Mardi Gras Bay St. Louis Parade Schedule: What to Know Before You Go

The Mardi Gras Bay St. Louis parade schedule runs across several weekends in February, with krewe parades rolling through a town that takes carnival seriously. Bay St. Louis is not Biloxi, and it is not New Orleans — it is smaller, friendlier, and genuinely fun to be in during Mardi Gras season. If you are planning to visit, here is what to expect.

Understanding the Mardi Gras Bay St. Louis Parade Schedule

Mardi Gras in Bay St. Louis is organized by local krewes — volunteer organizations that fund, plan, and ride in their own parades. The season typically spans two to three weekends leading up to Fat Tuesday, with individual krewe parades on Saturdays and Sundays. Fat Tuesday itself often sees smaller, informal processions through Old Town.

For the official and most current version of the Mardi Gras Bay St. Louis parade schedule, check the City of Bay St. Louis website or the Bay St. Louis tourism page. Dates shift each year because Fat Tuesday falls on a different day, so always verify before booking travel.

What Happens at a Bay St. Louis Mardi Gras Parade

Local krewe parades are free to watch and open to the public. Floats roll along Beach Boulevard and through downtown streets, with riders tossing beads, cups, stuffed animals, and occasionally moon pies to the crowd. The atmosphere is relaxed compared to New Orleans — you can actually catch throws without getting elbowed.

Prime viewing spots fill up fast on parade days, especially along Beach Boulevard near Old Town. Bring a folding chair. Arrive at least an hour early on main parade days. Parking in the Old Town area gets tight, so consider walking from a nearby spot or renting a golf cart if you are staying close enough.

Children are welcome at all the main parades, and the crowds are family-oriented. Alcohol is present but the scene is far calmer than a French Quarter Saturday night.

Bay St. Louis During Mardi Gras Season: The Local Context

Bay St. Louis sits on the western edge of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, about 1 hour west of New Orleans. That proximity matters during Mardi Gras season. Visitors who want the full New Orleans experience by day can use Bay St. Louis as a base, then return to a quieter, less chaotic overnight situation. The drive is straightforward on I-10.

Old Town Bay St. Louis — about a 10 minute drive north up Beach Boulevard — comes alive during Mardi Gras. Restaurants book up quickly, galleries stay open late, and the general energy of the town is noticeably different than the rest of the year. If you have not been to Old Town outside of a festival, the Second Saturday in Bay St. Louis article gives a good sense of what the neighborhood is like on a regular basis.

Biloxi is about 30 minutes east and runs its own Mardi Gras events, so it is possible to hit parades in both cities across a long weekend without much difficulty.

Krewe Parades, Dates, and Route Notes

The Krewe of Nereids is one of the oldest and most prominent krewes in Bay St. Louis. The Krewe of Dionysus and Krewe of Morpheus also participate in the season. Each krewe chooses its own parade route, though Beach Boulevard and Main Street corridors are common.

Fat Tuesday in Bay St. Louis tends to be lower-key than the weekend parades — more of a local celebration than a ticketed event. If you can only pick one day, the Saturday before Fat Tuesday usually sees the largest crowds and the most floats.

Check the official city or tourism sites for the exact Mardi Gras Bay St. Louis parade schedule each season, since krewe decisions and route changes happen on their own timeline and are announced closer to the date.

Camping During Mardi Gras: How Bay St. Louis Beachfront RV Park Fits In

If you are looking at the Mardi Gras Bay St. Louis parade schedule and trying to figure out where to stay, Bay St. Louis Beachfront RV Park is directly on South Beach Boulevard at 5311 South Beach Blvd — the same road most parades travel. That is not a small thing. You can watch from close range and walk back to your rig when you are ready.

The park has 37 full-hookup beachfront pads with water, sewer, and 30/50 amp electric service on concrete level pads, plus 31 dry sites for self-contained rigs running on their own tanks and battery or generator capacity. All sites include complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. Golf cart rentals are available, which makes getting around Old Town and the parade routes considerably easier.

The park accepts self-contained RVs only — rigs must have a built-in shower and bathroom. That keeps the park clean and quiet even during a busy festival weekend. Maximum rig length is 45 feet. The park is pet-friendly, and Bay St. Louis beaches allow leashed pets.

Silver Slipper Casino is right next door — visible from the park, roughly a five-minute golf cart ride away. Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast is about a 15 minute drive.

For more detail on logistics, the Where to Park Your RV for Mardi Gras in Bay St. Louis article covers the planning side in depth. Mardi Gras is one of the most popular weeks of the year, so book early.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Mardi Gras in Bay St. Louis? Mardi Gras season in Bay St. Louis typically runs across two to three weekends in February, ending on Fat Tuesday. The exact dates change each year based on the calendar. Check the City of Bay St. Louis or local tourism sites for current-year dates.

Is the Mardi Gras Bay St. Louis parade schedule free to attend? Yes. Krewe parades in Bay St. Louis are free and open to the public. There are no tickets or admission fees to watch the floats roll by.

Where is the best place to watch the parades? Beach Boulevard and the Old Town corridor near Main Street are the primary viewing areas. Arrive early, bring a folding chair, and expect crowds on the Saturday before Fat Tuesday.

Can I bring my dog to the Mardi Gras parades in Bay St. Louis? Generally yes, but keep your dog leashed and be realistic about the noise and crowd density. Bay St. Louis beaches allow leashed pets. Parade routes can get loud and packed, so it depends on how your dog handles crowds.

How do I book a site at Bay St. Louis Beachfront RV Park for Mardi Gras? Book online at campspot.com/book/beachfrontrvpark. Mardi Gras fills up fast — book as early as possible. Monthly rates are available if you plan to stay through the full season; contact the park directly for pricing.