Fat Tuesday 2026: Bacchus, Thoth, Okeanos and Mid-City Roll Through New Orleans
Fat Tuesday 2026 kept Carnival momentum alive as a slate of krewes rolled through the city. Parade schedules stretched from midday into the evening, culminating with the high-profile Krewe of Bacchus and celebrity appearances that drew attention from fans across the region.
Midday kickoffs: Okeanos, Mid-City and Thoth
The procession began uptown when the Krewe of Okeanos stepped off at 12: 00 p. m. ET, ushering in a succession of parades that would span neighborhoods. Okeanos was followed by the Krewes of Mid-City and Thoth, with Thoth scheduled to begin at 1: 00 p. m. ET. The midday lineup kept paradegoers on the parade route throughout the afternoon, maintaining the rhythm of throws, marching bands and decorated floats typical of Fat Tuesday festivities.
Float riders and krewe members continued long-standing traditions of distributing beads and other throws to crowds lining the streets. City officials emphasized that parade operations were proceeding under standard safety and logistical measures to keep crowds moving and intersections clear as multiple routes intersected with heavy pedestrian traffic.
Bacchus caps the day with celebrity royalty and a Hall of Fame tribute
The day’s marquee event arrived in the evening when the Krewe of Bacchus rolled at 6: 15 p. m. ET. Actor Patrick Warburton served as Bacchus LVI, presiding over the krewe’s signature spectacle. The parade’s celebrity roster included Saints legend Drew Brees as a special guest; he is slated to ride on a custom float celebrating his recent induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Bacchus has long been one of the city’s most watched parades, known for its large floats and star-studded themes. This year’s inclusion of a Hall of Fame tribute added a sports-focused highlight to the krewe’s route, drawing fans eager to see the commemorative float honoring a hometown football icon.
Evening activity and suburban celebrations
Beyond the downtown and uptown corridors, the broader Carnival orbit remained active. In neighboring Metairie, the Krewe of Athena was scheduled to roll at 7: 00 p. m. ET, extending Fat Tuesday celebrations into suburban communities and providing an evening entertainment option for those outside the central parade routes.
As festivities continued into the night, many revelers balanced celebration with travel and safety concerns, departing parade zones as routes closed and public transit adjusted to accommodate crowds. Organizers and local authorities coordinated timing and crowd flow to minimize disruptions and maintain public safety throughout the day.
Fat Tuesday 2026’s program of krewes demonstrated both the city’s deep Carnival traditions and its capacity to stage large-scale events with a mix of community participants and high-profile guests. From the midday launches of Okeanos, Mid-City and Thoth to the evening spectacle of Bacchus with its celebrity appearances, the day provided a concentrated display of pageantry and local pride.
