REVISED – Lake Charles Mardi Gras Weekend Events February 24 – February 28, 2017

Laissez le bon ton roulette! It's Mardi Gras in Lake Charles and the city has a line-up of activities for everyone to enjoy throughout the weekend. The Mardi Gras Holiday is one of the busiest times of the year, as hundreds of tourists converge on the city in anticipation for the many parades, parties and balls.

In order to keep everyone safe, maintain traffic flow and ensure that everyone has a good time, the City of Lake Charles has a designated a "Special Event" ordinance for vehicular traffic and parking:

Ordinance 16489 - Prohibits street parking during a special event or on a parade route.   Signs will be posted identifying these “no parking” areas. An unoccupied vehicle in violation may be removed or impounded and the owner and/or operator subject to a citation and fines.

In conjunction with the Mardi Gras 2017 parade route, street parking will not be allowed in the following areas: On Ryan Street or between Mill and Kirby Streets, from 8 a.m. Friday February 24 through Fat Tuesday, February 28 after the Krewe of Krewes Parade. All on-street parking areas will be barricaded. Public Works crews will place traffic barricades along the parade route Fat Tuesday morning, beginning at 6:30 a.m.

Street vendors must have the proper occupational permits to serve the public, which must be obtained from the Occupational Licenses Office and will not be allowed along the parade route between the Civic Center and Clarence Street.  Be aware that law enforcement will be checking for appropriate permits. When the parades begin, vendors must relocate off the route.

An hour before the parades on Fat Tuesday, traffic on Ryan Street will be down to one lane each way, until around 2:30 p.m. After that the road will be closed, until after the Krewe of Krewes Parade. Most businesses on Ryan will be open throughout the day, up to approximately 30 minutes before a parade.

Below is a schedule of events, parade routes and activities for Friday February 24 through Fat Tuesday February 28, 2017:

Parade routes for Second Line Stroll and Jeeps on Parade: Both parades begin at the north end of Bord du Lac Drive/Mill Street, to Lakeshore Drive, onto West Mill Street, turn right onto Ryan Street, continue south on Ryan, to Sale Road where the parade ends. Please note, Bord du Lac Drive will be closed to vehicular traffic during the parades.

One hour before the Second Line Stroll Walking Parade at 1 p.m., Ryan Street, between Mill and Sallier, will be closed and will remain closed to vehicular traffic until after the Krewe of Krewes parade is concluded.

Enjoy!!