Yes, it’s a huge bummer that we’re not going to have parades this year, but you can’t cancel Mardi Gras! The spirit and creativity of the people of South Louisiana are strong and vivid, so the party will go on — just in a bit of a different fashion.
We’ve pulled together a bunch of camps, virtual and in-person events, and alternative ways to celebrate and enjoy Carnival season this year…
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Krewe of House Floats (Both Shores)
Now through February 19. The Krewe of House Floats (KoHF) is a socially-distant Mardi Gras krewe founded under the belief that if we cannot safely gather together on the parade route in 2021, then we can bring the spirit of the parades home to celebrate the Carnival season in a pandemic-safe manner that supports our friends, neighbors, local culture-bearers and locally owned businesses. An official Krewe of House Floats map will be available, so carnival-goers can view participating houses, which will be decorated with the traditional flair of the city’s beloved floats. Follow them on Facebook here.
Krewe Du Pooch: Virtual Fun Walk/Run
Now through February 20. Like most Mardi Gras celebrations, Krewe du Pooch’s “parade” and other fun activities will be virtual in 2021. Sign up for a virtual fun walk/run to raise money for your favorite local rescue organization. You can complete the fun run or walk anytime between Jan 6 and Feb 20, from anywhere, and they encourage you to do it with your pet(s). Remember to take lots of pictures and share on their Facebook and Instagram pages so that they can cheer you on and recognize your efforts in our fundraising. Check out their Facebook and Instagram pages for details and to compete in their costume contest.
Mardi Gras Virtual 5k Run/Walk
Now through February 28. If you’re looking for a colorful reason to get out and run or walk this February sign up today for the 2021 Mardi Gras Virtual 5k Run Walk. Participants Receive: Mardi Gras Virtual 5k Finisher Medal, Official Tyvek Race Bib, and Mardi Gras Finisher Shirt. Race Packets will start shipping around February 1. This is a LIMITED registration event. Only 1500 spots are available for this virtual challenge.
Lakeside Zulu Display
January 22 – February 19 from 10am -8pm. Lakeside Shopping Center will have a Zulu Costume Display featured in their Center Court.
Mardi Paws presents A Month of Mutty Gras
January 23 – February 20. This year, Mardi Paws is having a costume contest (LA themed- Mardi Gras, Saints, LSU, Tulane), selfie contest celebrating K9 Carnival during Covid, the Krewe of Dog House Floats, a doggie poo-throw decorating contest, promotions and pop-up events, the Flagship Float and social media contests and giveaways. Proceeds from the Mardi Paws parade benefit the Ian Somerhalder Foundation’s emergency medical grant program and Scott’s Wish, which provides aid for patients with leukemia and life-threatening illnesses. For more information, contact Denise Gutnisky at (985) 892-0060 or Denise@HaveaHeartThruArt.com
Krewe of You Virtual Art Classes
January 26 & February 2 & 9 from 4:30-5:30pm. Mardi Gras revelers near and far are invited to an interactive event series exploring the music, movement, and art that brings Carnival to life. Krewe of You participants will learn from New Orleans’ most acclaimed Carnival krewe members and culture bearers to create all the elements of their own krewe. The series was created for students (ages 7+), families, and educators – but open to all. Remaining schedule:
FLOATS January 26 – Build your krewe’s floats with special guests from King Arthur; DANCE February 2 – Choreograph your krewe’s dance with special guests from the Camel Toe Lady Steppers; COSTUMES February 9 – Craft your krewe’s costume pieces with a special guest from the Krewe of Red Beans.Registration is pay-what-you-can and all donations go toward KID smART arts education programs in New Orleans public schools.
Krewe of New Orleans Photo Contest
Submissions accepted: January 6 – February 4; Readers vote: February 5- 16. New Orleans Magazine has launched the Krewe of New Orleans photo contest. Anyone decorating their house “float” for the Carnival season just has to enter a picture of their Mardi Gras decorations for a chance to win $1,000 and a spotlight in the March issue of New Orleans Magazine. Additionally, the houses that make the second round of the contest will be plotted on a map for readers to create their own parade drive-by to see the decorations for themselves.
Rivertown Production of And the Ball & All
January 29-31, Friday & Saturday at 7:30pm, Sunday at 2 & 6pm. Some things may be different this Mardi Gras, but And The Ball And All is back! Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts presents the classic New Orleans comedy about the Yatty ladies Krewe Of Terpsichore who will be gossiping, telling jokes about their husbands, and fighting over float and themes.
Floats in the Oaks
February 4-14, Weekdays 5pm -10pm and Weekends 1pm – 10pm. Families can safely participate in this parade-type event, by viewing stationery floats from their cars, while also supporting City Park. Participants are encouraged to wear Mardi Gras costumes and decorate their cars. Additional elements of this experience are still developing. Krewes already involved include Rex, Zulu, Bacchus, Hermes, Thoth, King Arthur, and lots more, with more joining daily. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance and online only.
Mardi Gras for All Y’all
February 12-14. This virtual Mardi Gras extravaganza will feature… Louisiana icons, like Emeril Lagasse, Hoda Kotb, Bryan Batt, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, Archie Manning, and James Carville. Performances by the Krewe of Rolling Elvi, Muff-a-Lottas, Crescent City Fae, Saintsations, and 610 Stompers. Music from Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Gerald French New Orleans Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, The New Orleans Jazz Vipers, and St. Augustine Drumline. Plus, New Orleans chefs and features on iconic Mardi Gras krewes and clubs.
CAMPS
Culinary Kids (Mandeville)
February 17-19 from 9am – 3 pm (extended care available from 8 am – 5 pm for an additional fee). Kids cook their own breakfast, lunch and snacks, desserts, make drinks, enjoy gardening, guest visitors with treats, science experiments, indoor/outdoor games and have great fun with friends. Ages 5 – 12.
KidCam Camp (Algiers)
February 15-19 (Closed 2/16; May add Friday Feb 12 if requested) 7:30am – 5:30pm.
The Aurora United Methodist Church-Algiers will host this Kidcam Camp.A schedule of activities will be sent to parents via email the week before camp starts. Campers will enjoy indoor & outdoor games, gym play, holiday-themed arts & crafts, food crafts, cooperative games,inflatables, fitness and much more. Ages PreK4-13.
Loyola University Sports Camp (New Orleans)
February 17-19 from 9am – 3pm. This camp will emphasize playing the “right way”, concentrating on sportsmanship, fundamentals, rules, hustle, positive attitude and the ability and willingness to listen and learn. Camp will be broken into groups or pods as one part of our COVID-19 mitigation strategy. Campers will participate in basketball, baseball, football and soccer, as well as kickball, and other games designed to promote cooperation, patience and teamwork. Mornings will include a fitness component designed to increase overall functional movement. Ages 5-12.
New Orleans Jesters (New Orleans)
February 17-19 from 9am-noon. They offer two three-day camps the week of Mardi Gras: Outdoors at Carrollton at the Fly and indoors at Junction Place Sports. For questions or more information, contact Krewe@NolaJesters.com
New Orleans Jewish Community Center (Members Only)
February 17-19. These camp-style days at the Uptown JCC will be filled with group activities, creative arts, athletic games, and more. Ages K-5th grade.
Ochsner Kidsports (Harahan)
February 15-19 from 9am-4pm (before & after care available). Kids will get to spend their days enjoying crafts, games, bounce houses, movies, and more. Ages 3 & up.
YMCA (East Jefferson & Belle Chasse)
February 17-19 from 7:30am-6pm. Kids have the opportunity to play sports, make arts and crafts, and make new friends. Ages 3-14.
