Mardi Gras in Shreveport
Photo by Alayna Furch
Are you too lame for New Orleans Mardi Gras? Maybe your mom is like mine, and she is too scared to let you go and party in New Orleans. Or maybe you are drowning in homework, and you need to get some studying in, leaving you stuck in Shreveport while everyone else is having the time of their lives down south. Not to worry; there are plenty of fun things to do right here in Shreveport, from parades to 5ks to actual parties (if you are of age and have a little bit of money).
The Krewe of Gemini Float Loading Party
Date: Friday, February 25th
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Price: Free!
Location: 2101 E Texas St. Bossier City, LA 71101
Number: (318) 741-9264
Go to the Krewe of Gemini Den, see all of their floats, and collect some beads! Are you under 21? Not to worry, this is a family-friendly event that gives people the opportunity to get a close-up view of the floats before the parade. You even get to meet the royalty and float riders, and if you play your cards right, you might even get a chance to get a special bead from these float riders!
The King Cake Classic 5k and 10k
Date: Saturday, February 26th
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Price: $25 and up
Venue: Great Raft Brewing
The King Cake Classic is perfect if you are looking for an early start to your Saturday! It will begin at Great Raft Brewery. It includes the following events: 10K, 5K, Virtual 10K, Virtual 5k, 1-Mile Fun Run, and more.
The Krewe of Gemini Mardi Gras Parade
Date: Saturday, February 26th
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Price: Free!
Number: (318) 741-9264
This is one of the largest Mardi Gras parades in North Louisiana—even being named a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society. The parade showcases large, colorful floats, marching bands, and so much more.
The Krewe of Highland Mardi Gras Parade
Date: Sunday, February 27th
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Price: Free!
Number: (318) 402-1132
The Krewe of Highland Parade is one of the most unique events of the season. The parade’s throws are known to be unpredictable, with everything from Moon pies to grilled hotdogs to packaged ramen noodles. There will be marching bands, DIY floats, and much more!
Flashback Friday – Pardi Gras 2022
Date: Friday, March 4th
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Price: GA $55
Are you over 21 and feel like you are missing out on the 'Pardi Gras' experience in New Orleans? Then this just might be your event! Get ready for a trifecta of the decades—80s, 90s, and 2000s. There will be multiple entertainers, all with diverse specializations, including DJ Jay Whatley, the Molly Ringwalds (who my mother would just die for), The Chee-Weez, and That Girl DJ! Come fully decked out in your favorite decade-themed attire with cash ready for the bar!
Regardless of what you do to celebrate Mardi Gras, laissez les bons temps rouler!
