Shreveport Mardi Gras Parade Lottery Here is Everything You Need To Know

Have you ever stood on the sidewalk during a parade, staring at those perfectly positioned tents and trailers, and wondered how those lucky folks scored the absolute best spots for Mardi Gras in Shreveport?

It feels like an exclusive club, but what if I told you there’s an official process, a "big ole raffle" specifically for those hot spots along the parade route?

Most locals don't realize there is a highly organized lottery every year to reserve prime real estate on East Kings Highway near the Duck Pond for the Krewe of Centaur and the Krewe of Gemini. These elite spots are the heartbeat of the parade route, but getting one takes a little bit of planning and some good old-fashioned luck.

How Does The Mardi Gras Parade Process Work?

Shreveport Parks and Recreation (SPAR) is the gatekeeper for these coveted East Kings Highway spots. Here is the annual timeline they follow:

Early November: SPAR sends out renewal notices to existing "spot holders" from the previous year.

December: SPAR opens up registration for any remaining unrenewed spots via their official parade lottery.

January: Unclaimed spaces are awarded to those in the lottery on a first-come, first-served basis, usually during the first week of the month.

Looking Ahead To 2027

Now, here is the bad news: if you were hoping to snag a spot for the 2026 parades, you are officially too late for this season. However, it is never too early to start planning so that 2027 is your year to shine!

To get your name on the list for next season, you’ll want to contact SPAR Event Services at 318-673-5100. They typically accept lottery registrations Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to 4 PM. When you call, you can specify exactly which parade you’re aiming for. For more details on this and other local festivities, keep an eye on myspar.org or follow them on Facebook.

Stay safe, have fun, and Happy Mardi Gras!