Experience the magnitude of Mardi Gras’ "Main Event" with the 2026 Krewe of Endymion Parade. Celebrating its 60th anniversary, this legendary Super Krewe is known for its massive floats, celebrity guests, and the sheer volume of "throws" that fill the Mid-City air.
Below is everything you need to know for the big day on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
📅 Event Details
- Date: Valentine's Day—Saturday, February 14, 2026
- Samedi Gras Block Party: Starts at 12:00 PM (Orleans Avenue)
- Parade Start Time: 4:15 PM
- 2026 Theme: "60 Years of Endymion"
- Celebrity Guests: Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton, and Co-Grand Marshals Arthur Hardy (Mardi Gras Historian) and Lane Kiffin (LSU Football Coach).
📍 Parade Route
The Endymion parade follows its traditional and unique Mid-City route, eventually rolling into the Caesars Superdome.
- Start: Intersection of City Park Ave. & Orleans Ave.
- Proceeds southeast on Orleans Ave.
- Turns right onto N. Carrollton Ave.
- Turns left onto Canal St.
- Turns right onto St. Charles Ave.
- Circles Harmony Circle, then proceeds down Howard Ave.
- Turns right onto Loyola Ave.
- Turns left onto Girod St./Dave Dixon Dr.
- End: The parade rolls directly into the Caesars Superdome for the Extravaganza.
✨ What to Expect
- The "Super Krewe" Scale: With over 3,200 riders and 37 floats (many being multi-section "tandems"), Endymion is a marathon of color and sound.
- Mega-Floats: Look out for Pontchartrain Beach, Then and Now—the largest float in Mardi Gras at over 300 feet long!
- Signature Throws: True to their motto, “Throw Until It Hurts,” riders toss over 15 million items, including lighted beads, fiber-optic wands, and collectible doubloons.
- Musical Powerhouses: The parade concludes at the Endymion Extravaganza, featuring headliners Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton.
💡 Tips for Attendees
- Stake Your Spot Early: Locals begin claiming spots on the "Neutral Ground" (the median) days in advance. If you want a front-row view, arrive by mid-morning.
- The "Samedi Gras" Experience: Before the floats roll, head to Orleans Avenue for the block party. It’s a giant neighborhood celebration with food, music, and a great vibe.
- Bring a Large Bag: You will catch more beads and trinkets than you can carry by hand. A sturdy laundry bag or heavy-duty tote is essential.
- Check the Rules: Ladders and coolers must be kept 6 feet back from the curb. Respect "homesteading" (established spots), and never reach under a moving float for a dropped bead.
- Hydrate & Layer: February weather in New Orleans is unpredictable. Wear comfortable shoes and layers—it will be warm in the sun and chilly once the sun goes down.
📜 History of Endymion
Founded in 1967 by Ed Muniz, Endymion began as a small neighborhood parade with only 100 riders. By 1974, it achieved "Super Krewe" status due to its massive membership and extravagant floats. It is named after the beautiful mortal from Greek mythology who was granted eternal youth and sleep by Zeus.
Over the decades, Endymion became famous for bringing the parade inside—it is the only krewe that finishes its route by rolling through the Superdome, turning a street parade into a massive indoor concert and ball.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Uptown New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
