Family Friendly Mardi Gras: 7 Reasons Picayune Beats the Big City Crowds

Listen up, Mardi Gras lovers! We're about to spill some SERIOUS tea about why Picayune's family-friendly Mardi Gras experience absolutely CRUSHES the Big City madness. And guess what?

Forget fighting through shoulder-to-shoulder crowds or having to arrive 10hrs+ early to stake out a spot large enough for your whole crew! Forget overpriced everything and stressed-out kids who can't seem to get a single "good" throw from the floats because the adult in the crowds forget who it's all really for. WE'RE TALKING ABOUT SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT, something for family crowds the one's who want to ENJOY their Mardi Gras experience as a family, as a GREAT DAY for everyone, with no drama, breakdowns or outbreaks of vilolence or wrecklessness.

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1. You Can Actually SEE the Floats (Without a Ladder!)

Here's the deal - big cities are great for giving a big show but you're literally competing with THOUSANDS of people for a glimpse of the action - hoping to catch the rider's eye for a chance at a great throw! Kids? Good luck getting them a decent view and chance at a cute little stuffed animal without hoisting them on your shoulders for an hour straight!

But in Picayune? GAME CHANGER!

Krewe of the Pearl rolls through the city's downtown streets and yet, families can still spread out, kids can run up close to the floats, and everyone - yes, EVERYONE - gets premium viewing and catching without the premium stress - kids don't even have to try and are guaranteed to catch something that will make their face light up and the riders heart smile. The Krewe of the Pearl doesn't just parade; it TRANSFORMs Mardi Gras into an intimate, small-town, magical experiences where every throw feels personal and every smile is genuine; even if only for a day!

Forget standing behind seven rows of people fighting for 6 inches of space and losing your voice trying to get your bestie's attention (who rides on the float). In Picayune, everybody get the full up close and personal carnival experience.

2. Parking That Won't Break the Bank and Isn't Miles Away!

It's no secret that Nola and most big city's parking is always a hassle, and well during Mardi Gras - It's a nightmare! You'll pay through the nose, walk for miles, and still end up late to everything if you aren't 7hrs ahead of schedule!

Picayune parking is never an issue.

Our celebrations happen in the heart of town and parking is readily available for all, FREE, and - wait for it - within walking distance of the fun, and we mean walking distance with the littles in tow too! Families can park, unload their chairs and coolers, and be enjoying the festivities in literally minutes. Not hours. MINUTES!

3. Budget-Friendly Fun!

Big City Mardi Gras can absolutely DESTROY your family's budget faster than you can say "throw me something, mister!" Hotel prices skyrocket, food costs triples, and don't even get us started on those tourist-trap drink prices.

But here's where Picayune gets SERIOUSLY awesome about family fun; everything is so inexpensive and events are never littered with city surge charges and extra fees. 

• Local Eateries and Food Trucks price for the locals, not tourists, never hiking their cost • FREE parking falls here too! Never pay to park anywhere! • Parade Route facilities don't up-charge services or charge parade & bathroom fees

Picayune is all about creating spectacular experiences that families can actually afford to enjoy year after year!

4. Safety First (Without Sacrificing the Fun!)

We all love the energy of big city celebrations, but let's face it - they aren't exactly all that safe anymore; Some down-right scary.

Picayune's Mardi Gras celebrations keeps your family SAFE while having a blast!

• Smaller, more manageable crowds that you can actually navigate with kids • Local police who know the community and much of it on a first name basis • Non-existing crime, your valuables are just as safe as you and the kids are • Clean, well-maintained city areas that are free of hazards

Picayune takes pride in family and knows that the best memories happen when parents can relax and kids can explore without constant worry. Our events are designed to be SAFELY spectacular!

5. Community Connection (Not Tourist Trap Territory!)

Here's what makes Picayune's Mardi Gras absolutely MAGICAL - you're not just watching a performance, you're joining a COMMUNITY celebration!

In NOLA and big attraction areas, you're mostly surrounded by tourists trying to figure out what's happening thus creating unintentional road blocks all around. But in Picayune? You're celebrating alongside families who've been making these build-upon memories for generations. Kids make friends with other local kids. Parents connect with neighbors. Everyone becomes part of something bigger!

6. Kid-Friendly Everything (Seriously Everything!)

New Orleans Mardi Gras can get... well, let's just say it's not always appropriate for little eyes and ears. But Picayune's family-focused celebrations? TOTALLY different story!

Our community celebrations feature:

• Activities specifically designed for children of all ages • Family-friendly entertainment that everyone can enjoy together • Clean facilities and safe spaces for families to gather • Earlier event times that work with kids' schedules (no midnight madness required!)

Picayune not only offers a celebration appropiate for families with small children but also makes them a part of it. Krewe of the Pearl is open to riders of all ages, even small children! 

7. Authentic Local Flavor (Not Mass-Produced Tourist Stuff!)

While there is no debate that NOLA cuisine is where it's at, that's not the flavor we're talking about here. The welcomed difference between Picayune and big city Mardi Gras is AUTHENTICITY!

While NOLA is forced to cater to millions of tourists with mass-produced experiences, and a dime a dozen trinkets and souvenirs, Picayune delivers the REAL DEAL - genuine community celebration where local traditions matter and every participant makes a difference.

The Krewe of the Pearl rolls through downtown with some originality: 

• Truck Floats, Side by Sides, Vehicles, and even the local SPCA with adoptable dogs! • The Mayor on the sidelines chumming it up with the locals (not in a grandstand) • A Parade in a Parade, allowing private float entries and the Krewe of Voodoo too • Even a Golf Cart Decorating Contest and afterparties on every corner

Ready to Experience the Difference?

Picayune's family-friendly Mardi Gras isn't just an alternative to big city crowds - it's an UPGRADE! Better views, better prices, better safety, better community, better experiences for kids, and WAY better authenticity.

The Krewe of Voodoo is proud to be part of this amazing community celebration that puts families FIRST.

Ready to join the small city Mardi Gras charm? You can find more info about the all female Krewe of Voodoo, that rides in the Krewe of the Pearl at https://www.voodoovixens.org/kov and discover why families are choosing Picayune's intimate, authentic, and absolutely AMAZING Mardi Gras experience!

Throw me something sister... meaningful! And be sure to share photos of your family's Picayune Mardi Gras adventure - we LOVE seeing how our community celebrations create lasting memories!

Some SERIOUS FUN awaits in Picayune - and we can't wait to celebrate with your family!