Mardi Gras events in Southwest Louisiana

Laissez les bon temps rouler! Mardi Gras Day is just around the corner but there are still events left to enjoy in Southwest Louisiana. Check out our list of upcoming events:

February 6
Vinton Mardi Gras
The parade will weave through downtown Vinton at 2 p.m. Enjoy free gumbo at City Hall following the parade.

February 8
Krewe of the Golden Years
Seniors from all over Southwest Louisiana are invited to celebrate Mardi Gras in their own celebration from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Free to seniors 60 and up.

February 12
Merchants’ Parade
Area merchants will kick off the Mardi Gras weekend.  The parade begins at the Lake Charles Civic Center at 7 p.m., and will travel down Ryan to Sale St.

February 13
Carlyss Mardi Gras Trail Ride
Join fellow trail riders at 8:30 a.m. in Sulphur at the West Cal Arena. The trail will wind down Pete Seay Road and back. It’s free to watch but only $5 to participate!
World Famous Cajun Extravaganza & Gumbo Cook-off
Your mouth will water at the culinary concoctions created by local chefs. With a delightful array of homemade gumbo, you will not want to miss the opportunity to try everything!  Dance off your caloric intake with the hot music that will accompany the cook-off. The cook-off and music will be from 8 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center.
Diva D’s Zydeco Brunch—Mardi Gras Style
Dance and dine the last Saturday of every month at Diva D’s Zydeco Brunch. The next brunch will be February 13 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Sylvia’s Bistro, 329 Broad St.,Lake Charles. Admission is $10, and you must be 18 or older. This month’s featured band is Lil’ Nate and the Zydeco Big Timers. Call (337) 842-9169 to get in on the fun!
Krewe of Omega Parade
The Krewe of Omega will have their parade through downtown Lake Charles, beginning at 2 p.m.
Zydeco Dance
Dance to rockin’ Zydeco and Mambo tunes played by live bands at the Lake Charles Civic Center from 3–5 p.m.
Krewe of Barkus Parade
See Fido in all of his Mardi Gras glory at the Krewe of Barkus Parade. This parade, especially for dogs, gives furry and four-legged family members a chance to show their Mardi Gras Spirit at 3 p.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center.
Krewe of Cosmos Presentation
The Krewe of Cosmos will present their 2010 king, queen and royal court at the Sulphur High School Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. See their colorful costumes and find out who was chosen as this year’s royalty!
Krewe of Illusions 
The Krewe of Illusions will be presenting their 2010 court and krewe at the Rosa Hart Theatre beginning at 7:30 p.m. Dress in your formal wear for orchestra seats ($30), or come casual ($18). Tickets available at the Civic Center Box Office.

February 14
Taste de la Louisiane
Traditional Louisiana cuisine overflows from pots. Bring your spoon, and for $6, you can taste from each pot from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center!
Mardi Gras Children’s Day & Parade
Children are the center of attention in this day-long celebration! Start out at the Civic Center with activities including arts, culture, music and Mardi Gras magic. These activities will be going on from noon – 3 p.m. After that, head outside to see the parade, which begins at 3:30 p.m. and will go through downtown Lake Charles.

February 15
Mardi Gras Royal Gala
It’s the Cinderella moment of the season…with all of the krewes taking time to introduce their courts for 2010 beginning at 7 p.m. After the presentation, stick around the Lake Charles Civic Center for music and dancing.

February 16
Project Know (Alcohol/Tobacco Free Zone)
Project Know and the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury will be sponsoring an Alcohol/Tobacco Free Zone throughout the day along the parade route. The event is free of charge and will feature live music, Guitar Hero contests, inflatable jump/slides, hot dogs, refreshments and more. Visit www.projectknowitall.com for more details.
Krewe de Charlie Sioux Block Parade
Sioux City, Iowa, Lake Charles’ Sister City, will host a block party for everyone beginning at noon on Fat Tuesday. The party will be located at the corner of Broad and Ryan Sts. There will be activities for the whole family, including games for the kids, music and food!
Red Hat Parade
Wear your red hat and purple garb as the Red Hat Parade rolls at 1 p.m. This parade will go through downtown Lake Charles. You don’t have to be a member of the Red Hat Society to enjoy this parade!
Krewe of Krewes Parade
The culmination of Mardi Gras begins at 5:30 p.m., when Lake Charles bursts at the seams with beads and revelry of all shapes and sizes. Beginning at the Lake Charles Civic Center, hundreds of floats along with krewes, queens and courts, will parade down Ryan St. to Sale St. Celebrate the final moments of Mardi Gras at this family-friendly event.