how long is mardi gras 2026

Mardi Gras 2026, also known as Carnival season in New Orleans, spans a full six-week period tied to the Christian liturgical calendar. Fat Tuesday falls on February 17, 2026, marking the festive climax just before Ash Wednesday.

Core Duration

The official Carnival season kicks off on Epiphany (Twelfth Night), January 6, 2026 , and runs through midnight on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 —totaling about 42 days or roughly six weeks.

This length varies yearly based on Easter's date; 2026 lands in the middle, shorter than 2025's eight weeks but longer than 2027's 4.5 weeks.

While the full season includes early balls and smaller events, most visitors focus on the high-energy finale.

Peak Festival Window

For the intense parade-packed vibe everyone pictures, plan for the final 10–12 days: roughly February 6–17, 2026.

• Superkrewes roll on the last two weekends (February 7–8 and 14–15).
• Daily parades ramp up from February 6, with crowds peaking February 12–17.

This "streets-turned-party" phase feels like the heart of Mardi Gras, drawing massive tourism.

Year| Fat Tuesday| Full Season Length| Peak Period Example
---|---|---|---
2025| Mar 4| ~8 weeks| Feb 20–Mar 4
2026| Feb 17| ~6 weeks| Feb 6–17
2027| Feb 9| ~4.5 weeks| Jan 30–Feb 9

Planning Insights

If you're timing a trip, a 3–7 day stay in the last two weeks (e.g., arrive February 11, leave February 20) captures the buildup without burnout—think parades by day, king cake by night.

Locals note early arrival secures prime parade spots; ladder rules keep families safe six feet from curbs.

With today being February 16, 2026, you're in the wire-to-wire final stretch—parades are likely rolling daily through tomorrow's midnight finale.

TL;DR at Bottom: Mardi Gras 2026 = Jan 6–Feb 17 (~6 weeks total); peak chaos Feb 6–17 (12 days). Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.