Get ready for an unforgettable Mardi Gras experience. | Photos courtesy of Kathryn Shea Duncan
Get ready to immerse yourself in the spirit of Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras, happening now through Fat Tuesday (March 4).
Lake Charles is bursting with parades, live music, king cakes, and festive events for the whole family.
Whether you’re a seasoned reveler or experiencing Mardi Gras for the first time, Southwest Louisiana promises an unforgettable celebration. Here are some can’t-miss Mardi Gras events to add to your itinerary:
World Famous Cajun Extravaganza & Gumbo Cook-Off | March 1 | Indulge in flavorful gumbo made by the best chefs and krewes in the region.
Krewe of Barkus Parade | March 1 | Watch costumed pets + their owners strut their stuff in this whimsical, family-friendly event.
Royal Gala | March 3 | Be dazzled by Mardi Gras royalty adorned in elaborate costumes during this enchanting evening.
Fat Tuesday Parades | March 4 | Don’t miss the grand finale, featuring the Krewe of Krewes Parade, Jeeps on Parade, and the Motor Gras Parade.
Taste the flavor and savor the spirit of Mardi Gras with a King Cake.
Photo courtesy of Kathryn Shea Duncan
Taste the Mardi Gras magic
No Mardi Gras celebration is complete without indulging in king cake. From classic cream cheese to unique creations like pecan praline and blueberry, Lake Charles bakeries have the perfect slice waiting for you.
Pair your treats with a signature Mardi Gras daiquiri, and don’t forget to sample local favorites like gumbo and boudin along the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail.
Southwest Louisiana is the perfect destination to embrace the festive spirit of Mardi Gras. With colorful parades, family-friendly events, and a food scene that will leave you craving more, Lake Charles has it all. Explore the full schedule of events, insider tips, and local dining guides, before planning your trip below.
Tuesday, Feb. 4 Hindley Street Country Club | 8-10:30 p.m. | Arlington Music Hall | $51+ | With over a billion views across social media, this Australian cover band’s world tour has made it to the Lone Star State.
Wednesday, Feb. 5 TCU Men’s Basketball | 7-9 p.m. | Ed & Rae Schollmaier Arena | $7+ | Cheer on the Horned Frogs, whose best players are definitely still on the team, as they tip off against the West Virginia Mountaineers.
Thursday, Feb. 6 “The Devil Wears Prada” | 6 p.m. | Rooftop Cinema Club Downtown Fort Worth | $21+ | Dogs are welcome at this rooftop screening of the iconic 2006 movie starring Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep.
Friday, Feb. 7 Public Tour of “Heroes & Villains” | 2-3 p.m. | Arlington Museum of Art | $12+ | Join the weekly docent-guided tour of the Disney-centered exhibition, included in the price of admission.
Saturday, Feb. 8 Binion’s Rhythm & Relics Flea Market Soft Opening | 12-5 p.m. | Binion’s, Arlington | Free | Browse the new market for the first time, where 40+ vendors await with vintage goods, handmade trinkets, and locally crafted treasures galore.
It’s almost Super Bowl Sunday. If you’re not wearing your favorite team’s merch, shop five comfy tees + sweatshirts that say “I’m just here for the snacks” ... literally.
The Fort Worth Zoo and Bad Bunny are working toward the same goal. Talk about a collaboration. The zoo’s decades-long conservation work for the critically endangered Puerto Rican crested toad has seen a recent boost in public interest after the rapper’s focus on the animal in his latest album. (Fort Worth Magazine)
Edu
Read all about it. The Fort Worth Independent School District is trying to bolster literacy rates among local youth. Officials recently made it the No. 1 priority for the district’s five-year strategic plan, and are now trying to find ways to reallocate money into local reading programs. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
Announced
Are you going to the Fort Worth Music Festival? The lineup is set for the third annual event at the Stockyards, which kicks off later this month. Mike Ryan, Gary P. Nunn, and William Clark Green are among those playing the three-day festival starting Friday, Feb. 28. Tickets start at $29.
Opening
Calling fellow Roy Hutchins enthusiasts. DFW is getting a second location, with the next coming to Arlington later this year. Right by AT&T Stadium, BBQ fans should be able to get their fill by late summer when the eatery is expected to open. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
Closed
West 7th eatery Mash’D has served its final bloody mary after a decade in business. The popular brunch spot was renowned for its moonshine offerings and range of hearty dishes, including its “Morning After Migas.” (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
Health
Tarrant County has a new $50 million mental health care facility. Medical City Healthcare unveiled its Mental Health & Wellness Center during last week’s ribbon-cutting. The center’s offerings include a range of therapies and hospitalization options + will launch teen services later this year. (Fort Worth Report)
Trending
What do you think about Luka the Laker? WFAA reporter Matt Houston shared Mark Cuban’s response when asked how he feels about the Dončić and Davis trade.
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Don’t worry, be happy
Anthony Davis is the new face of the Mavericks. | Photo via WFAA
Trade away those blues, Mavs fans. Poor word choice, sorry.
While it can be easy to get swept up in the negative discourse surrounding this weekend’s stunning trade news, we’re trying to put a more positive spin on DFW’s current sporting landscape. Here’s a dime’s worth of reasons to turn that frown upside-down:
1. The Mavericks didn’t come out empty-handed. Anthony Davis was part of the deal and is hardly a scrub. With 10 NBA All-Star appearances, a Championship ring to his name, and a whole host of other accolades, AD is bringing a winner’s resume to Dallas.
2. The NFL Draft is coming up soon, and the Cowboys are picking No. 12 overall. What happened the last time the Cowboys picked 12th overall? Defensive star Micah Parsons joined America’s Team.
Amazon’s No. 1 bestselling water bottle — the Owala FreeSip. It’s a top seller for good reason: Owala has perfected a spout design that allows you to either sip upright through a built-in straw or tilt back to swig a gulp. It’s actually patented.
Don’t worry, Kate and Elizabeth haven’t gone anywhere. I’m just here to write a handful of newsletters for your wonderful City Editors over the next few weeks.
If there’s anything you’d like me to write about while I’m covering Cowtown, shoot me an email. I’d love to hear from you.
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