Mardi Gras Do’s and Don’ts: A Local’s Guide for First-Time Visitors

You’ve never been to Mardi Gras, and now you want to go. It’s one of the most wonderful, chaotic celebrations in the entire world, and it’s calling your name.

Because you’ve never experienced it before, it can feel overwhelming (and honestly, even for locals who don’t go regularly), it is overwhelming. Between figuring out parade schedules, routes, street closures, and what the heck “the box” means, you need a little guidance for the most wonderful time of the year in New Orleans.

As a born and raised local, I’ve done dozens of Mardi Gras celebrations. I know how to navigate parade crowds, where to put your caught throws, what to wear, where to stand, and more. This guide will help you plan your first Mardi Gras in New Orleans with confidence.

Below, I’m sharing the most important Mardi Gras do’s and don’ts so you can have a fun, safe, and (relatively) smooth experience.

• Arrive early for parades
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Dress in layers
• Bring cash and a portable charger
• Don’t chase floats
• Don’t overdo it on day one
• Plan your bathroom access ahead of time

Enjoying a Day Parade Uptown

What should you do at Mardi Gras?

Arrive early for parades so you can get a good spot. If it’s a parade day, plan for most of your day to revolve around it. Wear comfortable shoes, figure out your bathroom situation ahead of time, and pack light.

Mardi Gras involves more walking, standing, and waiting than most first-time visitors expect.

What should you NOT do at Mardi Gras?

Don’t chase floats, wear uncomfortable outfits just to look cute, get into arguments over territory, or assume you can easily move around the city.

You’ll also want to avoid crossing from sidewalk to neutral ground once parades are rolling, especially when marching bands are passing. Depending on where you are, you may be stuck on one side for hours.

What is the biggest mistake first-time Mardi Gras visitors make?

Two things: drinking too much too quickly and underestimating how exhausting Mardi Gras can be.

As we say here: Mardi Gras is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself in every way.

Is Mardi Gras safe for tourists?

Yes, Mardi Gras is absolutely safe for tourists and locals alike. Like any large event, you’ll want to stay aware of your surroundings and use common sense.

Avoid getting overly intoxicated, keep track of your belongings, and stay mindful in crowded areas.

What should you bring to Mardi Gras?

The essentials include:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Portable charger
• Crossbody bag or small backpack
• Sunglasses
• Rain gear (if needed)
• A small amount of cash
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper (yes, really)
• Folding chair
• A foldable bag for your throws (do not underestimate the need for this!)

What should you wear to Mardi Gras?

Comfort matters more than anything.

Wear shoes you can walk miles in, dress in layers, and add something festive in purple, green, or gold. If you want a full breakdown, I have an entire guide on what to wear to Mardi Gras.

Horse Rider in the Parades

Do Arrive Early for Parades

This is not a party where you can roll up last minute and expect a front-row spot.

Depending on the parade and the weather, people have been out there for hours — sometimes all day. You’ll be dealing with ladders, folding chairs, ice chests, and full setups that mark people’s claimed space.

If there’s a parade you really want to see, plan to get there earlier than you think you need to.

Do Wear Comfortable Shoes

Walking during Mardi Gras is wildly underestimated.

Even if you get dropped off nearby, you’ll still be walking, sometimes a lot. Between barricades, road closures, and crowds, you’ll spend most of the day on your feet.

No one cares what shoes you’re wearing. Choose comfort every time. Do not show up in heels.

Do Dress in Layers

Mardi Gras season runs from January 6 through February or March, and the weather is unpredictable.

You might be warm in the afternoon sun and freezing later that night. I’ve personally made this mistake and had to scramble for a sweatshirt mid-parade.

Plan ahead and bring layers so you’re not stuck uncomfortable.

Do Bring Cash

You don’t need a ton of cash, but having some makes things easier.

You may use it for:

• Food vendors
• Street drinks
• Tips
• Parking
• Small or last-minute purchases

Do Stay Hydrated

Drink water. Seriously.

Alcohol + sun + hours outside = a fast track to feeling terrible. One of the biggest mistakes people make is not pacing their drinking or hydrating enough.

If you want to last the entire trip, balance it out.

We Even Dress Our Dogs in Beads

Don’t Chase Floats

People have died doing this. I’m not being dramatic.

Floats are massive, and visibility for riders and drivers is limited. Running near or alongside them is dangerous.

If you don’t catch something, another float is coming. Stay in your space.

Don’t Wear Expensive Jewelry or Carry Valuables

Leave your nicest items at home.

Mardi Gras is crowded, chaotic, and not the place for anything you’d be upset about losing. I’d even avoid hoop earrings - they can get caught and pulled.

Phones and wallets go missing every year, so keep things minimal and secure.

Don’t Assume You’ll Easily Find a Bathroom

This is one of the most important things to plan for.

Before you pick your parade spot, figure out where you’ll go when you need a bathroom.

Options include:

• Schools
• Nearby bars
• Restaurants
• Porta-potties (“pot-o-gold”)
• Hotel lobbies (if accessible)

If I don’t have a bathroom plan, I’m not going. Learn from me.

Don’t Expect to Move Quickly Through Crowds

You’re not going anywhere fast during Mardi Gras.

At peak times, you’ll move with the crowd - slowly - and when parades end, thousands of people leave at once.

Be patient and give yourself extra time for everything.

Don’t Overdo It on Day One

I get it. You’re excited.

But going all out for 12–14 hours on your first day will ruin the rest of your trip. Mardi Gras is multiple days for a reason.

Take breaks, limit your time each day, and pace yourself so you can actually enjoy the whole experience.

And We Dress Up Our Houses

You’re about to experience New Orleans in all its glory during Carnival season.

Mardi Gras is loud, chaotic, exhausting, and unlike anything else in the world. The key is understanding what you’re walking into and preparing just enough to enjoy it without stress.

With these Mardi Gras do’s and don’ts, you’ll have a much better idea of how to navigate the experience like a pro.

If you’re planning your trip, you may also want to read:

• Where to stay for Mardi Gras
• What to wear to Mardi Gras

And then… it’s time to get goin’ to Mardi Gras.

Subscribe to my amusing, informational, and fun newsletter that comes out every other Friday by clicking here.

Some of the links may go to my affiliate account. If you purchase from one, you're helping me grow my business. Thank you!