Last Minute Mardi Gras Tips

With over 30 parades scheduled for within the next five days, residents and visitors to New Orleans can practically run into a parade route at every turn. With the heavy traffic in the city, be sure to plan ahead with some helpful tips.

• Keep an eye on the weather. Saturday has the possibility of showers, and you don't want to be caught out at the parade without your rain gear.
• Get there early! For the bigger parades in the uptown area, you'll want to be there at least 4 hours ahead of time.
• Consider riding your bicycle. Traffic becomes very congested around the parade routes, and the warmer temperatures will provide for pleasant riding weather. Be sure to bring a backpack or bag to haul all of your beads from the parades!
• Watch out for parking tickets! Be smart about where you park. Don't double-park or park in front of fire hydrants or on the neutral grounds (medians).
• Have fun!

Get an extensive list of Mardi Gras Planning Tips here.