Another wet weekend is around the corner. Plan to stay dry with these fun events plus a few you will want to pack the umbrella to!
Friday, February 2
Mardi Gras Plaza (Median across from Lakeside Shopping Center), 5 pm.
Family Gras is the perfect family getaway. An ideal event to see the pageantry of Mardi Gras and enjoy the outdoor concerts by national & local artists on the Mardi Gras Plaza stage. Shop the Art Market filled with a variety of items from Louisiana photography, framed artwork, regional decor, folkart, hair accessories, hand-crafted jewelry and more. The Kids’ Court is filled with a variety of activities for kids 12 and younger such as face painting, unique hand-wax art, and interactive games. A FREE event. Continues on Saturday, Feb. 3 at 11 am.
Krewe of Oshun
Uptown, 6 pm.
This parade features marching baby dolls as well as a band contest. Some of their throws include peacock figures and mugs. The members of the Krewe of Oshun are involved in year-round entertainment for the whole family as well as community service.
Krewe of Cleopatra
Uptown, 6:30 pm.
The Krewe of Cleopatra is named for the Egyptian Queen of the Nile, an actual person rather than a mythological figure like the namesakes of most Mardi Gras krewes.
Mandeville, 7 pm.
Members of the Krewe of Eve participate in many community projects and charity activities, such as toy drives, food banks, and much more.
East Jefferson YMCA , 6691 Riverside Dr., Metairie, 6:30-10 pm.
The Y knows parents need a break from time to time. With Kids Night Out events, parents can have a night out while kids have fun. Trained Y staff engage children in active play, crafts, theme based games and more! Pizza dinner is included and children are encouraged to dress up according to the Beads and Bling theme to be eligible to win prizes. Members: $10 per child; Non-Members: $18 per child. Please pre-register, as available spots fill fast. $5.00 late fee added to day of registration.
Delgado Student Life Center, Lac Pontchartrain Ballroom, 916 Navarre Avenue, 2nd Floor, New Orleans, 7-10 pm.
All New Orleans area teens, ages 12-17, are invited to attend this FREE event featuring DJ Showboy CJ, the election of the teen king and queen, dancing, and catering by Burt’s Cafe. Formal attire is required and security will be on site. Don’t wait! RSVP today.
Saturday, February 3
Home Depot, Various Locations, 9 am-Noon.
Score points with your loved ones and build a Valentine bean bag toss in this hands-on workshop. You and your child can construct a fun bean bag toss game for the whole family to love. Following the bean bag toss game board construction, your child can decorate it with paint and stickers. All Kids Workshop attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron, and pin.
Olde Towne Slidell, 10 am.
A fun time, and the Krewe raises money for animal assistance groups.
Westbank, 11:45 am.
This family-friendly parade will celebrate it’s 20th Anniversary this year
Mahalia Jackson Theater of Performing Arts, 1419 Basin Street, New Orleans. Showtimes 2 pm and 7 pm.
Shen Yun is now the world’s premier classical Chinese dance company. Some people fly from other countries or drive hundreds of miles to see it. Others see the same performance five or six times. Why? There’s only one way to find out, and that’s to experience Shen Yun yourself. Continues Sunday, Feb. 4 with Showtime at 1 pm.
Veteran’s Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 6 pm.
The largest Carnival organization in Jefferson Parish history, it’s known for its fiber-optics, neon and three-dimensional figures.
Marginy, 7 pm.
This krewe was founded to celebrate its namesake movie, featuring Stormtroopers, Princess Leias, the “Bar2D2” mobile keg, and of course, Chewbacca. As the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus has grown, so have the included nerdy fan cultures, complete with “Dr. Who,” “Star Trek,” and other sci-fi/fantasy films, TV shows and characters.
Sunday, February 4
Carondolet St. and Napoleon Ave., Uptown. Noon.
Louisiana Children’s Museum, 420 Julia St., New Orleans, Noon-2 pm.
In partnership with Xavier University of Louisiana, Computer Science Department Discover a day of robotics with students from around the country who are visiting New Orleans for the AAAI (Association for Advancement of Artificial Intelligence) conference. Experience a variety of robots made by students eager to show what their robots can do! Engage in art projects, technology experiments, and learn how you can make your own robots at home!
Armstrong Park, 2 pm.
The only Mardi Gras krewe in New Orleans for the canine population.
Looking for more fun? Check out nola family’s event calendar!