Statewide Mardi Gras Accessibility Guide

Carencro 

The Carencro Mardi Gras Association hosts their Annual Mardi Gras parade each year.   This year the parade is Saturday, February 15th along University Ave from Carencro High to the Carencro Community Center.    

Accessible parking is offered at City Hall.    

Their new ADA sidewalks are almost complete; with the North side of St Peter Street being complete, so the walk to University Ave should be very smooth.  

The parade starts at 11 am.  Streets will close at 9:45 am.

It is recommended that anyone attending arrive early.    

Lafayette

As Lafayette swings into the Mardi Gras season, they are proud to announce the Sensory Safety Zone for those individuals with disabilities.

This Accessible Mardi Gras Zone at Fire Station No. 5 is an area where those with sensory sensitivities can enjoy the parades with less triggers. Around this area, bands will respect the quiet zone and noises will be kept to a minimum.

Opelousas 

The Opelousas Mardi Gras Association hosts the Imperial Mardi Gras Parade each year on Mardi Gras Day. 

This year the parade is March 4th at 11 am and begins on East Landry near Le Vieux Village and continues to West Landry ending at the Yambilee Building.     

Accessible parking is available at several places along the route including Le Vieux Village, St. Landry Parish Courthouse, and Opelousas City Hall. 

Sidewalks around the Courthouse are also ADA compliant.    

New Orleans

Visit the Sensory Activation Vehicle at the NOLA Mardi Gras parades - Feb 22-23 at St. George's School located at 923 Napoleon Ave. - Uptown Route.

The SAV provides a calming environment for those who need a break from sensory overload, giving them a change to relax and reset before joining the festivities again. Stop by from 11AM-4PM each day!

Shreveport 

The City of Shreveport has three areas accessible along the parade route.  

• The downtown parking lots are available and designated handicap parking. This parking is patrolled on event days to ensure compliance parking laws. The accessible route from these parking areas to the beginning of the parades at Clyde Fant Parkway and Lake Street is by sidewalks that are compliant with ADA regulations.   This location is one where a parade goer wanting to watch the parade during the day would view the parade.

• A parking lot at Clyde Fant and Stoner Avenue is the halfway point of the parade located near the family area (No alcohol allowed) and near an area that is not part of the family area.   

• The intersection of East Kings Highway and Atlantic Avenue is near the end of the route and includes a designated viewing area. This is where those wanting to see the parade at night might park to view the parade.   

The city of Shreveport has ensured they have accessible parking and viewing locations at every interval of the parade. 

Also, parking along the parade route is allowed from the start of the parades (Clyde Fant and Lake Street) to the end (East Kings Highway and Preston Avenue). A parade goer can pull their vehicle next to the parade route if they want to do so.   

Temporary toilet facilities and hand-washing stations (those include accessible toilets and sinks) will also be provided.   

Thibodaux 

The City of Thibodaux has 5 parades throughout the Mardi Gras season.

• Two held on February 23rd - at 12:30 p.m.
• Two on March 2nd - at 12:30 p.m.
• One on March 4th - at 1:00 p.m.  

There are many sidewalks throughout The City of Thibodaux parade route that are accessible as well as the Reviewing Stand that is set up on Highway 1, behind City Hall, 310 West 2nd St. Thibodaux, LA . 

A Family Friendly Zone is available at Peltier Park - 151 Peltier Park Dr., Thibodaux, LA for visitors to enjoy.