Guide to Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Events and Camps
There is never a shortage of things to do in Baton Rouge with kids, and Mardi Gras is no exception. Are you looking to have a fun and exciting time with your family in Baton Rouge this Mardi Gras season? Look no further than the unique Mardi Gras events, festivities and camps in Baton Rouge.
With its vibrant culture, world-renowned cuisine and family-friendly atmosphere, Baton Rouge is an ideal destination for those wanting the New Orleans feel of Carnival season without the massive crowds. Mardi Gras in Baton Rouge is family-friendly and a lot of fun! If you do have the urge to take kids to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, there is a comprehensive list of New Orleans Mardi Gras parades, events and festivals available here.
Below, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to Baton Rouge Mardi Gras events and camps perfect for making lasting memories in our great city! Living in Baton Rouge with kids is always a good time.
Do you know of a fun Baton Rouge Mardi Gras event or camp that should be included in this guide? Please email us at [email protected]
We hope everyone has a safe and happy Mardi Gras season with their kids in Baton Rouge. Laissez les bon temps rouler!
Special Thanks to Our Partners for Making The Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Magic Happen:
Dynamic Therapy Specialists
Dynamic Therapy Specialists is Baton Rouge’s most family-centered pediatric clinic. Serving families for 15 years, our team of speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and occupational therapists go above and beyond to help children reach their fullest potential. If your child is struggling with learning or behavior, we can help! Our team can evaluate your child to determine their strengths and weaknesses and provide therapeutic intervention to break through the wall of learning and challenge them to succeed. Some of our specialties include addressing language, speech, reading, hearing, auditory processing, spelling, behavior, social skills, focus/attention, anxiety, sensory regulation, and self-regulation difficulties. We also offer an extended therapy program, Dynamic Days, for children ages 2-5. Learn more about Dynamic Therapy Specialists HERE.
We also offer Camp Dynamics, a full-day summer camp for children ages 4-12 with speech-language, learning, and/or social challenges. This therapeutic camp allows campers to engage in fun and silly activities while also learning how to organize their bodies for improved focus and attention, learning, and behavior. Run by our expert therapists, Camp Dynamics can help your child avoid the summer slide so they are ready to return to school, prepared to work in groups, show off new skills, and make new friends. Learn more about Camp Dynamics and register HERE.
Learn more about ALL that Dynamic Therapy Specialists offer HERE!
Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Parades
What would Mardi Gras be without parades? Below is a list of the Baton Rouge Mardi Gras parades for 2024. Parents, be aware that Spanish Town in particular is not kid-friendly … the rest absolutely are! If you have not taken your kids to a parade in Baton Rouge, let 2024 be the year to enjoy one!
Krewe of Oshun
The third annual Krewe of Oshun parade and festival is one you don’t want to miss.
Presented by North Baton Rouge Now, Inc. this krewe aims to celebrate all our community has to offer in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Date: Saturday, January 20, 2024
Time: 12 p.m. followed by the festival from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Harding Boulevard
Find more information here.
CAAWS Mystic Krewe of Mutts
Come out and celebrate with your four-legged friends at the 43rd annual Krewe of Mutts parade and festival. This year’s theme is “Jurrasic Bark: An Adventure 43 Years in the Making.” The day will include food, shopping, and family-friendly activities.
Date: Sunday, January 28, 2024
Time: Parade Rolls at 2 p.m.
Location: Downtown Baton Rouge
Find more information here.
Krewe of Artemis
Known for being Baton Rouge’s first and only all-woman krewe, the Krewe of Artemis parade is fun for people of all ages. This family-friendly parade includes a mix of New Orleans-style floats along with marching bands.
Date: Friday, February 2, 2024
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Downtown Baton Rouge
Find more information here.
Krewe Mystique de la Capitale
Founded in 1977, Krewe Mystique de la Capitale is the oldest parading krewe in Baton Rouge. They kick off each carnival season with a huge king cake party followed by a family fun parade that you won’t want to miss.
Date: Saturday, February 3, 2024
Time: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: River Road and Government Street
Find more information here.
Krewe of Orion
The theme for the 24th annual Krewe of Orion parade is “In our wildest dreams.” Complete with marching bands, dance groups, floats, and throws, this parade is fun for the entire family.
Date: Saturday, February 3, 2024
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Downtown Baton Rouge
Find more information here.
Mid City Mardi Gras
Mid City Mardi Gras is proud of its inclusive Mardi Gras celebration. Its goal is to benefit local charities and enrich the neighborhoods of Baton Rouge by bringing the community together, especially during carnival season.
Date: Sunday, February 4, 2024
Time: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: North Boulevard (from South 19th Street to Foster Drive)
Find more information here.
Krewe of Southdowns
Come rain or shine the 36th annual Krewe of Southdowns is ready to roll. Lead by the flickering torches of the Southdowns Flambeaux, this family and pet-friendly parade is one you don’t want to miss.
Date: Friday, February 9, 2024
Time: 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Location: Southdowns Neighborhood
Find more information here.
Spanish Town
The Spanish Town Parade is best known for its colorful quirkiness and famous pink flamingos. Parents should be aware that some content may not be appropriate for children.
Date: Saturday, February 10, 2024
Time: noon to 4 p.m.
Location: Spanish Town Neighborhood
Find more information here.
Krewe of Shenandoah Inaugural Parade
Date: Monday, February 12, 2024
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Shenandoah Neighborhood
Find more information here.
Livingston Parish Mardi Gras Parades
Kroux of Barkus
Date: February 4, 2024
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Sidney Hutchinson Park
Krewe of Denham Springs
Date: February 3, 2024
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: DSHS to Veteran’s Blvd.
Krewe of Tickfaw
Date: February 10, 2024
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Starts past Ddndinger Road in the curve
Kid-Friendly Mardi Gras Events in Baton Rouge
There are many Mardi Gras events in Baton Rouge to celebrate the season. Whether you are seeking things to do in Baton Rouge with kids or looking for a night out as adults, Mardi Gras is a fun time to live in Louisiana!
East Baton Rouge Parish Libraries
From storytime to crafts and much more, the EBR parish libraries offer many Mardi Gras-themed events for kids of all ages all season long. You can find specific events offered at each location and sign up here.
Mardi Gras Gnome Painting Party
Come out to celebrate and paint an adorable Mardi Gras gnome on a slate of wood. The perfect holiday decoration. Space is limited.
Date: Sunday, January 15, 2022
Time: 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Location: Create Studios
You can find more info and register here.
Krewe of Southdowns Mardi Gras Ball
The 36th annual Krew of Southdowns Ball will feature music by The Remnants. Ticket prices include an open buffet dinner and a cash bar. You can find more information and purchase tickets here.
Date: January 28, 2023
Time: 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Location: Embassy Suites
Cost: $60
Bayou King Cake Festival
The 27th annual Bayou King Cake Festival festival welcomes 30+ bakers on the quest of being crowned the Best King Cake of 2024! As you can imagine, we draw thousands of visitors to our small town of Thibodaux in search of tasting the cakes. This event is a huge fundraiser for Lafourche Education Foundation which offers grants to teachers in our parish.
Date: Saturday, January 27, 2024
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Downtown Thibodaux
For more information click HERE.
Painted Mardi Gras Garland
This DIY project is a fun and creative way to celebrate the carnival season. You will receive 6 Create Studio original Mardi Gras designs, paint, and build your garland.
Date: Saturday, January 13-24, 2024
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Create Studios
Cost: $35+
Mardi Gras Mask Painting
Come out and experience a piece of Mardi Gras with BREC. Kids will have the opportunity to paint their very own masquerade mask with a secret prize for the best one. Drinks and snacks will be provided.
Date: Saturday, February 17, 2024
Time: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Kernan Avenue Park
Ages: 3+
Cost: FREE
Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Music Festival
What better way to celebrate the carnival season than with live music, good food, family, and friends? The 11th annual Mardi Gras Music Festival features continuous live music, a food court, and a Vendor’s Village.
Date: Saturday, February 10, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Galvez Plaza in North Baton Rouge
Cost: Free (VIP packages available)
Find more information here.
Mardi Gras Mambo 10K or 15K
Race through downtown Baton Rouge with a tour of the historic Garden District in this year’s Mardi Gras Mambo 10K or 15 K.
Date: Saturday, January 27, 2023
Time: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Cost: $40
For more information and to register click here.
Mardi Gras at the Museum
Celebrate Mardi Gras at Knock Knock! Knock Knock Children’s Museum hosts Mardi Gras at the Museum* on Lundi Gras, Monday, February 12th. Spend the day at Knock Knock participating in Mardi Gras themed activities such as mask making and bead art murals, and enjoy Mini King Cake decorating! Space is limited. Pre-registration is required.
Date: Monday, February 12, 2024
Session 1 – 10 am – 12:30 pm (Parade at 12:15)
Session 2 – 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm (Parade at 3:45)
Cost: $5 for Members; $15 for Non-Members
For more information and to register click HERE.
Mardi Gras Children’s Day
This is a family-friendly festival devoted to kids. The event includes arts and crafts, interactive activities, music fun, and learning.
Date: February 11, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Lake Charles Civic Center
900 Lakeshore Drive
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Mardi Gras Camps in Baton Rouge
BREC Events
BREC Parks will host a variety of camps this Mardi Gras season including pickleball and tennis. For more information on specific dates, times, park locations, and more visit the BREC website.
Gym Fit Baton Rouge
Campers will love this one-of-a-kind gym camp that offers a variety of fun daily activities. From acrobatics and gymnastics to Ninja Warrior and arts and crafts there is sure to be something for everyone.
Ages: 5-12; Campers will be grouped by age and gender
Cost: $59
Dates: February 20-21, 2023
Time: 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Find more information and register here.
YMCA Mardi Gras Holiday Camp
Ages: Pre-K through 8th grade
Pre-Registration Cost: $27 a day for members and $37 for program participants
Day of Registration Cost: $42 members, $52 program participants
Dates: February 12-14, 2024
Time: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Find more information and register here.
Fleur De ME Designs
This Mardi Gras Art camp will allow campers to create several mixed media projects. The projects will vary each day. The camp fee includes snacks, drinks, all art supplies, and instruction. Campers must bring their lunch.
CHECK BACK SOON FOR DETAILS!
Find more information and register here.
Traction Sports Baseball Camp
Traction’s baseball camps provide all children, ages 5-10, the opportunity to learn the game while having fun. We welcome first-time players as well as experienced travel ball players. We form our training groups and teams according to the age level and skill level of each camper. Our state-of-the-art facility has turf fields, covered batting cages, and multiple pitching mounds.
CAMPS FOCUS ON THREE PRIORITIES:
- Fundamental Training
- Position Instruction
- Team Games
CHECK BACK SOON FOR MORE DETAILS!
Find more information and register here.
LA Gold Gymnastics Camp
This camp will cover all skills in areas of bars, beam, floor, and vault as well as the trampoline, conditioning, stretching, and fun games. Campers are responsible for bringing their own lunch.
CHECK BACK SOON FOR DETAILS!
Edge Gymnastics Training Center
CHECK BACK SOON FOR DETAILS
Register and find more information here.
Mardi Gras Travel Ideas
Even with all that Carnival season has to offer in our great city, sometimes you just need a break from it all. If you are looking to get away from Baton Rouge this Mardi Gras season, here are some of our favorite travel destinations…
6 Family Vacation Ideas within a 7-hour drive
With this comprehensive guide to all things Mardi Gras in Baton Rouge, it’s sure to be the best carnival season yet. Have fun, be safe and laissez les bon temps rouler!
If there is a Mardi Gras event in Baton Rouge, including Gonzales, Prairieville, Zachary, and Denham Springs, that should be included in this guide please let us know.
To add to the Guide to Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Events and Camps list::
Please email [email protected]
Awesome!!