Be sure to check out family friendly activities in the alcohol free zone located downtown (Download map - Adobe PDF) along the parade route on Mardi Gras Day!

*Denotes events taking place at the Lake Charles Civic Center

*Twelfth Night
Thursday, January 6, 7p.m.
An enchanting evening with the 2009 royal courts of more than 50 krewes making their last glittering promenade, ushering in the 2010 season. Luxurious door prizes, music and dancing! Tickets are $5 in advance, or $6 at the door. Children 5 and under are admitted for free.

*Community Dance
Friday, January 7, TBA
A special free dance sponsored by the City of Lake Charles, Community Inclusion and Billy Navarre.

*Queens' Pageant
Saturday, January 15, Times Vary
Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. Sponsored by Holiday Inn, Sulphur

Annual Mardi Gras Run
Saturday, February 26, 7 a.m. - until.
Gueydan
This yearly 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.

*Krewe of the Golden Years
Monday, February 28, 9 a.m. -2 p.m.
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.

Vinton Mardi Gras Celebration
Friday, March 4, 5 p.m.
Downtown Vinton
A parade ending at City Hall with free gumbo for all.

Merchants' Parade
Friday, March 4, 7:00 p.m.
Downtown-Midtown Lake Charles

Carlyss Mardi Gras Trail Ride
Saturday, March 5, 8:30 a.m.
From the West Cal Arena in Sulphur, down Pete Seay Road and back. Admission fee for trail riders is $5.

*World Famous Cajun Extravaganza/Gumbo Cook-Off
Saturday, March 5, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
You will not want to miss this taste-from-every-pot event or the live, hot Southern and Cajun music that comes along with it. Admission is $5 and children 5 and under are admitted free. Sponsored by Citgo.

Krewe of Omega Parade
Saturday, March 5, 2 p.m.
Downtown Lake Charles

*Zydeco Dance
Saturday, March 5, 3-5 p.m.
Live bands playing Mambo and Zydeco.

*Krewe of Barkus Parade
Saturday, March 5, 3 p.m.
Fantastically disguised canines parade in full Mardi Gras attire, all vying for the title of "Mystical Dog." Entry fee applies.

Krewe of Cosmos Presentation
Saturday, March 5, 6:30 p.m.
Sulphur High School Auditorium

*Krewe of Illusions
Saturday, March 5, 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate Mardi Gras with the 21st 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.

*Taste de la Louisiane
Sunday, March 6, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Pots and pots of all-you-can-eat traditional Louisiana cuisine for a $6 admission fee. Sponsored by SOWELA.

*Children's Day
Sunday, March 6, 12 noon – 3 p.m.
Old-time Louisiana culture, arts and crafts, Mardi Gras music and magic. New this year, an education station complete with safety and health information. Sponsored by Cameron State Bank, Popeyes and Mr. Gatti's.

Children's Parade
Sunday, March 6, 3 p.m.
Downtown Lake Charles
A purple, green and gold parade for the young and young at heart.

*Lighted Boat Parade
Sunday, February 14, 6:30 p.m.
Be dazzled by the glowing boat parade on shimmering Lake Charles.

*Royal Gala
Monday, March 7, 7 p.m.
The Cinderella moment of the season features the 2010 courts of more than 50 krewes with kings, queens, royal dukes and duchesses, captains, courtesans and jester, followed by a night of music and dancing. Tickets are $5 in advance, or $6 at the door. Children 5 and under are admitted for free.

FAT TUESDAY

Krewe of Charlie Sioux Parade Block Party
Tuesday, March 8, Noon
Downtown Lake Charles, Corner of Broad and Ryan
Sioux City, Lake Charles' sister city will hold a block party, complete with food, drinks, music and children's activities.

Motorcycles, Classics and Hot Rods Parade
Tuesday, March 8, 1:00 p.m.
Downtown Lake Charles

Krewe of Krewes' Parade
Tuesday, March 8, 5:30 p.m.
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.