Definitive Shreveport Mardi Gras Schedule for 2026: Every Parade, Bal, and Event
How can it already be time for Mardi Gras in the Shreveport-Bossier area? It seems like we just reveled in the streets. But it will soon be time to welcome visitors from all over the region for these great family fun events.
Northwest Louisiana hosts so many Mardi Gras events each year. The 2026 schedule is packed with parades, balls, and family-friendly events stretching from mid-January through Fat Tuesday.
With the actual Mardi Gras day falling on Fat Tuesday falling on February 17 this year, the schedule for all of these events is pushed back to earlier dates. Hundreds of thousands of revelers will converge on the Ark-La-Tex for our Mardi Gras events.
READ MORE: Could Mardi Gras Ever Return to Bossier City
Why Is Mardi Gras So Early This Year
It's a little bit complicated, but the Mardi Gras date depends on Easter, which is determined by the lunar cycle. Easter for 2026 falls on April 5th this year compared to April 20th in 2025. So you push the schedule for Mardi Gras back 40 days from Easter which is when Lent begins.
Mardi Gras Represents Final Partying Before Lent Begins
Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras always happens the day before Ash Wednesday which is the start of Lent and the 40 days many folks fast or make sacrifices in preparation for the Easter celebration.
Could Weather Impact Mardi Gras in 2026
Because the big parades are much earlier this year, revelers should prepare for just about anything. Weather in February in Louisiana is very unpredictable. We could see very cold temps. But we could also have warm weather. It's too soon to tell what's in store for our area. Your best bet is to prepare for everything. Be sure to wear layers and bring rain gear and maybe even a heavy coat.