Lafayette Prepares for Mardi Gras Festivities

Lafayette Prepares for Mardi Gras Festivities

Lafayette, LA — February 5, 2026 — City officials are setting up barricades along parade routes ahead of Mardi Gras celebrations, urging motorists to plan alternate routes and stay alert. Barricades will be placed starting today, February 5, at 8 a.m., with street closures beginning one hour before parades commence. The closures will remain in effect until all parades conclude and the area is cleared for safe travel. Residents and visitors are advised to follow detour signs and exercise caution during this festive period.

Parade Schedule and Street Closures

The Lafayette Police Department has outlined the following schedule for barricade placement and street closures:

• Thursday, February 5, 8:00 a.m.: Barricades will be placed along the parade route in the downtown area, starting at the intersection of Jefferson and Simcoe Streets, extending to the intersection of Johnston and Vermilion Streets.
• Friday, February 6, 8:00 a.m.: Barricades will be set up from the intersection of Johnston and Vermilion Streets along the parade route to the intersection of Johnston Street and North College Road, near the Albertson’s shopping center, then along North College Road to Cajun Field at Gate 1 at Reinhardt Drive, headed toward Congress Street. Barricades will be placed to allow for “turning lanes” and major cross-overs along Johnston Street and North College Road.
• Friday, February 6, 7:00 p.m.: Krewe de Canailles Parade – Takes place in Downtown Lafayette.
• Saturday, February 7, 6:30 p.m.: Krewe of Carnivale en Rio Parade – Scheduled beginning at the intersection of Jefferson and Simcoe Streets, then along the parade route before turning into Cajun Field at Gate 1.
• Saturday, February 7, 6:30 p.m.: Public Works crews will immediately follow the last float, moving barricades to the sides of the roads and cleaning up litter and debris along the entire parade route.
• Thursday, February 12, 8:00 a.m.: Barricades will be placed from the Downtown area to Johnston Street.
• Friday, February 13, 8:00 a.m.: Barricades will be placed from the Johnston Street/Vermilion St parade route to Cajun Field at Gate 1 entrance at Reinhardt Drive.

Motorists are encouraged to plan their routes accordingly and stay informed about the latest updates from city officials. For more detailed information, please refer to the official announcements from the Lafayette Consolidated Government and the Lafayette Police Department.

Stay Safe and Enjoy the Festivities

As Mardi Gras approaches, Lafayette is gearing up for a vibrant and festive celebration. Residents and visitors are reminded to stay vigilant, follow traffic advisories, and enjoy the cultural richness that Mardi Gras brings to our community. Let’s celebrate responsibly and make this Mardi Gras season memorable for all.

Sources

• Lafayette sets barricades for Mardi Gras