The Ultimate Mardi Gras Bucket List If You’re In New Orleans This Year

Mardi Gras is an event on everyone’s bucket list. If you’re lucky enough to attend the never-ending party, you’ll need to know exactly what to look out for. This Mari Gras bucket list will have you looking like a local in no time!

Catch a Zulu coconut

If you catch a Zulu coconut from a float during the Krewe of Zulu parade, consider yourself extremely lucky. These decorated coconuts are extremely rare but beautiful and very sought after. A short time ago they stopped throwing them and began simply handing a few out in the crowd because of safety issues. Make sure to post a picture of your coconut online for everyone to see!

Attend the Endymion Extravaganza

Most of the balls and galas during the Mardi gras season are closed parties for the upper elite, but if you’re looking for a party, attend the Endymion Extravaganza. This ball is located in the Super Dome and tickets are open to the public for purchase. Everyone dresses in black tie attire and parties until the cows come home.

Try a locally made King Cake

If you’re physically in New Orleans for the Mardi Gras season, make sure you head over to a local bakery to test out their king cake. A lot of tourists think the WalMart or Winn Dixie version of this Mari Gras dessert is acceptable, but that’s just not the case. For the best king cake in the city, head over to Dong Phuong.

Eat Popeyes on Mardi Gras Day

This tradition has no real precedent other than we like it. Popeyes was created in Louisiana and because of this, it’s a staple food in any native New Orleans diet. They have the best chicken (in my opinion), buttery biscuits and red beans and rice that is to die for.

Visit a drive-thru daiquiri shack

Yes, there is such a thing as a drive-thru daiquiri shop, and in New Orleans, there are multiple. The law is still the same, no drinking and driving, but as long as you don’t insert the straw you are home free. These daiquiris have nothing to do with Mardi Gras, but it’s a New Orleans classic that you cannot miss on your visit.

Eat a raw oyster

They may look gross but raw oysters straight out the shell are one of the tastiest dishes in New Orleans culture. If you’re feeling brave, pop one of these suckers in your mouth and swallow immediately. Chewing is not the right option for this one. Many New Orleans natives put some Tabasco sauce to give them a little more flavor.

Attend the Krewe of Barkus

Nothing says New Orleans like the most ridiculous thing you can think of, and that’s exactly what the Krewe of Barkus is. Because regular parades are not enough, this Krewe is dedicated to the puppies of the city! You will definitely want to check out this adorable Mardi Gras Krewe.

Catch as many parades as you can

The bigger Krewes are definitely worth seeing but don’t forget about the tons of smaller parades around the city. They can be less crowded and sometimes more kid-friendly than the bigger Krewes. Each parade has its own beads and trinkets so you will always remember which Krewes you attended and which ones you need to catch on your next trip down.

Get a go cup, and keep track of it

It’s legal to walk around on the streets with open containers, but it has to be in a plastic cup we call a go cup. You can get a go cup from a float, a bar or any grocery store around the city. It’s a simple plastic cup, but wouldn’t you much rather have one with the date, Krewe or name of the bar?

Find a Mardi Gras Indian

We aren’t too politically correct down here, so venture out on Mardi Gras day to find the Mardi Gras Indians. These are real Native Americans that spend the entire year making elaborate costumes for their debut on Fat Tuesday. They love taking pictures and showing off their beautiful dress.