried chicken with biscuits and hot honey, or classic shrimp and grits with Creole sauce, among other delicious options. Book here.

• The Pelican Club: A French Quarter favorite, this spot serves up a special Mardi Gras menu filled with festive flavors. Check their site for updates.

• Palm & Pine: This French Quarter hotspot is serving up Supa Dupa Pine: An Iconic Lundi Gras Brunch on Monday, March 3. For $25, guests get a reserved seat to enjoy burlesque and entertainment by Bella Blue. Book here.

• Best Bars Along the Parade Route: Need a drink while you wait for the floats? Hit up these spots:

– Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar – Frozen drinks + oysters right on St. Charles.

– The Avenue Pub – A classic parade-watching beer stop.

– The Columns – Sip in style from a historic porch on St. Charles.

• Seasonal Brews: Local breweries celebrate Mardi Gras with limited-edition beers crafted for the season. Notable mentions include:

– Urban South Brewery: Famous for their “Mardi Gras Pils,” a seasonal American Pilsner.

– Zony Mash Beer Project: Known for creative brews, they often release special editions during Carnival.

– Port Orleans Brewing Co. and NOLA Brewing: These breweries have previously offered seasonal beverages during Mardi Gras. Check their websites for 2025 updates.

 

Pro Tip: Keep a to-go cup handy—New Orleans allows open containers, so you can sip and stroll between parades!

 

Must-Do Mardi Gras Events

 

Mardi Gras isn’t just about parades—it’s a full-on experience packed with music, food, and traditions that make it a celebration like no other. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:

 

Kick Off the Season with Pygmalion Fest

 

Hosted by the Krewe of Pygmalion, this festival kicks off the first big weekend of Carnival with live music, food, and drinks. It’s a great way to get into the Mardi Gras spirit before the biggest parades roll. For the 2025 schedule and details, visit their official website.

 

Experience Lundi Gras Traditions

 

• Meet Rex on Lundi Gras: The King of Mardi Gras arrives at Riverfront Park on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 6 PM, marking the official start of Mardi Gras Day. More info at the Lundi Gras Festival website.
• Attend the Zulu Lundi Gras Festival: This free festival at Woldenberg Park runs from 10 AM – 6:30 PM and features live music, food, and a royal appearance by the Zulu King. Learn more.

 

Kid & Family-Friendly Mardi Gras Events

 

• Krewe of Little Rascals Parade (Metairie): The longest-running children’s Mardi Gras krewe rolls on Sunday, February 23, 2025.
• Krewe of Barkus: A parade for pups on Sunday, February 16, 2025—costumes encouraged!
• Family Gras (Metairie): Three days of parades, concerts, and kid-friendly fun from Feb 21-23, 2025.

 

Where to Learn Mardi Gras Mixology & Party Like a Local

 

• • Beads, Booze, and Bar Skills: Mardi Gras Mixology – Shake up classic New Orleans cocktails at New Orleans Drink Lab. Dates: Feb 28 & March 1, 2025. Sign up.
  • Bacchus Bash 2025 – The ultimate all-day Mardi Gras block party, featuring live music from Mannie Fresh, Kings of Neon, The Topcats, and more. Date: March 2, 2025. Get tickets.

 

Getting Around Mardi Gras

 

• Streetcars & Buses: The St. Charles Streetcar is scenic but expect delays. Check the RTA website for schedules and routes.
• Walking & Biking: With road closures, this might be your best bet. Consider renting a bike or scooter from Blue Bikes for easy mobility.
• Rideshares & Taxis: Uber and Lyft will have surge pricing, so plan accordingly. Designated pickup and drop-off locations may be in effect. Check the city’s official Mardi Gras guide for updates.
• Driving & Parking: Many streets will be closed, and parking is extremely limited. If you must drive, use Premium Parking to find available paid lots or garages in advance.
• Parade Shuttles: Some companies offer shuttles to and from major parade routes. Keep an eye on Mardi Gras New Orleans transportation updates for options.

 

Pro Tip: Public restrooms are rare. Plan ahead, find friendly bars or restaurants, or pay for a VIP parade-viewing experience with restroom access.

Catch the Best Parades

 

If you’re planning your trip around the biggest and best parades, don’t miss these highlights:

 

• Endymion (Saturday, March 1, 2025): The biggest and most extravagant parade in Mardi Gras, rolling through Mid-City.
• Bacchus (Sunday, March 2, 2025): Floats, beads, and celebrity riders.
• Zulu & Rex (Mardi Gras Day, March 4, 2025): Fat Tuesday’s grandest traditions with coconuts and royalty.

 

For a full schedule, visit the Mardi Gras New Orleans website.