Twelfth Night 2025

The countdown for the 2025 Carnival Season has officially begun and Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana is ready to kick off the festivities with the much-anticipated 12th Night Celebration! This annual event will take place on Monday, January 6th, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Lake Charles Event Center. Doors open at 6:00 PM.

A dazzling display of local pageantry awaits as over 35 krewes present their royalty in grand costumes, marking the official beginning of the Carnival season. The evening will also feature the traditional "passing of the crown" as we bid farewell to last year’s Kings and Queens and welcome in the new season.

Families are encouraged to arrive early, as the Kid Zone will be open from 6:00-6:45 PM, offering fun activities for the little ones before the official festivities begin. Guests will also have the chance to participate in the beloved tradition of the King Cake contest, where 12 lucky individuals will win grand prizes after finding the baby hidden inside their piece of king cake.

Tickets for the 12th Night Celebration are $10, with children 5 and under admitted for free. Tickets can be purchased online: 2025 Twelfth Night Extravaganza, at select local merchants (listed below), or at the door.

This event is a perfect way for families and Carnival fans of all ages to start the new Mardi Gras season in style. Don’t miss the fun and excitement that will set the stage for the many events to come during the 2025 Carnival season!

For more information about the 12th Night Celebration and all Mardi Gras events in Southwest Louisiana, visit www.MardiGrasSWLA.com.

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January 6th 7:00 PM 12th Night at LC Event Center

January 24th 6:00 PM Community Dance at Exhibition Hall

February 28th 7:00 PM Merchant’s Parade

March 1st 8:00 AM Gumbo Cookoff at LC Event Center (outside)

March 2nd 11:00 AM Children’s Day

3:30 PM Children’s Parade

7:00 PM Lighted Boat Parade

March 3rd 7:00 PM Royal Gala at LC Event Center

March 4th FAT TUESDAY – MARDI GRAS DAY

1:00 PM Second Line Stroll

2:00 PM Jeeps on Parade

3:00 PM Motorgras

5:00 PM MGSWLA’s Krewe of Krewes Parade

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About Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana:

Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to planning and promoting the region’s Mardi Gras celebrations. Founded in 2004, the organization brings together over 70 local krewes and their volunteer members to create one of the most beloved and vibrant Carnival seasons in Louisiana.

Known as “The Green Coats,” the board members of Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana work tirelessly to host the second-largest Mardi Gras events in the state, right after New Orleans. Through collaboration, passion, and dedication, our members help deliver a wide range of community events and parades that bring people of all ages together to celebrate the season.

Our traditions begin each November with the Queens’ Pageants, continue with the grand 12th Night Celebration in January, and carry on with numerous events leading up to Fat Tuesday. Each year, we celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Southwest Louisiana while fostering a spirit of joy, unity, and fun for our community.