Krewe Membership

In most cities, costumes come out for Halloween, maybe a themed party or two. But in New Orleans? We don’t need a date on the calendar to dress up. Here, costumes are less about occasion and more about attitude—a colorful extension of the city’s love for spectacle, self-expression, and a touch of absurdity.

This Float Rider Safety Tip Sheet keeps the fun rolling while making sure no one leaves the parade with a bruise—or without their dignity. It’s a quick guide to gentle tosses, aiming for hands instead of heads, sharing throws with the whole crowd, staying aware of street hazards, and hand-delivering heavy or special items. With reminders to hydrate, pace yourself, and hang onto your costume, it’s the perfect balance of party spirit and parade smarts.

In New Orleans, a parade without a marching band is like gumbo without the roux—it just doesn’t have the same soul. For generations, marching bands have been the driving force behind the city’s most beloved parades, filling the streets with brass, percussion, and the kind of energy that makes the crowd sway, clap, and dance along.

From boarding time to bead-tossing finesse, the Float Rider Survival Guide covers everything you need to know to ride safely, look fabulous, and keep the good times rolling. Packed with essential rules—like checking in with your lieutenant, wearing your harness, and keeping glass off the float—plus throw safety tips, packing advice, and the all-important reminder to tip the DJ and driver, this guide ensures every krewe member is parade-ready from start to finish.

Parades are all about the throws—those shiny beads, quirky trinkets, and must-have signature items that make the crowd go wild. But behind the glitter and the glory, there’s a simple truth: good throws are safe throws. Whether you’re riding a float or catching from the curb, here’s how to keep the fun flying without sending anyone to the ER.

Long before the floats roll and the brass bands hit the streets, there’s another Carnival tradition steeped in mystery, artistry, and pride—the Mardi Gras Indians. Their dazzling beaded suits and feathered crowns are some of the most stunning sights in New Orleans, yet their history tells a deeper story of resilience, respect, and community.

If New Orleans were a story, this parade would be the pop-up book version—colorful, over-the-top, and bursting off the page. For our 2026 debut, the Krewe of Les Bon Temps Rouler is rolling out fifteen floats that bottle up the spirit of the Crescent City and send it sailing (or strutting, or shakin’) down the streets. From feathered Mardi Gras royalty to frosty Hurricanes, from historic landmarks to seafood feasts, each float is its own love letter to the city we call home.

When the Krewe of Les Bon Temps Rouler makes its debut on April 4, 2026, we’re not just putting on a parade—we’re creating a rolling, glittering love letter to the city we call home. Our inaugural theme, “All Things New Orleans,” is a celebration of the sights, flavors, legends, and landmarks that define the Crescent City. From the first sketch to the last sequin, every detail is designed to capture the soul of New Orleans.

In New Orleans, catching a parade throw isn’t just about scoring free loot—it’s about holding a little piece of Carnival magic in your hands. And for riders, tossing that perfect prize isn’t just tradition—it’s an art form. The Krewe of Les Bon Temps Rouler is rolling into its first year with the same spirit that’s fueled generations of parades, bringing both classic and creative throws to the streets.

In New Orleans, we don’t just wear costumes—we become them. Dressing for the Krewe of Les Bon Temps Rouler is more than a pre-parade checklist item. It’s an act of celebration, a nod to our city’s colorful history, and a chance to turn the French Quarter into your personal runway (beads optional… but highly encouraged).

When the Krewe of Les Bon Temps Rouler rolls for the very first time on April 4, 2026, we’re not just parading—we’re taking you on a scenic, soul-stirring tour through some of the most iconic spots in New Orleans. From the river’s edge to the heart of downtown, here’s your sneak peek at what to expect along our inaugural parade route.