For many years, we creators of this website have been going to New Orleans parades. Here are a few tips for any new revelers from experienced revelers.

  • Most parades in New Orleans follow the Uptown route. Some parts of the route are more family-friendly than others. Make sure to look at the crowd before you stand in a spot.
  • Check for new laws pertaining to what you can/cannot bring to the route. Sometimes it is enforced. 
  • Watch the crowd. Some areas are rougher than others. For example, if you have young children, setting up near a bunch of college fraternities who are drinking all day may not be a good idea. 
  • Download either WWL's or WDSU's parade tracker app. This will keep you updated on changes that occur due to weather, breakdowns, crime, etc. 
  • Alcohol is legal to have in public. This is New Orleans. Enough said.  
  • Do not bring glass beer bottles. 
  • As the old song goes "there ain't no place to pee on Mardi Gras day". The city provides some porta-potties, but those are usually not very clean. Many restaurants and churches along the route have restrooms that are cleaner that you pay a daily or per visit fee to use. 
  • BRING CASH!!! Many places will only accept cash. Do not bring too much cash, however.
  • Come early and bring chairs. If you want a good spot and want to be comfortable, get to the parade route a minimum of 2 hours early and bring folding chairs.

  • If you parade on the Neutral Ground side in New Orleans and like to get out early, make sure you keep an eye on your stuff! The city will take your stuff if it is unattended (or if you refuse to move if asked) if it is more than 4 hours before the parade start. This is for the Neutral Ground side ONLY. 
  • There are no official "reserved" areas outside of stands downtown. Whatever land you can get is your spot. Make sure to always leave one person at your spot. 
  • DO NOT leave items on the route overnight! The city will pick them up randomly!
  • If you are at the beginning or middle of the route, do not pay for parking. Street parking is available and it is free! You may have to walk a little, but you will save $20 or more!
  • MAKE SURE TO PARK LEGALLY!!! The meter maids are out and are ticketing!!!
  • DO NOT LEAVE ANYTHING VALUABLE IN YOUR CAR!!!! The city has experienced quite a bit of car break ins over the last few years. 
  • Talk to people around you. Some of the best people we collectors have met are our neighbors on the parade route. Pretty much everyone wants to have a good time, and a good relationship with your parade neighbors can help with that.