Lake Charles' 2012 Carnival & Mardi Gras Calendar

*Denotes events taking place at the Lake Charles Civic Center.
Events subject to change. Visit www.swlamardigras.com for the most up-to-date information.

Friday, January 6, 2012
7:00pm
*Twelfth Night

Saturday, January 14, 2012
Check back for times.
*Queens’ Pageant

Thursday, January 26, 2012
6:30pm to 8:00pm
Community Dance

Saturday, February 4, 2012
7:00am
Annual Mardi Gras Run
in Gueydan, LA
Annual run sponsored by Le Krewe de la Originals et Les Enfants and the Duck Festival Association features an early morning chicken run, lunch, live music, an auction and a dance. Parade begins at 3 p.m. Dance starts at 5 p.m.

Saturday, February 11, 2012
2:00pm
Vinton Mardi Gras Celebration
in downtown Vinton. Parade ends at City Hall.

Monday, February 13, 2012
9:00am to 2:00pm
*Krewe of the Golden Years Ball
Senior citizens who have passed down Mardi Gras traditions celebrate the season with food and a Mardi Gras ball. Free to seniors 60 and up.

Friday, February 17, 2012
7:00pm
Merchants’ Parade
Downtown-Midtown Lake Charles.

Saturday, February 18, 2012
8:30am
Carlyss Mardi Gras Trail Ride
Begins and ends at West Cal Arena in Sulphur.

8:00am to 2:00pm
*World Famous Cajun Extravaganza/Gumbo Cook-Off

2:00pm
Krewe of Omega Parade
in downtown Lake Charles.

3:00pm to 5:00pm
*Zydeco Dance

3:00pm
*Krewe of Barkus Parade
Fantastically disguised canines parade in full Mardi Gras attire, all vying for the title of “Mystical Dog.” Entry fee applies.

6:30pm
Krewe of Cosmos Presentation
at the Sulphur High School Auditorium

7:30pm
*Krewe of Illusions
Celebrate Mardi Gras with the 23rd annual presentation of the Krewe of Illusions. Tickets are $30 orchestra, formal attire required. $18 balcony reserved seating and $15 standard balcony seating, casual attire.

Sunday, February 19, 2012
11:00am to 2:00pm
*Taste de la Louisiane
Pots and pots of all-you-can-eat traditional Louisiana cuisine for a $7 admission fee.

12:00pm to 3:00pm
*Children’s Day
Old-time Louisiana culture, arts and crafts, Mardi Gras music and magic. An education station complete with safety and health information.

3:00pm
Children’s Parade
in downtown Lake Charles.

7:30pm
*Lighted Boat Parade
on shimmering Lake Charles.

Monday, February 20, 2012
7:00pm
*Royal Gala
More than 50 krewes with kings, queens, royal dukes and duchesses, captains, courtesans and jesters. Tickets are $5 in advance, or $6 at the door. Children 5 and under are admitted for free.

Mardi Gras Day

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

12:00pm
Krewe of Charlie Sioux Parade Block Party
Downtown Lake Charles, Corner of Broad and Ryan. Sioux City, Lake Charles’ sister city, hosts this block party, complete with food, drinks, music and children’s activities.

1:00pm
Motorcycles, Hot Rods & Classics Parade
Downtown-Midtown Lake Charles

5:30pm
Krewe of Krewes’ Parade
Downtown-Midtown Lake Charles. Hundreds of elaborate krewe floats, costumes, beads and more wind through the city in the culmination of the Fat Tuesday celebration.

*Denotes events taking place at the Lake Charles Civic Center.
Events subject to change. Visit www.swlamardigras.com for the most up-to-date information.

Lake Charles | Daytime Activities | Dining | Parades Krewes & Events

Lake Charles Feature Stories

The Royal Gala- Lake Charles' Annual Mardi Gras Royal Regalia Fashion Show

Mardi Gras Museum- World's Largest Collection of Mardi Gras Costumes