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
Wednesday, 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.

*Queens’ Pageant
Saturday, January 16, Times Vary
Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under.

*Community Dance
Wednesday, January 27, 6—8:30 p.m.
Free Mardi Gras dance sponsored by Community Inclusion and Families Helping Families.

Annual Mardi Gras Run
Saturday, January 30, 7 a.m. –until
This yearly run sponsored by Le Krewe de le Orignials et les enfant and the Duck Festival Association features an early morning chicken run, lunch, live music, an auction and a dance. Cost to participate in the run is $5 or for the run and the dance, $10

Vinton Mardi Gras Parade
Saturday, Feb. 6, 2 p.m.
Downtown Vinton

*Krewe of the Golden Years
Monday, February 8, 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.

Merchants’ Parade
Friday, February 12, 7:00 p.m.
Downtown-Midtown Lake Charles

Carlyss Mardi Gras Trail Ride
Saturday, Feb 13, 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, February 13, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
You will not want to miss this taste-from-every-pot event or the hot Southern and Cajun music that comes along with it. Admission is $5 and children 5 and under are admitted free.

Krewe of Omega Parade
Saturday, February 13, 2 p.m.
Downtown Lake Charles

*Zydeco Dance
Saturday, February 13, 3-5 p.m.
Live bands playing Mambo and Zydeco.
Will be held at the Lake Charles Civic Center’s Amphitheatre with music provided by the Dog Hill Stompers.

*Krewe of Barkus Parade
Saturday, February 13, 3 p.m.
Fantastically disguised canines parade in full Mardi Gras attire, all vying for the title of “Mystical Dog.” Entry fee applies.
Click here for a registration form and map for the Barkus Parade.

Krewe of Cosmos Presentation
Saturday, February 13, 6:30 p.m.
Sulphur High School Auditorium

*Krewe of Illusions
Saturday, February 13, 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, February 14, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Pots and pots of all-you-can-eat traditional Louisiana cuisine for a $6 admission fee.

*Children’s Day
Sunday February 14, 12 noon – 3 p.m.
Old-time Louisiana culture, arts and crafts, Mardi Gras music and magic.

Children’s Parade
Sunday February 14, 3 p.m.
Downtown Lake Charles
A purple, green and gold parade for the young and young at heart.

*Royal Gala
Monday, February 15, 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 $4 in advance, or $5 at the door. Children 5 and under are admitted for free.

FAT TUESDAY

Krewe of Charlie Sioux Parade Block Party
Tuesday, February 16, Time: 12:00 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.

Red Hat Parade
Tuesday, February 16, 1:00 p.m.
Downtown Lake Charles

Krewe of Krewes’ Parade
Tuesday, February 16, 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.