when is mardi gras in new orleans 2026

Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) in New Orleans in 2026 falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Quick scoop

• The official Mardi Gras Day is Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

• The broader Carnival season in New Orleans runs from January 6 (Twelfth Night) through February 17, 2026.

• The busiest parade period is the final stretch leading up to Fat Tuesday, especially from about February 11–17, 2026.

If you’re planning a trip, most visitors aim to be in town by the Friday before Fat Tuesday to catch the biggest krewes and peak street energy.