This weekend marks the return of floats, costumes and public intoxication with Mardi Gras! Whether you celebrate with your friends, children or just looking to stumble upon something exciting, this weekend won’t disappoint. And this year Mardi Gras coincides with Valentine’s Day. What could be sweeter?
2/14: Adopt-a-Valentine: Carencro Animal Aid is hoping you’ll find someone lovable and in need of a home this Valentine’s Day. From 3-6 p.m. on this special day, all cats one year and over have a $14 adoption fee. Carencro Animal Aid will have sweet treats and a Kitty Kissing Booth. Children can join in for a special afternoon of Kitty-Litterature where they can read books or their own Valentine cards to our cats.
2/14: Pre-Rio party/watch party: Getting a good spot along the parade route means staking claim to your territory early – and waiting. And more waiting. The Hideaway Kitchen invites you to come in from the very likely rain to participate in a Cajun jam, hosted by Wilson Savoy, Jean Bertrand and Cameron Fontenot. Formerly called The Stand, The Hideaway Kitchen will have a bar set up for drinks, food and music. Parking will be available on the lot across the street at 316 Lee Ave. The jam begins at 4:30 p.m.
2/14: Krewe des Canailles: The free walking parade, Krewe des Canailles, returns to downtown Lafayette this Saturday evening. Krewe members will make their way downtown in floats they created, costumes and collectible throws that pay tribute to the countless weekend festivals like the Rayne Frog Festival, Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, and more. The “parade without barricades” will have barricades, though they can be crossed. Children and adults are encouraged to wear costumes and bring lights and noisemakers to the parade route! The parade starts at 7 p.m.
2/15: Krewe de Chien Parade: Lafayette’s favorite dog-friendly puppy parade returns this Saturday from 2-4 p.m. The wholesome parade will feature dogs in costumes and their owners as they make their way downtown. The parade supports animal charities in the Acadiana area and promotes spaying and neutering. Membership to the Krewe de Chien is welcome to all pet owners.
2/16: Courir de Mardi Gras: Vermilionville and the Basile Mardi Gras Association invite everyone to an old-fashioned Mardi Gras run within the city of Lafayette this Sunday. Starting at 11:30 a.m., the party begins with a chicken-chase for the children followed by live music in the Performance Center at Vermilionville. Cajun act The Pine Leaf Boys will kick off Vermilionville’s weekly Le Bal du Dimanche à Vermilionville as runners return from the Courir. Attendees will learn how to make a King Cake in the cooking school and a Courir costume hat at the Capuchon station. Tickets for the day are only $5! Click here for more information.
