Downtown Baton Rouge Mardi Gras: Parades, Plans & Milford’s
Mardi Gras season brings Downtown Baton Rouge to life with parades, music and plenty of reasons to celebrate. Whether you’re planning your weekend or hosting a crowd, here’s your guide to the can’t-miss parades — and how to stay fueled along the route.
1. Krewe of Artemis – Friday, Feb. 6 (7–9 PM)
Kick off the weekend with Baton Rouge’s first and only all-female parade. Founded in 2001, Krewe of Artemis emphasizes a family-style Mardi Gras event for all ages. The evening route winds through downtown streets just steps from Milford’s on Third. Stop by beforehand for a hearty deli dinner or grab something quick to-go before finding your parade spot.
2. Le Krewe Mystique de la Capitale – Saturday, Feb. 7 (2–4 PM)
Among the city’s longest-running parades, Le Krewe Mystique is distinguished by its tradition of secrecy, with the identities of its royalty revealed only at the opening of the parade or ball. The afternoon parade also honors veterans, who ride on floats with their ride fees and throws for non-krewe members provided by the krewe.
3. Krewe of Orion – Saturday, Feb. 7 (6:30–8:30 PM)
As night falls, Orion’s illuminated floats and Hollywood-themed fun take over downtown. For its 27th annual parade, Orion rolls out the theme “Famous Hollywood Faces,” featuring colorfully lighted, tractor-pulled floats, masked and costumed riders, marching bands, dance group performances and more.
4. Krewe of Spanish Town – Saturday, Feb. 14 (12–2:30 PM)
Head to the eclectic Spanish Town neighborhood on the Saturday before Mardi Gras to witness a parade that overtakes downtown with raucous revelry. Easily the largest parade for miles, this hot-pink spectacle is organized by the Mystic Krewe for the Preservation of Lagniappe in Louisiana, dba SPLL and proudly features the pink flamingo as its mascot.
If you’re hosting friends or coworkers for the parade, Milford’s catering is an easy win — from our fan-favorite deli sandwiches to fresh salads that feed a crowd.
5. Mystic Krewe of Mutts – Sunday, Feb. 22 (2–4 PM)
Baton Rouge’s canine community takes center stage all day long, with several events leading up to parade time. Festivities begin with Bark in the Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring local pet vendors, followed by a Baton Rouge Police Department K-9 demonstration at 11 a.m. and a dog costume contest at noon, all at Galvez Plaza. An After Pawty from 3 to 4 p.m. wraps up the afternoon, delighting spectators as dogs parade in their best costumes.
Make Milford’s Part of Your Mardi Gras Routine
Whether you’re catching beads or throwing them, Milford’s on Third is here to keep you fueled with hand-crafted favorites inspired by long-standing family recipes. Located in the Watermark Hotel, Milford’s on Third brings New York–style deli tradition to downtown Baton Rouge with a relaxed Southern feel.
From breakfast before a parade to picking up lunch between events or catering a Mardi Gras gathering, we make it easy to enjoy handcrafted food without slowing down the fun. View our menus and let Milford’s handle the food, so you can handle the beads.