THE HISTORY OF THE KREWE

The French Quarter’s Springtime Spectacle isn’t Mardi Gras—but it’s packed with the same Carnival magic. The Krewe of Les Bon Temps Rouler's theme, "All Things New Orleans", celebrates the city’s flavors, music, architecture, and icons—spotlighting partners like The Sazerac House, Antoine’s, the Preservation Hall, and the Audubon Institute—each bringing their own piece of NOLA’s soul to the street.

NEW KREWE.
OLD SOULS.

The Krewe of Les Bon Temps Rouler will make its grand debut in April 2026, rolling in the evening just as the city begins to glow. The route begins at the base of Elysian Fields and winds past the French Market and Café du Monde, cruising in front of the St. Louis Cathedral along the Mississippi River’s crescent. From there, the parade turns onto N. Peters, heads up Canal Street to the Bourbon Street intersection, loops around the neutral ground, and makes its way back down Canal into the Warehouse District, finishing in style at Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar.

The theme, "All Things New Orleans", will be brought to life with an array of Kern Studios floats honoring the city’s culture, cuisine, music, history, and nightlife. Parade-goers can expect showstopping creations inspired by City Park's Storyland, Seafood of Louisiana, Audubon Institute, New Orleans Burlesque, Preservation Hall, The Sazerac House, Blaine Kern's Studios, St. Louis Cathedral, Historic New Orleans Collection, Big Chiefs & Queens of New Orleans, Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans Sports Legends, Hotel Monteleone's Carousel Bar, Antoine’s Restaurant, and Pat O’Brien’s.

The high-energy atmosphere will be amplified by a powerhouse lineup of marching bands and dance troupes, including the Femme Bots, Pussyfooters, 610 Stompers, Rolling Elvi, and more. As for throws, spectators can look forward to a mix of classic Mardi Gras beads, cups, and trinkets, along with unique krewe collectibles such as themed medallion beads, specialty cups, plush toys, and limited-edition signature items. Positioned perfectly between French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest weekends, the inaugural Krewe of Les Bon Temps Rouler parade promises to be a new spring tradition bursting with Mardi Gras magic and New Orleans soul.

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THE KREWE CHRONICLE: RELATED ARTICLES

Why We Celebrate “Let the Good Times Roll”

In New Orleans, “Let the Good Times Roll” isn’t just a catchy saying—it’s a way of life. Whether you’ve seen it on parade banners, heard it shouted from a Bourbon Street balcony, or sung along to it in a brass band chorus, the phrase captures the essence of the Crescent City: joy, resilience, and the art of celebrating in the moment.

All Things New Orleans: How We Chose Our Parade Theme

When we first imagined the Krewe of Les Bon Temps Rouler, we knew we wanted to create a parade that felt like New Orleans—not just during Mardi Gras, but year-round. The kind of parade that dances to a brass band beat, smells like powdered sugar and crawfish boil, and sparkles with sequins, satire, and soul. So when it came time to choose a theme for our inaugural roll… we didn’t have to look far.

Jazz Fest, French Quarter Fest, and Now… Les Bon Temps Rouler

New Orleans doesn’t need an excuse to throw a party—but we’ll take one anyway. From the toe-tapping rhythms of Jazz Fest to the street-strolling melodies of French Quarter Fest, the Crescent City’s calendar is already bursting at the brass seams. But now, there’s a new name marching into town and claiming its rightful spot in the springtime celebration lineup: Krewe of Les Bon Temps Rouler!