THE KERN STUDIOS FLOATS
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.
Krewe of Les Bon Temps Rouler is 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.
From Idea to Illustration
to Full-Color Magic
Working with the iconic Kern Studios, we started by mapping out the elements that make New Orleans unforgettable. Then, each idea took shape in detailed float illustrations before being brought to life in bold, colorized renderings. Seeing the designs in full color let us fine-tune the mood—whether it was the soft glow of a gaslamp on the St. Louis Cathedral float or the playful sparkle of feathers on our New Orleans Burlesque float.
The 2026 Float Line-Up
(subject to change)
Storyland, City Park
A whimsical nod to childhood wonder, bringing the beloved fairy-tale sculptures of City Park to life.
Description:
Step into a world of fairy tales as the beloved sculptures of City Park’s Storyland come to life—complete with oversized storybook characters and whimsical details.
Fun Fact:
Storyland has been sparking imaginations since 1956, featuring over 20 life-sized figures based on classic stories.
Teaser:
Which childhood character do you think will make an appearance?
Seafood of Louisiana
Overflowing with crawfish, crabs, shrimp, and oysters—spiced up with giant hot sauce bottles and a boil pot big enough for a krewe.
Description:
A feast for the eyes—crawfish, crabs, shrimp, oysters, and a boil pot big enough to serve the whole krewe.
Fun Fact:
Louisiana produces about 90% of the crawfish consumed in the U.S.
Teaser:
Keep your eyes peeled for a certain “giant hot sauce” surprise.
Audubon Institute
From river otters to exotic birds, this float celebrates our world-class zoo and aquarium.
Description:
From playful river otters to exotic birds, this float celebrates the zoo, aquarium, and nature center that bring the world’s wildlife to our backyard.
Fun Fact:
The Audubon Zoo’s famous albino alligator is believed to be one of only a few dozen in existence.
Teaser:
Something rare and reptilian may be peeking out on parade night…
New Orleans Burlesque
Glitter, feathers, and the art of the tease—paying homage to the city’s glamorous nightlife past and present.
Description:
Feathers, sequins, and sultry glamour—this float pays tribute to the city’s rich burlesque history, from Storyville to Bourbon Street revival shows.
Fun Fact:
Bourbon Street was home to legendary burlesque venues in the 1940s–1960s, attracting stars from across the country.
Teaser:
Who’s ready for a little parade-night sparkle?
Preservation Hall
Jazz at its purest, with oversized instruments and the soulful glow of French Quarter music history.
Description:
Jazz history on wheels—oversized instruments, musical notes, and the warm glow of a French Quarter music hall that’s been swinging since 1961.
Fun Fact:
Preservation Hall doesn’t serve food or drinks—it exists solely to keep traditional New Orleans jazz alive.
Teaser:
Can you guess which instrument will take center stage on this float?
The Sazerac House
Cocktail culture on wheels, complete with swirling “liquid” effects and towering bottles.
Description:
A toast to the official cocktail of New Orleans—this float shimmers with swirling “liquid” effects, oversized glassware, and a splash of cocktail history.
Fun Fact:
The Sazerac is believed to be the first branded cocktail in the U.S., dating back to the mid-1800s.
Teaser:
We promise—it’s five o’clock somewhere along the parade route.
Blaine Kern's Studio
A tribute to the man who turned float building into an art form and made Mardi Gras magic worldwide.
Description:
Honoring the man who transformed float building into an art form and brought Mardi Gras magic to the world.
Fun Fact:
Known as “Mr. Mardi Gras,” Blaine Kern began building floats in 1947 and expanded the craft internationally.
Teaser:
Think you know all the iconic floats Blaine Kern helped create? You might spot some familiar design nods here.
St. Louis Cathedral
Majestic, towering spires and the beauty of Jackson Square’s most iconic landmark.
Description:
Majestic spires rise above a float that captures one of the most photographed landmarks in the city.
Fun Fact:
Built in 1794, it’s the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the U.S.
Teaser:
Keep your camera ready—this float will be pure postcard perfection.
Historic New Orleans Collection
A rolling archive of the city’s rich history, from maps and manuscripts to museum treasures.
Description:
A moving archive of maps, artifacts, and treasures telling the story of our city’s rich and layered past.
Fun Fact:
The collection spans more than three centuries of Louisiana history.
Teaser:
Will you spot the “hidden” historic artifact built into the float design?
Big Chiefs and Queens of New Orleans
Honoring the tradition, artistry, and spirit of Mardi Gras Indians.
Description:
Feathered crowns, intricate beadwork, and the proud traditions of Mardi Gras Indians in full regalia.
Fun Fact:
Mardi Gras Indian suits can weigh over 100 pounds and take a full year to hand-make.
Teaser:
Watch for the flickering lamp light glimmer in the beadwork—this float will glow.
The Southern Yacht Club
Anchors up for a celebration of New Orleans’ sailing heritage and Lake Pontchartrain breezes.
Description:
Anchors up! This nautical beauty celebrates sailing culture and the breezy elegance of Lake Pontchartrain.
Fun Fact:
Founded in 1849, the Southern Yacht Club is the second-oldest yacht club in the United States.
Teaser:
You might just feel the wind in your hair when this one sails by.
New Orleans Sports Icons
From the Saints to the Pelicans, this float roars with hometown pride.
Description:
From Saints to Pelicans, this float roars with hometown pride for our sports heroes past and present.
Fun Fact:
The Saints’ “Who Dat” chant dates back to the early 1980s but has roots in even older Louisiana sayings.
Teaser:
See if you can spot your favorite player immortalized in float form.
Carousel Bar
at Hotel Monteleone
A spinning, sparkling toast to the French Quarter’s most famous revolving watering hole.
Description:
A swirling, spinning tribute to the city’s most famous revolving watering hole.
Fun Fact:
The real Carousel Bar has been turning since 1949—completing one full revolution every 15 minutes.
Teaser:
This float might not spin, but it’ll make your head turn.
Antoine’s Restaurant
French-Creole elegance served with over 180 years of fine dining tradition.
Description:
Over 180 years of French-Creole dining elegance, served with style.
Fun Fact:
Antoine’s invented Oysters Rockefeller in 1899—and the original recipe is still a secret.
Teaser:
We can’t toss oysters, but wait ‘til you see what we can throw.
Pat O’Brien’s
A courtyard party on a float, complete with piano keys and giant Hurricanes.
Description:
This float is a tribute to the home of the Hurricane where the dueling pianos play nightly and the fountain overflows with fun!
Fun Fact:
Pat O’Brien’s created the Hurricane cocktail in the 1940s as a way to use surplus rum.
Teaser:
End the countdown with a toast—this float closes the spotlight series but will keep the good times rolling on parade night.
Why These Floats Matter
Each float is more than a beautiful design—it’s a story. They represent the traditions we keep, the flavors we savor, the music we dance to, and the places we can’t imagine New Orleans without. They’re part of our shared identity, whether you grew up here or fell in love with the city from your first visit.
On parade night, these designs will leap from the page to the streets, brought to life by 500+ costumed riders, live marching bands, high-energy dance troupes, and the thousands of people lining the route. It’s a new tradition, but it already feels like it’s been part of New Orleans forever.
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