BREAKING: Mardi Gras 2026 falls on Tuesday, February 17. I am publishing the date now so you can plan with confidence. Fat Tuesday closes the Carnival season, and 2026 will be a classic mid February celebration. If you book parades, parties, or a quick escape, start your calendar here.
The Date, Locked: Fat Tuesday 2026
Mardi Gras 2026 is Tuesday, February 17. It always lands the day before Ash Wednesday, which is February 18 in 2026. That is 47 days before Easter. Easter 2026 is April 5, so the math checks out. The full season begins on January 6, also called Twelfth Night or Epiphany, and runs through Fat Tuesday.
Because the date depends on Easter, Mardi Gras moves every year. It can arrive as early as February 3 or as late as March 9. In 2026, it sits right in that sweet middle, a comfortable window for travel and outdoor plans.
Why Mardi Gras Moves
Mardi Gras follows a centuries old calendar. Easter is set by a spring moon, not a fixed date. Ash Wednesday is 46 days before Easter, and Fat Tuesday is the day before that. Count it backward, and you land on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
This shifting date is why locals build plans around the season, not just one day. Parades roll for weeks. Traditions grow at home and on the street. If you craft, cook, play music, or take photos, the moving target is part of the fun.
Plan Your Carnival Calendar
The biggest parade action in New Orleans peaks the weekend before Fat Tuesday. Mark this window, and you will catch the show.
Peak parade weekend
Expect major krewes to roll Friday through Monday, February 13 to 16. Lundi Gras, Monday, February 16, brings riverfront events, costume revelry, and last minute king cake runs. Fat Tuesday, February 17, is the finale. Uptown mornings are for Mardi Gras Indians and costumes. The French Quarter turns into a stage.
Book rooms and key dinner spots now. Aim for walking distance to your favorite parade route to save time and stress.
Quick planning checklist
- Lock lodging for February 13 to 17 if you want peak parades
- Reserve a balcony or curbside spot early for throws and photos
- Order or bake a king cake by late January to test recipes
- Start a costume build now, plan for layers and comfy shoes
- Set a bead and trinket budget, light bags save your shoulders
Hobby Friendly Ways To Celebrate
Carnival doubles as a project season. It is a maker’s holiday, from kitchen to craft table.
Home bakers, this is your moment. Try a classic brioche king cake with cinnamon, or go bold with cream cheese and berries. Bake on weekends through January to find your favorite. Wrap slices for parade day fuel.
Costume lovers, design light, layered looks. Add reflective tape for night routes. Build a simple mask with card stock, elastic, and feathers. A hot glue gun will be your best friend. Keep a rain plan in your bag, a clear poncho protects sequins.
Photographers, chase morning light on Fat Tuesday. Catch beads mid air with a fast shutter. Use a small crossbody bag, not a backpack. It keeps you nimble in the crowd. Bring a microfiber cloth for lenses. Parade confetti gets everywhere.
Music heads, build a brass heavy playlist. Rehearse a second line step in your living room. If you play, pack a pocket tambourine. Small instruments keep the rhythm without lugging a load.
Families, set a home parade on January 6 to open the season. Decorate a shoebox float, toss soft throws, and cut the first king cake. Keep that ritual each week, and February will feel like a crescendo.
Crowds can shift fast near busy routes. Pick a meetup point, share phone locations, and keep cash, ID, and a portable charger.
Why People Are Looking Ahead
Today’s headlines from Louisiana have many thinking about timing and plans. It is natural to look forward to a safe, joyful 2026 season. Cities and krewes will adjust, as they always do. You can do your part. Plan early, choose your spots, and celebrate with care.
The Bottom Line
Circle it in ink. Mardi Gras 2026 is Tuesday, February 17. The season runs January 6 through Fat Tuesday, with the biggest parades February 13 to 16. If you love to cook, craft, play, or photograph, this is your runway. Lock the dates, line up your projects, and get ready to roll. The countdown starts now. 🎭
