Baton Rouge Area Family Friendly Parade Guide 2015

Carnival time is here, which means parade season is upon us!  We’ve compiled a list of family-friendly parades in and around the Greater Baton Rouge area, so you don’t miss a thing!  They are listed in order of appearance, beginning Friday, February 6th and running through Saturday, March 14th. Laissez les bons temps rouler! (And follow us on Facebook to keep up with other family-friendly events in the Baton Rouge area!)

1) Krewe of Artemis – Friday, February 6 :: 7PM, The Krewe of Artemis was founded in 2001 with the vision of bringing the Mardi Gras spirit and tradition to the Baton Rouge community with a female twist. The all-female Krewe made its parade debut in Baton Rouge in 2003 and has enjoyed tremendous support from the community. The Krewe of Artemis 13th Annual Mardi Gras Parade will roll through the streets of downtown Baton Rouge with the theme, “Come Rock N’ Roll with Artemis.” Join the excited revelers as they line the parade route while joining in the festivities and experiencing Baton Rouge Mardi Gras….Artemis style!! Parade goers will be treated with themed throws, including the Krewe of Artemis’ signature High Heeled Shoe, along with footballs, tambourines, stuffed animals, float beads and lighted throws.  For parade route, click here.

2) Krewe of Mystique de la Capitale – Saturday, February 7 :: 2PM, Celebrating 38 years of parading in Louisiana’s capital city, the Krewe of Mystique de la Capitale is the city’s oldest parading Mardi Gras Krewe and has provided years of carnival fun for the citizen’s of Baton Rouge. This parade is family-oriented and fun for all ages. For parade route, click here.

3) Krewe of Denham Springs – Saturday, February 7 :: 3PM, This South Louisiana-style parade takes place two Saturdays prior to Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras Day), and rolls just days after the annual Mardi Gras Ball. For crazy Krewe-member floats and non-Krewe floats, marching bands and other entries, join the family friendly Krewe of Denham Springs as it hosts an afternoon full of fun and excitement. Parade starts at Denham Springs High School and rolls south on Range, west on Florida and concludes on Veterans Blvd.

4) Krewe of Ceasar (NOLA) – Saturday, February 7 :: 6PM,  If you’re headed to the Big City, Krewe of Caesar in Metairie is a really good traditional NOLA parade that is also family friendly.  With Grand Marshals that have included big names like Sesame Street, The Smurfs and Imagination Movers in years past, this parade is sure to be a hit with the little ones.  Click here for parade route.  For a full listing of New Orleans parades, click here.

5) Krewe of Orion – Saturday, February 7 :: 6:30PM, The Krewe of Orion’s 15th annual Mardi Gras parade will roll in Downtown Baton Rouge with the theme of “Legends & Landmarks.” Parade goers will be treated to a line of exciting, colorful traditional lighted and tractor-pulled floats. Each float will be decorated to depict an area landmark (usually an establishment that has gone out of business) that is fondly remembered, but is no longer with us. On the floats, masked and costumed riders will throw plenty of themed parade medallions, Krewe of Orion signature footballs, cups, plush animals, Orion swords and doubloons, lighted throws, and beads. Marching bands as well as riding and marching units will be among the great sights and sounds at this wonderful family-oriented parade. You can view the parade route here.

6) CAAWS’ Mystic Krewe of Mutts Parade – Sunday, February 8 :: 1:30PM, Bring your family and your furry friends for a Puppy Parade in Downtown Baton Rouge.  This year’s theme will be “Marvelous Mutts.”  Mardi Gras colored costumes and pet-sized floats will roll along North Boulevard on Sunday, February 8th at 1:30 p.m. Parade begins at North Boulevard and St. Ferdinand Street, turning North at 8th Street and ending at North Boulevard and Fourth Street.  For parade route, click here.

7) Krewe of Southdowns – Friday, February 13 :: 7PM, Inspired by the Mardi Gras flambeaux’s he encountered in New Orleans in the ‘70’s during his residency at medical school, when Dr. Will Gladney came back to his old neighborhood in his hometown of Baton Rouge to pursue his medical career, he sought to inject a bit of New Orleans Mardi Gras into his Baton Rouge neighborhood. Dr. Gladney formed the Krewe of Southdowns and the Krewe of Southdowns Flambeaux Parade was born. Started in 1988 this family-friendly parade will be celebrating its 28th running in 2015. For parade route, click here.

8) Spanish Town – Saturday, February 14 :: 12 Noon, Break out your Pink Flamingos and head to Downtown Baton Rouge’s Day Parade. Sarcasm and irony play a large role in this neighborhood parade. It is not intended to be “family oriented,” though many children attend with their parents and have a great time. The ALCOHOL FREE FAMILY ZONE is located on the North side of Convention Street between 5th and 7th streets.  For full parade route, click here.

9) Le Krewe Des Jeunes Amis- Children’s Parade (Lafayette) – Saturday, February 14 :: 12:30PM, If you’re heading West this Carnival Season, the Lafayette Children’s Parade is certainly worth the drive.  Le Krewe Des Jeunes Amis was established in 1996 with the idea that all children should be the King or Queen of their own Krewe.  It’s truly a parade for kids by kids and fun for everyone!  The parade runs from the Federal Courthouse to Cajun Field.  For full parade route, click here.  For a full list of Lafayette parades, click here.  

10) Beauregard Town Walking Parade – Tuesday, February 17 :: 12 Noon, The 2014 Beauregard Town Walking Parade begins at noon on Mardi Gras Day and snakes it’s way through Historic Beauregard Town beginning at the Old Governor’s Mansion before ending at an unofficial, open to the public party with food and beverages. Everyone is invited to “join in” the parade! It is a human-powered parade with bicycles, pedestrians, and peddle-powered “floats” welcome!

11) Wearin’ of the Green Parade – Saturday, March 14 :: 10AM, It’s the 29th Annual “Wearin’ of the Green” Parade which begins at the corner of Hundred Oaks and South Acadian Thruway (by Catholic Life Center); takes right on Eugene; takes left on Terrace; takes final left on Perkins Road and continues down over the overpass ending just under the interstate. All floats continue to roll through the intersection at Lee Drive though the parade has ended. It is a family friendly parade and has been a part of Baton Rouge tradition for close to thirty years. Come out and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Wearin’ of the Green in our beautiful Baton Rouge, Louisiana! *Note – for the family friendlier version of the parade, try to land a spot at the beginning of the parade route, prior to the Perkins Overpass.

Which parades do you attend with your family?  We’d love to hear your recommendations here or on our Facebook page!