A Mardi Gras parade can mean hours of walking, standing, catching throws, snacking and celebrating, so a little preparation goes a long way. Knowing what to bring to a Mardi Gras parade can make the difference between spending the day searching for something you forgot and actually enjoying the experience.
The best Mardi Gras packing list covers more than what you are wearing. Water, snacks, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, sunscreen, weather protection and a way to carry your catches can all come in handy—along with a few festive accessories that make parade day feel like Mardi Gras.
Whether you are heading out for your first parade or have been lining the route for years, use this guide as your Mardi Gras parade packing checklist.
Check the Route and Weather Before You Pack
Before filling your bag, check the parade route, forecast, expected temperature and your transportation plan. Mardi Gras weather can vary considerably, and a warm afternoon can turn into a chilly evening.
Think about how far you will need to walk, how long you expect to stay and where you plan to park or get picked up. If you are bringing children, a wagon, chairs or a cooler, knowing how far you will need to transport everything can help you avoid overpacking.
It is also worth checking local parade rules before heading out, particularly for restrictions involving coolers, ladders, tents, chairs or other larger items.
Start With a Comfortable Mardi Gras Outfit
Parade-day style should be festive, but it also needs to work for several hours outdoors. Comfortable clothing and supportive shoes should form the base of your outfit.
Depending on the forecast, consider packing or wearing:
- Comfortable walking shoes or rain boots
- Breathable layers
- A sweatshirt, pullover or jacket
- A lightweight rain jacket or poncho
- Comfortable pants, leggings or shorts
- A Mardi Gras T-shirt, polo or button-up
- A festive hat or beanie
- Mardi Gras socks
- Sunglasses
- A hands-free crossbody bag, fanny pack, or small backpack
Purple, green and gold make it easy to dress for the occasion, but you do not need to wear all three from head to toe. A colorful hat, pair of socks, statement accessory or Mardi Gras layer can turn an otherwise practical outfit into a parade-ready look.
Bring Water and Plenty of Drinks
Parade days can be long, crowded and surprisingly tiring. Bring enough water to stay hydrated throughout the day, particularly if temperatures are warm or you will be doing a lot of walking.
Reusable water bottles are convenient if you have somewhere to refill them. For longer parade days, a cooler with water and other drinks may make sense where permitted.
If you are packing drinks for a group, consider bringing more water than you think you will need. It is one of the essentials you will be happiest to have on hand.
Pack Easy Parade-Day Snacks
Food vendors may be available along some routes, but having your own snacks means you will not have to leave your spot every time someone gets hungry.
Choose foods that are easy to pack, easy to eat and unlikely to make a mess. Good options include:
- Granola or protein bar
- Crackers
- Chips or pretzels
- Trail mix
- Sandwiches
- Fruit
- Individually packaged snacks
- Kids' snack packs
- Small sweets or treats
If you are bringing food that needs to stay cold, pack it appropriately in a cooler with ice packs.
Do Not Forget Hand Sanitizer, Wipes and Toilet Paper
These may not be the most glamorous things on your Mardi Gras packing list, but they can quickly become some of the most appreciated.
Public and portable restrooms along busy parade routes may run low on supplies, so bring a small roll or travel pack of toilet paper or tissues. Hand sanitizer is another must-have when soap and running
water are not readily available and for making sure your hands are clean for snacking after spending the day catching throws.
A small hygiene kit can include:
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper or travel tissues
- Wet wipes
- Paper towels
- Facial tissues
- Lip balm
- Feminine hygiene products
- A few small trash bags or zip-top bags
Wet wipes are especially helpful for families with children—or after eating a particularly messy parade snack.
Pack Sunscreen, Even When It Is Cool
Mardi Gras may not feel like a traditional sunscreen occasion, but spending several hours outdoors can mean plenty of sun exposure even on cooler days.
Apply sunscreen before heading out and bring a travel-size bottle for reapplication. Sunglasses and a hat can provide additional protection while also becoming part of your Mardi Gras look.
Prepare for Rain, Mud and Temperature Changes
A little rain won’t stop the party and neither should you. Pack with flexibility in mind and check the weather to prepare for any special conditions that may occur.
A reversible rain jacket or lightweight poncho can be invaluable if rain moves in. Waterproof or easy-to-clean shoes are helpful when the ground becomes muddy or if you’re along a particularly pot hole heavy route.
For colder days and evening parades, add warm socks, gloves, a beanie and an extra layer. Mardi Gras-colored beanies, socks and outerwear can serve double duty by keeping you comfortable while adding purple, green and gold to your outfit.
Bring Something for All Those Throws
You may arrive carrying very little and leave with beads, cups, stuffed animals, doubloons and plenty of other Mardi Gras throws.
Bring a sturdy tote, reusable shopping bag, backpack or other easy-to-carry bag for your catches. Families may want more than one, particularly if children are determined to bring home everything they catch.
Choose something that can fold or pack down while empty so you are not carrying an oversized bag at the beginning of the day.
Keep Your Phone Charged
Your phone can serve as your camera, map, transportation tool and way to reconnect with your group, so start the day with a full battery.
For longer parade days, bring a portable charger and charging cable. It is also a good idea to establish a meeting location with your group in case someone gets separated or phone service becomes unreliable in a crowded area.
Bring a Few Basic First-Aid Essentials
You do not necessarily need a full first-aid kit, but a few basics can be useful.
Consider packing adhesive bandages, blister bandages, any necessary personal medications and other small essentials your family regularly uses. If you will be walking a significant distance, blister protection can be especially helpful.
Consider Chairs, Blankets or a Wagon
If you plan to spend several hours in one location, portable seating can make the day much more comfortable where allowed.
Depending on your plans and local regulations, you may want:
- Folding chairs
- A picnic blanket
- A wagon for children and supplies
- A small permitted cooler
- A lightweight bag for trash
- Ear protection for young children
Remember that anything you bring to the route eventually has to come home with you, potentially along with several bags of throws so pack accordingly.
What to Bring to a Mardi Gras Parade: Quick Checklist
Before leaving home, run through this Mardi Gras parade packing list:
- Comfortable shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing and layers
- Mardi Gras hat, beanie or other accessories
- Water
- Drinks and cooler, if appropriate and permitted
- Snacks or packed food
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toilet paper or tissues
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Rain poncho or jacket
- Identification
- Phone
- Portable phone charger
- Personal medications
- Basic first-aid supplies
- Tote or bag for throws
- Small trash or zip-top bags
- Chairs or blanket, if permitted
- Ear protection for children, if needed
- A group meeting and transportation plan
Pack Smart, Then Enjoy the Parade
The best Mardi Gras parade packing list is not about bringing everything you own. It is about having the few things that keep you comfortable, hydrated and prepared so you can concentrate on having fun.
Start with water, snacks, comfortable clothing, weather protection and practical necessities like hand sanitizer, wipes and toilet paper. Add a bag for your throws, a charged phone and a few Mardi Gras accessories, and you will be ready for a full day along the route.
Mardi Gras Creations makes it easy to add the festive finishing touches, from Mardi Gras hats, beanies and socks to scarves, jewelry, bejeweled accessories and parade-ready clothing in classic Carnival colors.
FAQ: What to Bring to a Mardi Gras Parade
What should I bring to my first Mardi Gras parade?
Start with comfortable shoes, water, snacks, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, toilet paper or tissues, a charged phone, weather-appropriate layers and a sturdy bag for catching and carrying throws. Check the specific parade route and local regulations before deciding whether to bring larger items such as chairs, coolers or wagons.
What should I bring to a Mardi Gras parade with kids?
In addition to the standard essentials, consider extra snacks and water, wipes, tissues, ear protection, weather layers and a wagon or seating option where permitted. Establish a clear meeting point and make sure children know what to do if they become separated from the group.
What should I bring for catching Mardi Gras beads and throws?
Bring a durable tote, reusable shopping bag or backpack that is easy to carry. A foldable bag is particularly useful because it takes up little space on the way to the parade and can expand as you collect throws.
