‘The Big Easy’ Is Calling: Your Ultimate Guide to a New Orleans Mardi Gras Trip
From hidden art bazaars to the perfect Hurricane recipe, here is how to celebrate the Crescent City in style!
Fun festivities await in “The Big Easy”! Though this historic Louisiana city is known for its laid-back vibe, it comes alive this time of year with the arrival of Mardi Gras. Parades, delicious food, jazz music and celebrations galore mean countless ways to have fun.
Go behind the scenes at Mardi Gras World
Kick off your visit at Mardi Gras World, a unique attraction that lets visitors discover the history and behind-the-scenes handiwork that go into the festival each year. You’ll have a chance to see impressive floats and sculptures up close and marvel at their beauty and artistry.
Shop and savor the flavors on Frenchmen Street
In the evening, explore the popular Frenchmen Art Bazaar on Frenchmen Street. Shop for local handmade goods and crafts, then grab a bite to eat at incredible area restaurants. Our favorites: the Louisiana hot dog from Three Muses or crawfish conch fritters from Spicy Mango.
Admire the architecture of the St. Louis Cathedral
The spectacular structure, built in the 19th century, is famous for its vast and intricate mosaics.
Celebrate with a mask sold by local vendors
No Mardi Gras celebration is complete without a beautiful mask! These gorgeous masks come from 18th-century French and Spanish traditions, when celebrators wore them to conceal their identity and escape traditional social and class structures.
Kick back and relax while listening to live jazz music
For an in-depth look at the music’s roots in the city, explore the New Orleans Jazz Museum. It’s full of dynamic exhibits that will walk you through the fascinating history.
Bonus: Experience New Orleans at home!
Sip the unofficial Mardi Gras cocktail and watch last year’s parade to feel transported to the Big Easy!
The perfect Hurricane cocktail recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. dark rum
- 2 oz. light rum
- 1 oz. lime juice
- 1 oz. orange juice
- 2 oz. passion fruit juice
- 1 Tbs. simple syrup
- 1 Tbs. grenadine
In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients and ice. Shake well; strain into an ice-filled Hurricane glass. Serves 1.
Virtual Tour: 2025 Parade
See four hours’ worth of exciting highlights from last year’s Mardi Gras festivities. Watch the “Mardi Gras 2025 parades” video posted by WKYC Channel 3 on YouTube.
This story first appeared in the February 16, 2026, print issue of Woman’s World magazine.
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