Family Gras
Family Gras is a family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration, bringing together live music, parades, local food, and Carnival excitement just minutes from downtown New Orleans. Held each year in Metairie along Veterans Memorial Boulevard near Lakeside Shopping Center, Family Gras serves as one of the biggest free Mardi Gras events outside the city and offers a fun, accessible way for visitors and locals of all ages to experience Carnival season.
The multi-day celebration typically takes place during the final weekend leading up to Mardi Gras and features a packed lineup of concerts from nationally known artists, local musicians, marching bands, and entertainment acts. A large outdoor stage anchors the festivities, turning Veterans Boulevard into a lively street festival filled with music, dancing, and community spirit.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Free live concerts from major performers and Louisiana favorites
- Mardi Gras parades rolling through Metairie with elaborate floats and throws
- Food vendors serving local favorites and festival classics
- Family-friendly activities and entertainment for kids
- Easy access and a more relaxed atmosphere than the crowds of the French Quarter
A Different Side of Mardi Gras
For travelers looking to experience Mardi Gras beyond Bourbon Street, Family Gras is one of the best ways to enjoy live entertainment, authentic local culture, and the festive energy that makes Carnival season in Greater New Orleans unlike anywhere else in the world.