Everything You Need to Know about Mardi Gras 2018

In just about one week, Mardi Gras will become a huge part of New Orleans. Many parades and events have already been held, but more is coming very soon. If you’re looking for information on what’s going on for Mardi Gras in 2018, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a list of the top things to enjoy starting now and running through the actual day of Mardi Gras.

When is Mardi Gras 2018?

This year, Mardi Gras will officially be on February 13th. It’s always the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, but in New Orleans, the parades start in January and run all the way through to the day.

The most popular time throughout the Mardi Gras season will be from February 9th to 13th this year. This will be the time for the most popular parades, such as:

•          Endymion
•          Zulu
•          Bacchus
•          Rex
•          And More!

Mardi Gras is also known as Fat Tuesday and it’s the last day of what is called Carnival season in New Orleans.

Top Mardi Gras Attractions

If you want to do more than just visit the parades and Mardi Gras events, you can visit some of the top Mardi Gras attractions in New Orleans. Mardi Gras World may be the biggest attraction. This attraction provides a look at the behind-the-scenes of Mardi Gras through the Mardi Gras World tour.

Another great attraction for Mardi Gras is the Louisiana State Museum. They will have an exhibit called the Carnival exhibit “Mardi Gras.” This exhibit will take a look at the history, the parades, the balls, the masking and more.

Other attractions to enjoy for Mardi Gras include The Germain Cazenave Wells Mari Gras Museum and Antoine’s Restaurant.

Where to get King Cakes

One of the food traditions associated with Mardi Gras is the King Cake. There are several places you can get King Cakes, but they are not all created equal. The top choice from 2017 was the Cannata’s King Cakes, which one the People’s Choice Award at the King Cake Festival. In addition, you can get King Cakes from these bakeries throughout New Orleans:

•          Manny Randazzo’s
•          Haydel’s Bakery
•          Gambino’s Bakery
•          Randazzo’s Camellia’s City Bakery
•          Maurice French Pastries
•          Dong Phuong Bakery
•          Scure
•          La Boulangerie
•          Sweet Savor’s Bakery

Top Restaurants & Bars for Mardi Gras

There are several very popular restaurants and bars you can go to for Mardi Gras 2018. Some provides the perfect place to enjoy a meal and plenty of drinks, while others provide a balcony for tossing beads and more.

El Patio Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Garden

This restaurant and bar is found right off St. Charles Avenue and provides a great place for Mexican cuisine. They have a very large outdoor patio for enjoying the festivities and a bar stocked with a ton of tequila to choose from.

Bourbon Heat

An indoor bar decked out with chandeliers and marble floors, this spot offers a second-floor nightclub with a hot balcony for Mardi Gras. The 50-foot balcony offer a great choice on Bourbon Street, but it won’t come cheap.

Court of Two Sisters

Another great choice for Mardi Gras, the Court of Two Sisters will offer plenty of Mardi Gras excitement. It’s a legendary spot with jazz brunches and so much more.

Maison Bourbon Jazz Club

Enjoy the second floor balcony that wraps around St. Peter and Bourbon Street here. It’s one of the most popular and they will offer an open bar and buffet style eating with your ticket.

CBD Social NOLA

A great place for you and your friend to enjoy, CBD Social NOLA offers plenty of excellent food and drink potions. You can get packages with all you can drink, balcony access, grand stands, restroom access and more.

A Few Tips for a Safe and Successful Mardi Gras

If you plan to attend Mardi Gras, make your plans ahead of time. Even if you don’t need a place to stay and you’re just coming for a parade or two, make sure you plan ahead. Here are a few other tips to help make your Mardi Gras safe and successful.

Now the Rules for the Parades

The New Orleans City Council changes the rules for parades in 2014. Make sure you know the new rules before you attend any of the parades.

Plan Your Transportation

How you get to and from the parades and events will not be easy, if you don’t plan ahead. Make sure you’re aware of what to expect and where you should go if you need to park. If possible, car pool or use an alternative form of transportation.

Arrive Early

You should be early for everything as they crowds will become five or more people deep for most parades.

For more information and tips for Mardi Gras 2018 visit the official website at: http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com