Mardi Gras 2026: Lafayette Barricades, Closures, and Parking Guide

LAFAYETTE, La. (KMDL-FM) - Mardi Gras 2026 is quickly approaching, so officials with Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG) are finalizing preparations for this year's celebration. They've announced important information to the public regarding barricades, street closures, parking, and public safety.

Mardi Gras Barricade Schedule in Lafayette

One of the things drivers want to know about is when barricades will be put up along the parade route. LCG states that barricades will be placed along the parade route in Lafayette starting Thursday, February 5, 2026, and will remain in place until after the parade on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Then, they will be repositioned on Thursday, February 12, 2026, and remain in place until the final parade on Mardi Gras Day, Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Street Closures and Traffic Information

Streets along and around the parade route will be closed one hour before each parade begins. Citizens should avoid those areas to minimize traffic congestion.

On Mardi Gras Day, all streets in and around the parade route will close one hour before the start of the parade and will remain closed until the final parade has concluded and the area is cleared of pedestrians and vehicles.

READ MORE: 2026 Acadiana Mardi Gras Parade Schedule

The exceptions are crossover intersections. University Avenue and Johnston Street, along with St. Mary Boulevard and Johnston Street will remain open for cross-traffic until the parade approaches.

Residents and businesses along the parade route should make necessary arrangements for road closures. For assistance, contact the Lafayette Police Department at 337-291-8600

Parking Options for Paradegoers

Parking is always something that paradegoers have to consider before heading out. You can access the 2026 parade route map here, and it includes public parking locations. Keep in mind, there is no parking on streets or sidewalks along the parade routes.

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If you're planning to view the parades in the Downtown Lafayette area, the Buchanan and Vermilion parking garages are convenient parking options in that area. Gates will close approximately 45 minutes before the parade starts and will reopen once the parade has safely passed.

Keep in mind that Blackham Coliseum parking (inside the fenced area) is reserved for floats, band members, and parade participants.

Accessible Viewing and Public Safety Information

There will be an accessible Mardi Gras Parade zone for handicap viewing at Fire Station #5 (Johnston St. & St. Julien Ave.).

Finally, here is some safety information to be aware of. There will be designated lost child stations at Fire Station #1 (Vermilion and Lee Street) and Fire Station #5 (Johnston St. and St. Julien Ave.). Lost or found children can also be brought to any officer along the parade route.

Should you or anyone in your party need medical assistance, Acadian Ambulance Service units will be stationed along the parade route. Notify a law enforcement officer along the route or dial 911 for emergency medical assistance.

Complete 2026 Lafayette Mardi Gras Information

All Lafayette Mardi Gras information, including safety tips, barricade placement, parade schedules, route maps, and more, can be found at lafayettela.gov/mardigras.