Statewide Mardi Gras Accessibility Guide:
Including street closure times, where to park, locations of ADA compliant sidewalks and sensory friendly spaces, viewing locations, and more. Compiled with information from the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs.
CARENCRO
– Streets will close at 9:45am
– ADA compliant sidewalks on University Ave along parade route
– Several parking spots for rent along parade route
– Free parking at Pelican Park but with limited accessibility
– Accessible parking at City Hall
Recommendation: Take Luxford Way to the north parking lot at Pelican Park. From there it is a block away from University Ave with very smooth streets.
HOUMA
A special “no throws” viewing area is located at the start of the parades by Southland Mall.
A second area, located at the bus terminal (7597 W. Main St.) is wheelchair accessible and family friendly.
JEFFERSON PARISH
There is a Public Stand on the corner of Veteran’s and Causeway that is wheelchair accessible. However, an advanced ticket is needed and numbers are limited.
Streets and crosswalks are also accessible with curb cuts.
LAKE CHARLES
On Children’s Day, February 15th, kids with disabilities are invited to attend 45 minutes early.
An accessible and autistic-friendly “quiet zone” is designated at the end of the parade route, at the intersection of Ryan Street and Sale Road. Floats in this area are encouraged to turn their music off to reduce sensory triggers. Designated handicap parking is also available nearby behind the Jeff Davis bank.
LAFAYETTE
There is a Sensory Safety Zone at Fire Station No. 5 where those with sensory sensitivities can enjoy the parades with less triggers.
Around this area, bands will respect the quiet zone and noises will be kept to a minimum.
MONROE AND WEST MONROE
Look for the Krewe De Riviere, an inclusive community krewe specifically built on the values of welcoming and including everyone.
The formation also sparked the creation of an inclusive women’s dance team called The LunaChicks.
ST. MARY PARISH
Most sidewalks and crosswalks are wheelchair accessible in all cities.
Patterson has a designated disability friendly zone located at City Hall on Main Street with a sensory quiet zone and accessible viewing area.
Franklin is working to establish a designated accessible viewing area for people with disabilities for the upcoming parade.
OPELOUSAS
Accessible parking is available at several places along the route including Le Vieux Village, St. Landry Parish Courthouse, and Opelousas City Hall. Sidewalks around the Courthouse are also ADA compliant.
The 4th Annual ZydeGras on the Square, featuring Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band, will take place on the Courthouse Square following the parade.
NEW ORLEANS
Viewing and Seating Options:
– Gallier Hall ADA Grandstand: Free viewing space across from Gallier. Spaces are limited and usually require advance registration through the Mayor’s Office.
– Lafayette Square: ADA-compliant portable toilets and a designated drop-off area on Camp Street.
– Touro Synagogue “Krewe of VIPs”: Free, accessible balcony viewing for children and adults with disabilities on St. Charles.
– Private Grandstands: Vendors like Mardi Gras Parade Tickets offer accessible seating, often at the front rail, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sensory & Health Support:
– Sensory Activation Vehicles (SAV): Usually located at St. George’s School, 923 Napoleon Ave, SAVs provide a calming environment for those needing a break from sensory overload.
– First Aid Stations: Accessible emergency care centers are positioned along major routes, including St. Charles at Louisiana Ave, Canal St, and Napoleon.
– Charging Stations: Solar-powered stations prioritizing electric wheelchairs and assistive devices are typically available at Lafayette Square and Harmony Circle.
Accessible Transportation:
– Streetcars: Red streetcars (Canal, Riverfront, and Rampart lines) are fully ADA-accessible with motorized lifts. Efforts are still underway to increase accessible “green” streetcars on the St. Charles Ave line.
– Buses & Ferries: All city buses “kneel” and have ramps. Mississippi River ferries are also accessible via ramps.
– Equipment Rentals: Companies like Mobility City New Orleans and Mr. Wheelchair provide rentals for scooters and wheelchairs with delivery options.
Accessibility Row:
The Krewe of Krampus has an Accessibility Row on Independence Street between Royal and Burgundy. In this two block section there are areas for people with limited mobility, an area with a host providing audio descriptions of the parade, an American Sign Language interpreter, and a “Quiet Zone” for children with sensory processing needs.
If you are located in the Quiet Zone and a throw would cause any difficulty, they have created a “No Throws” graphic for you to print and attach to yourself or anyone with you. For more information, go to kreweofkrampus.com/accessibility-row/
SHREVEPORT
The city of Shreveport has ensured they have accessible parking and viewing locations at every interval of the parade.
Parking along the parade route is also allowed from the start of the parades (Clyde Fant and Lake Street) to the end (East Kings Highway and Preston Avenue). A parade goer can pull their vehicle next to the parade route if they want to do so.
Temporary toilet facilities and hand-washing stations (those include accessible toilets and sinks)
will also be provided.
Three designated parking areas are accessible along the parade route:
– Beginning: Downtown parking lots with handicap parking. The sidewalk is ADA compliant from these lots to the beginning of the parades at Clyde Fant and Lake.
– Halfway: A parking lot at Clyde Fant and Stoner is located near the family area (no alcohol allowed).
– End: The intersection of East Kings Highway and Atlantic includes a designated viewing area. Park here if you want to see the parade at night.
THIBODAUX
Parade routes generally start and end at Nicholls State University, following a uniform route through parts of Audubon Ave, Menard Street, Canal Boulevard, and West 2nd Street.
There are many sidewalks throughout the parade route that are accessible, as well as the Reviewing Stand that is set up on Highway 1, behind City Hall, 310 West 2nd St.
A Family Friendly Zone is available at Peltier Park – 151 Peltier Park Dr.
The Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs compiled this list of accessibility services that will be provided for the 2026 Mardi Gras festivities across Louisiana.
This resource serves as an introduction to the topic of accessibility in our state and is not comprehensive.
For specific details on routes, street closures, and the precise location of ADA accommodations for each parade, we recommend you consult the official website or resource guide for each host city.
Have tips that aren’t in this guide?
Email them to klie@imaginewaterworks.org.
Mutual aid is for all of us, and it never ends. Take care of each other out there this season.
Happy Mardi Gras!
