guides

2024 Mardi Gras Family Fun Guide

Parades, Chicken Runs, Festivals and More in Acadia-St. Landry and Surrounding Areas

By Courtney J, Macaroni KID Acadia-St. Landry publisher January 2, 2024

It's nearly Festival time Macaroni Kid Families!!! 

Time to gear up with those festive costumes and get your running legs ready to catch for Acadia-St. Landry Mardi Gras family fun. This year Mardi Gras is on February 13th, but there are many events and festivities that take place days leading up to Fat Tuesday. Macaroni KID Acadia-St. Landry has you covered with a schedule of events from parades to festivals and family-friendly celebrations happening all around Acadia-St. Landry and surrounding communities. 


Want to feature your local business or organization with us? Sponsor our Mardi Gras Fun Guide and you could be featured here and in our newsletter to connect with local families!





*We will be updating this guide frequently as more events are added! Be sure to check back or bookmark Macaroni KID Acadia-St. Landry Mardi Gras Family Fun Guide to find new events and subscribe to our free weekly e-newsletter for weekly events! 

We do our best to stay on top of event updates but please be aware of possible cancellations before making preparations. If you wish to add a local Mardi Gras event happening around Acadia-St. Landry not listed please submit your request here

Mardi Gras Balls

For more details and ticket information click on the links provided! 

1/20 - Opelousas Imperial Ball (tickets can be purchased at Sebastien-Dupre Fine Jewelry)

1/27 - Lebeau Mardi Gras Ball (Contact Lebeau Immaculate Conception Church)

1/27- Mardi Gras Sneaker Ball (Opelousas Civic Center- 7pm) 

2/3 - Church Point Mardi Gras Ball

2/3 - Sunset Mardi Gras Ball - (@ Astros Kingdom from 7pm-12am)

Mardi Gras Festivals and Events


2/4- Lebeau Mardi Gras Festival
2/9-13th Eunice Cajun Mardi Gras Festival
Saturday, 2/10 - Jennings Mardi Gras Festival &Parade
Monday, 2/12

Parades 


Saturday, January 20 

Sunday, 1/28 

Saturday, 2/3

Sunday, 2/4

Saturday, 2/10

Sunday, 2/11

Tuesday, 2/13

Courir De Mardi Gras (Chicken Run)


Saturday, February 3

Saturday, February 10

Sunday, February 11

Tuesday, February 13

Mardi Gras Family Fun Activities

Children's Introduction to Mardi Gras- Dates: 1/11, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1 at Riverview RV Resort in Krotz Springs

Mardi Gras Wine Glass Craft - Rayne Library 

Make Your Own Mardi Gras Mask - free printable template
Kids in the Kitchen - Making your own king cakes
Mardi Gras Shoebox Float 
Free Mardi Gras printables 

Mardi Gras King Cake Guide




Find all of the local spots where you can get your fix with some of the best king cakes Acadia-St. Landry has to offer in MacaroniKID Acadia-St. Landry King Cake Guide. Whether you like plain, classic filling flavors, or something a little different, we know where to find it! 


Tips for a Fun and Safe Mardi Gras

We want everyone to have a fun and safe experience during Mardi Gras season! Here are some helpful tips that can ensure a great time!

  • Be prepared for weather! Some parades and festivities can last all day long and Louisiana is notorious for unpredictable weather. Pack ponchos or water-resistant jackets. Dress or pack clothes for both cold and hot weather. We've experienced Mardi Gras seasons where it was sweltering as well as Mardi Gras days when the temperature dropped! Also, wear comfortable shoes you don't mind getting dirty in case of rain and mud.


  • Wear sunscreen, especially if you're planning to stay all day. Hats and sunglasses are not only a fun way to accessorize for the season but can also provide additional sun protection. 
  • Find a bathroom nearby where you know you can use it, especially with young children in tow (it's not a bad idea to pack some wipes and keep hand sanitizer in a belt bag along with other essentials). Most towns will have port-a-lets in select areas along parade routes. Many churches, restaurants, hotels, and bars along the route will allow you to use their facilities but may require a small fee or purchase.
  • Bring snacks and drinks or be prepared to pay for them along the route or nearby (most likely with cash). If you bring your own drinks, avoid glass bottles on the parade route or have a container to transfer those drinks to.

Bradley Tumblers

  • Don't reach for throws under a float! This important for parents and adults as well as children. There are giant wheels holding up a massive amount of weight! 
  • Ladies, please be respectful - don't whip out the "girls"  at the parades. These are family-friendly events and families around usually won't take too kindly to you exposing yourself for their kids to see. Save the flashing for Bourbon St. or your hotel room.