When Does Family Gras Begin?

Family Gras, a free celebration of Carnival and family, takes place two weekends before Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras Day) in Metairie, Louisiana. The 16th annual festival, presented by Visit Jefferson Parish, will take place from February 2 to February 4, 2024, at Mardi Gras Plaza in Metairie. The event features a star-studded lineup including Amy Grant, Cheap Trick, Revisiting Creedence, and the Oak Ridge Boys.

Entrance gates open one hour prior to the festival’s start time, and the VIP Royal Pass area opens 30 minutes prior to the music starting. The festival starts on Friday, Feb. 2, and ends on Sunday, Feb. 4, at Mardi Gras Plaza. The Mardi Gras krewes provide further information about their usual route for each parade.

The festival is open to children aged 6 and older, and the gate opens at 4pm on Friday, Feb. 2, and 11am on Saturday, Feb. 3, with the Art Market opening at 9am. The gates open in less than 30 minutes, and the weather is beautiful.

Family Gras Sunday features Amanda Shaw and Zebra (band) starting at 5pm. The festival will start two hours earlier on Saturday, with a shuffled entertainment lineup to avoid the worst of predicted rain. Check-in and on-site registration will begin at noon on the 21st and Harborside at Pier 21, followed by the Krewe of Atlas parade at 2 p. m. MadHatters will follow.

The Family Gras lineup includes Amy Grant, Cheap Trick, Zebra, Amanda Shaw, and the Oak Ridge Boys. The festival is located just ten minutes from downtown New Orleans and offers an “up close and personal” experience for attendees.

When Is Family Gras 2019?

This year, Family Gras returns to its origins with a three-day concert series at Mardi Gras Plaza near Lakeside Mall from February 18 to 20. Following a shift to Clearview Center in 2019, the festival features six gigs at one venue, although festival details are still to be announced. Family Gras includes live performances from local and national artists, an arts market, a children’s area, and evening Mardi Gras access. The festivities will occur at Clearview Center on Veterans Memorial Boulevard from February 22-24, showcasing free outdoor concerts featuring artists like John Oates.

Family Gras celebrated its 12th year in 2019, with notable performances by Brett Eldredge and Michael McDonald despite unpredictable weather. The event offers a unique experience for attendees, including a private comfort station. The schedule includes performances from a local pop-punk band and draws attention as Mardi Gras Krewes in Jefferson Parish decide on parade routes for February 2019. After navigating challenges posed by COVID-19, Family Gras looks forward to celebrating again, marking a milestone in Jefferson Parish festivities.

What Happens On Fat Tuesday In New Orleans?

Mardi Gras Day, or Fat Tuesday, signifies the grand finale of the Carnival Season, occurring the day before Ash Wednesday. This vibrant celebration is particularly renowned in New Orleans, where it features the Zulu and Rex parades, alongside city-wide street parties and festivities. Set for March 4 in 2025, Mardi Gras is a unique holiday, with no "official" date since it can fall between February 3 and March 9, dictated by Easter's timing. The day encompasses not just revelry but also has historical significance, tracing its roots back to European customs.

In New Orleans, locals and visitors alike enjoy elaborate parades filled with colorful floats, costumes, and the tradition of catching beads and trinkets tossed from float riders. The event includes blessings and communal prayers, especially in neighborhoods like Treme. As Fat Tuesday unfolds, festivities persist throughout the day until midnight, marking a jubilant farewell to Carnival before the Christian observance of Lent begins. Enjoy a myriad of events, parades, and delicious king cakes during this festive season.

What Time Does The Fat Tuesday Parade Start In New Orleans?

Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday," occurs this year on February 13, 2024, marking the end of the Carnival season, which starts on January 6, King's Day. The celebration includes a series of parades, with the oldest being the Zulu parade that began in 1872, featuring over 600 men on 27 floats. Notable parades include the Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale at 11 a. m., Krewe of Carrollton at 12:30 p. m., and Krewe of King Arthur at 1:30 p. m., all taking place in Uptown New Orleans.

Events lead up to Fat Tuesday with vibrant parades and cultural festivities throughout the city. The festivities ramp up significantly during the week before, particularly the weekend prior to Fat Tuesday, which is a peak time to experience Mardi Gras. Parades are generally free to attend, allowing everyone to partake in the excitement.

Mardi Gras traditions are rich and varied, encompassing not just parades but also community celebrations, King Cake, and masquerade balls. Ash Wednesday follows Fat Tuesday, starting the 40-day Lenten period in Christianity. Future Mardi Gras dates include March 4, 2025, and February 17, 2026. For those unable to attend in person, many resources are available online for updates and schedules.

When Is Family Gras In New Orleans?

Family Gras is set to take place from Friday, February 2, to Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Mardi Gras Plaza, located across from the Lakeside Shopping Center on Veterans Memorial Boulevard in Metairie, just ten minutes from downtown New Orleans. This popular three-day event celebrates Carnival and family with free entry and features Mardi Gras parades, local cuisine, art, a kids' court, and outdoor concerts by various artists. The entertainment lineup includes notable performers such as Amy Grant, Cheap Trick, and The Oak Ridge Boys.

Organizers are making adjustments to the event to accommodate potential weather changes, particularly on Saturday, February 3, when the site will open two hours earlier to ensure performances happen before predicted rain. The Creole String Beans will kick off the Saturday lineup at 11 a. m., followed by Amy Grant.

Family Gras is designed to provide an engaging experience for attendees of all ages, making it a fantastic prelude to Mardi Gras. As part of the celebration, visitors can look forward to artistic displays, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a diverse musical program, ensuring an enjoyable time for everyone. Be sure to check the event's website for updates related to weather and programming changes.

What Takes Place At Family Gras?

Family Gras is a vibrant, free celebration of Carnival and family, featuring spectacular parades like the Krewe of Excalibur and Krewe of MadHatters. Taking place two weekends before Fat Tuesday, it is held in Metairie, just ten minutes from New Orleans, specifically on Veterans Memorial Boulevard across from Lakeside Shopping Center. This family-friendly event boasts authentic New Orleans cuisine, local art at the Art Market, a Kids' Court with face painting and interactive games, and outdoor concerts with both national artists and Louisiana favorites.

Scheduled to occur from February 2-4, 2024, the festival will feature performances by notable acts such as Amy Grant, Cheap Trick, and Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line. The three-day event includes live music, an arts market, a kids' zone, and evening Mardi Gras parades, creating a diverse atmosphere filled with family fun and culture.

Family Gras has a rich history, dating back to 1874, and serves as a gathering point for both locals and visitors to enjoy various activities, including contests, culinary delights, and numerous parades. The upcoming 2025 celebration is set for February 21-23, reinforcing Family Gras's status as a staple of Mardi Gras festivities and family engagement in Jefferson Parish.

What Time Are Universal Mardi Gras Concerts?

Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval will run from February 3 to April 7, 2024, offering an exciting lineup of entertainment and festivities. The celebration features vibrant parades, authentic cuisine, and live music performances on select nights at the Music Plaza Stage. Concerts typically begin at 8:30 p. m. and conclude around 10 p. m., following the park's closing time. This year's lineup includes popular artists such as The All-American Rejects and Queen Latifah, among others.

Guests can enjoy the festive atmosphere filled with colorful performers and delicious international dishes, all included with valid park admission. The event takes place daily, allowing visitors to partake in the fun while creating memorable experiences. On concert nights, the parade kicks off at 7:45 p. m., leading into the evening's musical performances. For real-time updates on specific showtimes and other event details, guests can check the Universal app on the day of their visit.

Universal Mardi Gras celebrates the spirit of Carnaval with vibrant energy, enjoyable entertainment, and a diverse array of culinary delights, ensuring a unique and unforgettable experience for all attendees.

When Is Family Gras In Metairie Taking Place?

Family Gras, a beloved Carnival celebration and concert series in Metairie, will occur on February 10 and 11, 2023. This year's festival is shorter, lasting only two days instead of the usual three. The lineup will be revealed soon, featuring krewes like Excalibur, Symphony, and the Madhatters. However, the 2024 edition is set for February 2-4 and includes performances by Amy Grant and Cheap Trick, marking its 16th anniversary. Typically a three-day event, this year's Family Gras will be condensed due to the Super Bowl on February 12.

The festival is free and held at Mardi Gras Plaza, located across from Lakeside Shopping Center on Veterans Memorial Boulevard. The event kicks off on February 2 with Cajun fiddle player Amanda Shaw and is organized by Visit Jefferson Parish, showcasing the vibrant spirit of Louisiana. Family Gras is known for being a family-friendly celebration just ten minutes from downtown New Orleans, offering a rich blend of music, culture, and Mardi Gras festivities. Subsequently, Family Gras 2025 is already in the works for February 21-23, promising another exciting year of musical acts and merriment.

Who Is Performing At Family Gras 2024?

The 16th annual Family Gras, a vibrant three-day concert series in Metairie during Mardi Gras, has announced its exciting lineup for 2024. Scheduled for February 2-4 at Mardi Gras Plaza, the event will feature notable artists including Amy Grant, Cheap Trick, Revisiting Creedence, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Tyler Hubbard from Florida Georgia Line, among others. Family Gras is known for being a FREE event that celebrates the spirit of Mardi Gras with lively parades, delicious cuisine, local art displays, a kids' court, and outdoor concerts featuring a mix of national and Louisiana talent.

This year's diverse musical act lineup ensures that there will be something for everyone, encompassing various genres such as rock, country, and pop. The concerts promise to deliver an immersive experience for festival-goers, with additional attractions like a private comfort station available for ages 6 and older. Notably, the entertainment will be headlined by iconic acts, ensuring an unforgettable atmosphere.

As Family Gras continues to grow in popularity, it stands as a beloved tradition in Jefferson Parish, engaging the community in festive merriment and cultural celebration. Visitors can look forward to a jam-packed schedule of performances and events in what promises to be an exciting and memorable weekend.

What Time Does Mardi Gras Start?

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras celebration is set to take place on Saturday, March 2, 2024. The iconic parade will journey through Oxford St and Flinders St, concluding along ANZAC Parade, Moore Park. The parade duration is from 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM, and participants can click on relevant krewes for more information and typical parade routes. Note that events may change without prior notice.

Mardi Gras, which translates to "Fat Tuesday" in French, traditionally marks the day before Ash Wednesday and precedes the Christian Lent. The 2024 Mardi Gras will occur on February 13, with Ash Wednesday following on February 14. The celebration, particularly vibrant in southern Louisiana, especially New Orleans, commences on January 6, known as Twelfth Night.

The entire season includes a series of festivities, with parades kicking off on Twelfth Night and culminating in the celebrations on Fat Tuesday. Each year, Mardi Gras is celebrated on varying dates as it is linked to Easter, falling precisely 47 days before it. In the upcoming years, Mardi Gras Day will fall on March 4, 2025, with festivities traditionally running from January 6 through Ash Wednesday.

Why Is Mardi Gras So Early In 2024?

Mardi Gras is a holiday that changes dates annually due to its connection with Easter, which also varies each year. Specifically, Mardi Gras occurs exactly 47 days before Easter; in 2024, Easter falls on March 31, making Mardi Gras on Tuesday, February 13. In New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, Mardi Gras festivities begin on January 6 and run through February 13, resulting in five weeks of celebrations. The origins of Mardi Gras trace back thousands of years, initially linked to pagan spring and fertility rituals, but it has evolved into a Christian celebration.

Mardi Gras translates to "Fat Tuesday," indicating the tradition of indulging in rich foods before Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent. In 2024, Ash Wednesday coincides with Valentine’s Day on February 14. Historically, Mardi Gras was celebrated in New Orleans soon after its founding in 1718 but faced a ban during the Spanish occupation of the city. Weather conditions during Mardi Gras can be unpredictable, with potential for both warm and chilly temperatures.

As a major cultural event, Mardi Gras features parades and other activities leading up to Fat Tuesday. For future dates, Mardi Gras will be observed on March 4 in 2025 and February 17 in 2026, continuing its tradition as a festive, ever-changing celebration.