Hey Mardi Gras Lover!
Get exclusive Krewe updates, event invites, and more—straight to your inbox.
About Krewe of Freret
In 2011, the Krewe of Freret began with seven Loyola graduates who wanted to preserve the Mardi Gras tradition, unify enthusiastic young professionals, support local industry, and infuse vigor into Carnival while revitalizing the Freret corridor. Today, the Krewe is known for creating a unique and inclusive parade favoring sustainable throws, local vendors, artists, and entertainers. Members hand-decorate Mardi Gras Masks as coveted signature throws and since inception, KoF has supported local music.
In 2020, the Krewe of Freret formed a long-term partnership with legendary float builder Kern Studios to help evolve the Krewe into the next Super Krewe. This collaboration introduced the largest float prop in Mardi Gras history—a giant bust of Grand Marshal Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews. That same year, the Krewe debuted its “Music of New Orleans” themed parade, featuring iconic performers like Preservation Hall and Arcade Fire. The night culminated in the first annual Shorty Gras, a high-energy celebration that fuses the spectacle of Mardi Gras with a world-class music festival, curated and headlined by Trombone Shorty himself.
Since that inaugural event, Shorty Gras has become an annual highlight of Carnival season, blending the energy of a live concert with the revelry of Mardi Gras. Each year, the Krewe continues to celebrate the spirit of New Orleans with parade themes rooted in the city’s rich musical legacy. The parade has grown to feature an ever-expanding lineup of signature floats honoring beloved local artists including Boyfriend, Big Freedia, Juvenile, and Irma Thomas—each float a tribute to the unique sound and soul of the Crescent City.
Ride With Us
Early Bird Riding Membership
$650
Rates will increase to $750 on LABOR DAY…
…and again to $850 on KINGS DAY/JAN. 6TH
Don’t sleep on becoming a part of the best parade of the first weekend!
(and best krewe around, in our opinion!)
Membership Includes: riding mask, safety harness, 10 signature throws, email updates, members-only events, and more!
ALL HAIL FRERET
Parade Route
Date: February 7, 2026
Time: 3:30pm
The Krewe of Freret parade starts Uptown at the intersection of Napoleon Avenue and Tchoupitoulas Street, next to the Legendary Tipitina’s Music Club.
The parade proceeds north up Napoleon Ave. to St. Charles Avenue, where the Parade turns right on to St. Charles Avenue and proceeds to Harmony Circle, entering the Central Business District.
A brief stop at Gallier Hall marks the spot where our King presents a toast to the Mayor of New Orleans, a Mardi Gras tradition, before proceeding toward Canal St.
The parade turns right on Canal continuing toward the Mississippi before making it’s final turn on to Tchoupitoulas where it proceeds to Mardi Gras World.
Finally, the entire parade passes through Shorty Gras at Mardi Gras World where the parade ends but the night continues in epic fashion.
What happens next? Only our email list knows.