Krewe History

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.

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.

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!

Our name comes from the iconic New Orleans expression “Laissez les bons temps rouler!”—a Cajun French phrase that translates to “Let the good times roll!” It’s our city’s unofficial motto, an invitation to celebrate life’s pleasures, and a reminder that in New Orleans, there’s always a reason to gather, dance, and raise a glass. While our full citywide catchphrase includes the word “laissez” (“let”), our krewe uses a shortened version—Les Bon Temps Rouler—that still captures