Lake Charles & SWLA Mardi Gras • Full 2023 Schedule

Mardi Gras of Imperial Calcasieu celebration begins January 6 with the annual Twelfth Night Revelry. The entire community, along with anyone who might wish to sample our Southwest Louisiana atmosphere during the most exciting season, is encouraged to come out and join in the merriment of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras weekend kicks off on the Friday before Mardi Gras day with the Merchants’ Parade, and the weekend holds all sorts of fun from gumbo cook-offs to Cajun food and music, children’s activities, various parades, and the grand finale: The Main Event on Fat Tuessday, aka Mardi Gras Day.

Lake Charles is also the only place in the state where the public is invited to see the ornate costumes of the royal courts from all local krewes in one place, both at the Twelfth Night evening, as well as the Royal Gala, held on Lundi Gras, the evening before Mardi Gras Day.

Event details subject to change. Click source links for latest information.