Fat Tuesday 2026 weekend: Bacchus crowns celebrity king as Okeanos, Thoth and Mid‑City roll
Parade action continued Sunday during the Fat Tuesday 2026 weekend as a full slate of krewes hit the streets. Uptown festivities opened with the Krewe of Okeanos, Mid‑City and Thoth followed in succession, and the evening spotlight fell on the iconic Krewe of Bacchus with a celebrity Bacchus and a special float honoring a Pro Football Hall of Famer. In neighboring Metairie, the Krewe of Athena staged its own evening procession.
Sunday schedule and parade order
The day began uptown at 11: 00 a. m. ET with the Krewe of Okeanos setting the tone for a string of parades. Mid‑City followed Okeanos on the route, with the Krewe of Thoth scheduled to begin at 12: 00 p. m. ET.
After an afternoon of marching bands, throws and decorative floats, the Krewe of Bacchus was slated to roll at 5: 15 p. m. ET. That parade traditionally draws one of the largest crowds of the weekend, bringing elaborate floats and high‑profile guests. Meanwhile across parish lines, the Krewe of Athena held its parade in Metairie at 6: 00 p. m. ET, offering an evening alternative for revelers.
Bacchus, celebrity presence and a Hall of Fame tribute
The evening Bacchus procession was highlighted by a celebrity monarch: actor Patrick Warburton served as Bacchus LVI, leading the krewe through its signature, large‑scale parade. The event also featured a special tribute to Saints legend Drew Brees, who rode in a custom float celebrating his recent induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The float and Brees’ presence gave fans one of the season’s standout moments, combining sports recognition with the pageantry of Mardi Gras.
Bacchus parades are known for their theatrical floats and guest appearances, and this year’s lineup reinforced that reputation. The combination of celebrity leadership and an athletic honoree added national attention to a local tradition that draws both longtime residents and visitors.
What revelers should expect and local notes
Street crowds were dense throughout the parade corridors as residents and visitors gathered early to secure viewing space. Paradegoers were advised to plan for extended wait times around popular float routes and to coordinate meeting points ahead of time. Public safety and event staff typically manage crowd flow near major intersections and float passes, and families were encouraged to bring water and dress for variable weather during long stints outdoors.
For those planning to attend later parades or to seek alternative viewing in surrounding communities, the evening Athena parade in Metairie offered another chance to experience throws and costumes without the same downtown congestion. Local parade schedules can differ by krewe, and many groups stage unique themes and specialty throws that attract collectors and casual attendees alike.
The continued parades on Sunday underscored the marathon nature of Fat Tuesday weekend, where celebrations span multiple days and feature a rotating lineup of historic and contemporary krewes. With celebrity appearances and milestone honors adding to the spectacle, this year’s weekend offered a blend of tradition and headline moments that kept crowds engaged from midday through the evening.
