Yes! Baton Rouge celebrates Mardi Gras—the festive time of carnival between Epiphany (January 6th) through Ash Wednesday. Like the rest of South Louisiana, Baton Rouge observes the season of Mardi Gras (yes, it’s a season) with a variety of parades, festivals, king cakes, and other special events to recognize the revelry that takes place before the reflective time of Lent begins. If you want to get the best scoop on how to celebrate Mardi Gras the Baton Rouge way, we gotcha.
In this guide, you’ll get pertinent information about all the Baton Rouge Mardi Gras parades; where to get king cake in the Red Stick; businesses that have great Mardi Gras gear; festivals; other related Mardi Gras celebrations; and some information on Mardi Gras balls. We’ll also include a couple of explainers to help folks understand Baton Rouge Mardi Gras culture. Ready to get the good times rolling? Let’s geaux!
Does Baton Rouge Have Mardi Gras Parades?
Baton Rouge Mardi Gras is home to several annual parades that roll downtown and in some Baton Rouge neighborhoods. Most of the Baton Rouge Mardi Gras parades are considered family friendly; there is a mix between day and night parades. Depending on the parade, the style of Baton Rouge Mardi Gras parades ranges from traditional Mardi Gras masquerade dress to irreverent, over-the-top fun costumes.
All Baton Rouge Mardi Gras parades feature throws—parade riders and walkers toss strings of beads to parade attendees; in addition to beads, paraders can throw doubloons (plastic commemorative coins), cups, toys, candy, and other lagniappe.
Baton Rouge has a tradition of neighborhood parades, with some growing into the city’s most awaited parades. Spanish Town, Mid City Gras, Southdowns, and Shenandoah are all parades named for neighborhoods in Baton Rouge. The Spanish Town Mardi Gras Parade has grown out of the Spanish Town neighborhood and is currently the biggest (and wildest) Baton Rouge parade.
What Are the Dates for Baton Rouge Mardi Gras 2025?
- January 6 – Epiphany: the official start of the Mardi Gras season (You are now free to eat king cake. Remember: Don’t let king cake pass your lips; until it’s Jan-u-ary 6th.)
- Saturday, February 15, 2025 – Krewe of Oshun: Parade and festival; Parade: 12:00PM, Festival 1:00PM; North Baton Rouge; family friendly; https://oshunbatonrouge.mailchimpsites.com/
- Sunday, February 16, 2025 – CAAWS Mystic Krewe of Mutts: Dog Parade (or paw-rade) and festival; Bark in the Park Paw-ty 10AM-4PM; Dog costume contest: 12:00PM; Parade: 2:00PM; downtown Baton Rouge; family friendly; https://caaws.org/special_events/krewe-of-mutts/
- Friday, February 21, 2025 – Krewe of Artemis: Traditional style parade; Parade: 7:00PM; downtown Baton Rouge; family friendly; https://kreweofartemis.net/
- Saturday, February 22, 2025 – Le Krewe Mystique de la Capitale Parade: Baton Rouge’s longest running Mardi Gras parade; Parade start: 2:00PM; downtown Baton Rouge; family friendly; https://krewemystique.com/
- Saturday, February 22, 2025 – Krewe of Orion: Traditional style parade; Parade: 7:00PM; downtown Baton Rouge; family friendly; https://kreweoforion.com/
- Sunday, February 23, 2025 – Mid City Gras: Irreverent neighborhood parade; Parade: 1:00PM; Mid City; family friendly; https://www.midcitygras.org/
- Friday, February 28, 2025 – Krewe of Southdowns: Kid friendly neighborhood parade; Parade: 7:00PM; Southdowns neighborhood; https://www.southdowns.org/
- Saturday, March 1, 2025 – Spanish Town Mardi Gras: Baton Rouge’s biggest and wildest Mardi Gras celebration; Parade: 12:00PM; a little bit in Spanish Town neighborhood/downtown Baton Rouge; “Rated R” for risqué; hot pink and pink flamingos everywhere; https://mardigrasspanishtown.com/
- Monday, March 3, 2025, Lundi Gras – Krewe of Shenandoah: Parade and yard decoration contest; Parade: 7:00PM; Shenandoah neighborhood; family friendly; https://www.kreweofshenandoah.com/
- Tuesday, March 4, 2025 – Mardi Gras day
- Wednesday, March 5, 2025 – Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. The 2025 Mardi Gras season is over.
Read our complete guide to Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Parades here.
What is the Flamingo Parade in Baton Rouge?
The Spanish Town Mardi Gras Parade is Baton Rouge’s largest and rowdiest parade, known for its pink flamingos, pink beads, pink feather boas, pink attire, and slightly blue humor. (Whew! Did you see that switch-up coming?) It rolls through Baton Rouge the Saturday before Mardi Gras day, starting at Noon.
Spanish Town Mardi Gras Parade is a little different from other local celebrations, as it is more risqué or even raunchy than other Red Stick Mardi Gras parades. While families do attend Spanish Town, it is best to regard it as a “Rated R” event and use your best discretion for your own family. (This is the humble opinion of this website.)
Pointed political humor is a frequent feature of the Spanish Town Mardi Gras Parade—no politician is off-limits; mocking, belittling, sacred-cows slain should all be expected at Spanish Town.
Since Spanish Town is the biggest and most noted Baton Rouge Mardi Gras parade, the signature hot pink color and pink flamingos serve as an unofficial representation of the overall Baton Rouge Mardi Gras culture. Pink flamingos can be seen all over town, in storefronts, on houses. The traditional Mardi Gras purple, green, and gold also have their place (of course,) but neon pink is a Baton Rouge Mardi Gras expression you’ll see everywhere.
What is the Best Place to Get King Cake in Baton Rouge?
King cake is the sweet treat everyone looks forward to enjoying during the Mardi Gras season. Traditional king cake is shaped like a ring; is iced and decorated with purple, green, and gold sprinkles or frosting; and has a little plastic baby doll (representative of baby Jesus) somewhere on or in the cake. It’s considered “bad luck” to eat king cake before Epiphany or after Mardi Gras.
One way to make sure everyone is happy to see you during Mardi Gras season is to bring your friends and fam a king cake wherever you go. (No one turns down king cake.)
Now, keep in mind: folks in Baton Rouge have some firm and passionate beliefs about who has THE BEST king cake in town. Like many other food topics in the Red Stick, king cake opinions run deep. So where can you get yourself a great king cake in Baton Rouge? Here are some options:
- Ambrosia Bakery, located at 8546 Siegen Lane, has been a traditional favorite in Baton Rouge for over 35 years. Ambrosia is a favorite for all kinds of cakes and other bakery treats, and doesn’t disappoint when it comes to king cakes. In addition to traditional flavors, Ambrosia is also known for their Zulu King Cake, which combines coconut, cream cheese, and chocolate. They offer both in-store pickup and shipping options. https://www.ambrosiabakery.com/
- Gambino’s Bakery at 8646 Goodwood Blvd is renowned for its classic king cakes made with Danish dough, and offering a variety of fillings like strawberry, praline cream cheese, or Bavarian cream. They have a strong reputation for those looking for the most classic style of king cake and are often dubbed the “King of King Cakes.” https://gambinos.com/shop/king-cakes/
- Calandro’s Supermarket 12732 Perkins Rd in Baton Rouge has carved out a sweet niche for itself with its renowned king cakes during the Mardi Gras season. Known for offering over 50 flavors (!), Calandro’s brings an inventive twist to this traditional Louisiana treat, making it a must-visit for both locals and visitors during the carnival season. The vast selection at Calandro’s goes from classic cinnamon to unique combos like the Bourbon Street and Mississippi Mud. https://calandros.com/
- CounterspaceBR at 5621 Government St. makes a solid king cake with great flavor and a dense, moist cake. But they are also the go-to king cake baker for those who need gluten-free options or have other dietary restrictions. Counterspace BR owner Sarah Joy is dedicated to providing exceptional baked goods, great service, knowledgeable staff, and an overall great king cake experience. https://www.counterspacebr.com/product/king-cake-january-6th-kings-day-/2027
- Okay, are we cheating a bit with this one? We’ll take it. Oak Point Fresh Market at 14485 Greenwell Springs Rd. is a big-time favorite (even if it means a little bit of a drive out of the city limits.) Oak Point’s king cakes are prized for their overall taste and quality, plus they offer an extensive range of flavors, from traditional cinnamon and cream cheese to the more unique (like banana split and Reese’s.) You’ll want to try every flavor: how can you choose between a classic like praline when they also have caramel apple heath and their famed lemon filled king cake? Baked daily through the Mardi Gras season, one bite of the Oak Point king cake and you’ll know why they’re so popular throughout the Red Stick. https://www.oakpointmarket.com/
Final word before this most delicious section comes to a close: there are lots of outlets in Baton Rouge that offer king cakes made in other cities during Mardi Gras. So, if you hear of a famed king cake from New Orleans or Lafayette, there might be a store in Baton Rouge which sells it. One such example is the much-exalted Dong Phuong king cake (of New Orleans) that is offered via Bao Vietnamese restaurant in Baton Rouge. The process to get one of these cakes is mysterious and ruthless. Local king cake super fans will regale you with harrowing stories of waiting lists and DMs and lines—all to score one of these cakes. Bottom line: We recommend you trying some of the local Baton Rouge providers above, but keep your eyes open for other options to get the full South Louisiana king cake experience.
Where Can I Get Mardi Gras T-Shirts and Gifts?
Oh what fun it is to put on your lucky bead catching shirt and head out to a Baton Rouge Mardi Gras parade! If you want to outfit yourself in Mardi Gras themed t-shirts, clothes, jewelry OR if you want to give someone a Mardi Gras themed gift, a couple of local businesses have you covered.
Up first is Sweet Baton Rouge, specializing in t-shirts and clever catchphrases, you can find a wide array of shirts that capture the Red Stick spirit and a Mardi Gras vibe all at once. Owner Meredith is heavily engaged in our local community and it shows in the merch. Shop online https://www.sweetbatonrouge.com/ or in person at their Perkins Rowe location.
Hey, Penelope Boutique has Mardi Gras clothes and jewelry, plus other lagniappe. This is a fun store to visit, so be sure to stop in. Desiree, the store proprietor, is a stalwart advocate for shopping locally. Visit the store at 7317 Jefferson Hwy or online: https://heypenelope.com/.
Other fun stores to visit include Local Supply (which, you can guess, feature local goods created by local artists and purveyors) and Royal Standard. Royal Standard has an eye for local tastes and has a wide selection of Mardi Grad home goods, décor, and other accessories.
What Other Mardi Gras Celebrations Take Place in Baton Rouge?
Lots of local Baton Rouge artists, restaurants, and organizations get in on the fun for the Mardi Gras season. Some notable examples include the East Baton Rouge Parish Libraries (have we mentioned our amazing libraries??) who host Mardi Gras craft making for young people (including mask making or headdress making); lots of books on Mardi Gras history; Mardi Gras music and more. Check the events calendar on the EBRPL website for current info.
Fun runs can be had to celebrate Mardi Gras: Mardi Gras Mambo includes a 10k/15k and a 1-mile kid’s run; our park system (have we mentioned our amazing parks??) also hosts a fun run (details here.) Golf tourneys go Mardi Gras as well.
Local art teachers and cooperatives often have art lessons to make things like Mardi Gras wreaths or serving trays. Kids art camps abound (children frequently have Mardi Gras and Ash Wednesday off school as holidays.)
A favorite is when a local restaurant offers a special Mardi Gras tasting menu (the easiest way to find out about Mardi Gras specials is to follow your favorites on their social media accounts.)
Does Baton Rouge have Mardi Gras Balls?
A Mardi Gras krewe many times doesn’t just host a parade—frequently the krewe will host a gala ball as well. Mardi Gras Balls are usually ticketed events. A general rule can be followed that if the krewe’s parade is “traditional” in its style, their Mardi Gras ball will be black tie (ladies in floor length ball gowns; gents in tuxedos.) If the krewe hosts a more irreverent parade, the ball will feature fun and silly costumes.
Many balls of the longstanding krewes are so in demand by krewe members that tickets sell out every year and are effectively not open to the public. Some newer krewes open up ticket sales to the public (and sell tickets via their websites/social media. See links above.)
Mardi Gras Balls are sometimes significant fundraising events including Karnival Krewe de Louisiane (formerly the Governor’s Mardi Gras Ball) which has raised millions for cancer research. The Karnival Krewe ball calls itself a “party with a purpose” and is known for being one of the most elegant and prominent Baton Rouge Mardi Gras events.
No matter where you go to enjoy a Mardi Gras ball, formal or whimsical, be prepared to boogie, shine, and have a good ol’ Baton Rouge Mardi Gras time.
Conclusion
Did you know all about these Baton Rouge Mardi Gras happenings? What event are you going to try this Mardi Gras season? What did we miss? Scoffers might say that Baton Rouge dOeSn’T hAvE Mardi Gras, but humbly, you now have dazzling, glittery proof to the contrary. Here’s to you enjoying a wonderful Red Stick Mardi Gras this year!
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