St. John Fools of Misrule
January 11 at 6 p.m.
Walking Parade
The Fools and Jewels of this krewe march through historic St. John District of old Covington (1813) on Saturday closest to Twelfth Night, also known as King's Day. Led by a “Lord of Misrule", this marching parade founded in 2011 features flambeaux, brass band, costumed marchers. Starts and ends at Columbia Street Tap Room (434 N. Columbia) where the members-only “Feast of Fools” begins the evening. The organization's rituals are derived from an ancient English men's group that clamored along the evening streets, stopping at watering holes and restaurants along the way, creating unruliness with cowbells and whips while delivering jeers and spankings to those caught on the street unaware. The Fools of Misrule integrated into its name homage to the historic St. John District where the group was founded and annually conducts its bawdy procession. Their slogan: Vivere Vitam Omnino! – Live Life Completely!
Krewe of Olympia
February 22 at 6 p.m.
Floats, Trucks and Horse Parade
This 300+ member krewe founded in 1965 keeps the identity of King Zeus a secret throughout the parade. Members ride on floats, trucks and horses interspersed with marching bands from across the region. Expect tons of throws, including the krewe’s signature LED lightning bolts.
Krewe of Bogue Falaya Lundi Gras Second Line
Monday, March 3 at 4 p.m.
When Mardi Gras was first celebrated in Covington on February 25, 1879, the revelry began the day before, on Lundi Gras, when the parade’s king arrived by boat on the Bogue Falaya River to the Columbia Street Landing and lead a procession of figures dressed in medieval garb to the courthouse, where the king would be presented with a key to the city. The Krewe of Bogue Falaya revived this tradition in 2024 and continues this year to lead off Fat Tuesday celebrations in Covington on Monday, also known as Lundi Gras.
Following the second line from Bogue Falaya Park to Southern Hotel, the Mayor of Covington and dignitaries will present hotel proprietor Lisa Condrey Ward--this year's Grand Marshal--with a key to the city. The event is free and open to the public and all are invited to participate and enjoy free champagne and king cake. The Krewe of Bogue Falaya rolls the next morning.
MARDI GRAS DAY: Tuesday, March 4
It's a full day of celebrations in downtown Covington with three parades followed by a free concert and party at Covington Trailhead. The parades begin by the St. Tammany Parish Justice Center on Columbia Street and follows a route along Hwy. 21/Boston St. to Jefferson Ave., to 15th St., Tyler St., W. 23rd and back to the Justice Center.
Covington Lions Club & Mystick Krewe of Covington Parades
10 a.m.
Founded in 1959 by the civic society, the Lions feature classic cars, jeeps and small floats. Rolling immediately afterward is the Krewe of Covington, founded in 1951 by the Knights of Columbus. See floats, walking groups, classic cars, trucks and jeeps.
Krewe of Bogue Falaya Parade
11 a.m.
Formed in 2017 and named for the town's iconic river, the Krewe of Bogue Falaya honors the history and traditions of Covington and promotes the businesses, charities and organizations that support the people of the Northshore. The parade features 600+ members riding 20 traditional floats, five marching bands, 12 marching groups, horses, fair queens and classic cars. And, new this year, the inaugural signature float featuring the historical train car, the “St. Tammany Special", a cherished local relic of transportation that served passengers between Covington and New Orleans from 1908 until the early 1920s.
Carnival in Covington After-Party
1-4 p.m.
Covington keeps the party going at the Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire St., with a concert by the high-energy dance favorite, Soul Revival, along with food and drink trucks, a kids' play area, and presentation of awards for costume contests.
Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws
Sunday, March 9 at 2 p.m.
Walking Parade
The premier Mardi Gras walking parade featuring man's best friends, and their families, closes the Carnival season in Covington on the Sunday after Mardi Gras.
The parade rolls and strolls through downtown Covington with dogs and up to six of their humans in costume on a fun theme each year. Your pup is welcome to join the crowd, too.
Founded in 1994, proceeds from Mardi Paws events benefit the Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF) and its emergency medical grant program, and Scott’s Wish, which provides aid for patients with leukemia and life-threatening illnesses.
