Update: The Krewe of Orion parade was canceled for Feb. 3 due to expected bad weather conditions.
As February starts up, Mardi Gras is already around the corner. The celebration has already started in Baton Rouge with Mardi Gras-themed cuisine and parades. The parades and events held in downtown Baton Rouge will be free to the public through the weekend of Feb. 10.
Friday, Feb. 2: 16th Annual Krewe of Artemis parade
Time and location: 7p.m., route begins on River Road
The Krewe of Artemis is Baton Rouge’s first and only all-female parading krewe. Joanne Harvey founded the krewe in 2001 after seeing the success of her husband’s krewe, the Krewe of Orion. The New Orleans native has been successful in creating a female-based, family style Mardi Gras event. Over the years, the Krewe of Artemis has helped the American Cancer Society, the Baton Rouge Food Bank and the Juvenile Diabetes Association. This year, the parade will be rolling down River Road in downtown Baton Rouge and will also bring the festivities to the Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital and Louisiana School for the Deaf.
Saturday, Feb. 3: The Krewe of Mystique parade
Time and location: 2 p.m., route begins on River Road
The Krewe of Mystique parade is one of the longest running parades in Baton Rouge, going on for almost 50 years now. With the name “mystique,” the krewe does not reveal royalty until the parade or the ball and this year, the parade will be featuring a special float for veterans only.
Saturday, Feb. 3: The Krewe of Orion parade
Time and location: 5:30 p.m., route begins on St. Philip Street
The Krewe of Orion puts on a full scale nighttime parade featuring floats and marching bands. The Krewe was founded in 1998 by president Charles Harvey and captain Darren. This family-friendly nighttime parade is sure to bring fun to attendants of all ages.
Sunday, Feb. 4: Mid City Mardi Gras parade
Time and location: 1 p.m., route begins on North Boulevard
The first ever Mid City Mardi Gras parade will be rolling right through Mid City, starting at North Boulevard and ending at Baton Rouge Community College. The leaders of the parade are committed to showcasing the “vibrant and diverse” community in Mid City Baton Rouge.
Friday, Feb. 9: The Krewe of Southdowns
Time and location: 7 p.m., route begins in the Southdowns Neighborhood
Rain or shine, the Krewe of Southdowns will be putting on its 31st annual parade. This parade was founded in 1988 by Dr. Gladney and has acquired a reputation for original, hand-built night floats and the Dancing Girls. The parade brings men, women, children and pets together for a nighttime, family-friendly parade in the Southdowns Neighborhood.
Saturday, Feb. 10: The Fifth Annual Baton Rouge Mardi Gras festival
Time and location: 10 a.m. at the North Boulevard town square
The festival will feature many musical artist including Meshach Jackson, Henry Turner Jr. and Flavor, The Patrons and Bakari B. There will be music suited for all audiences with hip-hop, blues, rock, soul, reggae and funk. The festival offers free admission to all attendees and lawn seating.
Saturday, Feb. 10: The Krewe of Spanish Town
Time and location: 12 p.m., route begins on Spanish Town Road
This is the 38th parade put on by the Society for the Preservation of Lagniappe in Louisiana. With this year’s theme being Game of Thongs, the parade is sure to bring Mardi Gras to life in the city of Baton Rouge.
