Quick answer: Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, February 9, 2027. If you celebrate with your dog, keep beads, throws, king cake, beignets, crawfish boils, gumbo, jambalaya and drinks out of reach. Skip crowded parades for nervous or reactive dogs, and for confident dogs choose a quieter spot at the end of the route, use a short leash and harness, bring water and ear-friendly breaks, and leave if your dog seems stressed. Dog-specific parades and costume events are a fun alternative, and a purple, green and gold bandana is an easy festive look.

When is Mardi Gras 2027?

Mardi Gras, also called Fat Tuesday, falls on Tuesday, February 9, 2027. It's the day before Ash Wednesday and always lands 47 days before Easter. In 2027, Easter is on March 28.

The celebration isn't just one day. Carnival season starts on January 6, also known as Twelfth Night or King's Day, and parades and parties build over the following weeks. The final long weekend before Fat Tuesday is usually the busiest.

That means king cakes and parade throws may be around your home for several weeks, not just one day, so it pays to plan early.

Should you take your dog to a Mardi Gras parade?

For most dogs, the honest answer is probably not. Big parades are extremely loud, crowded and unpredictable. Marching bands, sirens, horns, fireworks, cheering crowds and objects thrown from floats can overwhelm even confident dogs.

Some easygoing, well-socialized dogs handle smaller neighborhood parades well, especially from a quieter spot. Dogs who are nervous around crowds, sensitive to noise, reactive to other dogs or still in training are much happier at home.

Ask yourself: does your dog stay relaxed on busy sidewalks, at outdoor festivals and around loud noises? If you're unsure, the safest choice is to celebrate together at home and enjoy the parade on your own or with friends.

Signs your dog isn't enjoying the parade

If you do bring your dog, watch them closely and be ready to leave. Common signs of stress include:

• Panting heavily or drooling when it isn't hot
• Pacing, pulling to leave or trying to hide behind you
• Tucked tail, flattened ears or crouching
• Lip-licking, yawning or showing the whites of the eyes
• Trembling or freezing in place
• Barking, whining or lunging at people, floats or other dogs

The AKC lists many of these among common stress signals. If you notice them, move away from the crowd and head home. Our guide to holiday stress in dogs explains more.

If you go: how to prepare

If your dog is a good fit, preparation makes all the difference. Choose a smaller daytime parade or a spot near the start or end of the route, where crowds are thinner and you can step away easily.

Use a well-fitted harness and a standard 4 to 6 foot leash, not a retractable one. Make sure your dog's ID tag has your cell number and their microchip details are up to date. Our guide to dog microchips and ID tags explains what to check.

Give your dog a good walk before the parade, and plan to stay a short time. Know your exit route, and have a family member ready to take your dog home if needed.

What to bring to the parade

Pack a small bag with your dog's essentials:

• Harness, leash and ID. Plus a spare leash in case one breaks.
• Water and a collapsible bowl. Crowds and excitement can make dogs thirsty.
• Treats. For rewarding calm behavior and redirecting attention.
• Waste bags. Pick up after your dog even in crowds.
• Portable mat or blanket. Gives your dog a familiar spot to sit.
• Dog ear protection. Some dogs tolerate specially designed ear covers; practice at home first.
• A small first aid kit. Plus your vet's number and the nearest emergency clinic.

At the parade: staying safe in the crowd

Once you're at the route, find a spot with space behind you so you can step back from the crowd. Corners, side streets and areas near the start or end of the route tend to be calmer than the middle.

Keep your dog close on a short leash and stand between your dog and the street. Floats, horses, marching bands and motorcycle escorts move quickly, and riders throw items with real force. A flying strand of beads or a cup can hit a dog and frighten them.

Give your dog regular breaks away from the noise every 15 to 20 minutes. Offer water, let them sniff in a quieter spot and decide together whether to stay. Leaving early is always a good choice.

Mardi Gras decorations at home

Many families decorate porches, doors and trees with beads, masks, wreaths and garlands. Hang decorations high and secure them well, especially beaded garlands that can break and scatter small pieces.

Masks with feathers, sequins and glitter can be tempting chew toys. Store them on shelves or in closed boxes when not in use. Battery-powered lights and light-up decorations should be checked for loose battery covers.

Outdoor beads strung on trees and fences often fall during wind or rain, so check the yard before letting your dog out. Our guide to dog-friendly Christmas decorations has placement tips that work for any holiday.

Beads and parade throws: a big choking risk

Beads are the signature of Mardi Gras, and they're everywhere: on the ground, hanging from trees, in purses and around guests' necks. Plastic beads, especially broken strands, are a serious choking and intestinal blockage hazard for dogs.

Other common throws, such as small plastic toys, cups, doubloons, stuffed animals and light-up trinkets, can also be chewed and swallowed. Light-up throws may contain small button batteries, which can cause internal burns if swallowed.

At parades, keep your dog away from the curb where throws land, and don't let them sniff or pick up items from the ground. At home, store beads and throws in closed bins, and do a quick sweep of floors, yards and cars after each parade day.

King cake and the hidden baby

King cake is a Mardi Gras tradition, often filled with cinnamon, cream cheese, fruit or praline and topped with sugar in purple, green and gold. Most king cakes also contain a small plastic baby figurine, which is a choking and blockage hazard for dogs.

The cake itself is rich and sugary and can cause vomiting, diarrhea or pancreatitis if a dog eats a large piece. Some fillings contain chocolate or nuts, and some sugar-free versions or toppings may contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

Keep king cake boxes on high counters or in closed cupboards, and don't leave slices unattended on plates. If your dog eats king cake, especially if the plastic baby is missing, call your vet.

Other Mardi Gras foods to keep away

Mardi Gras menus are delicious but often unsafe for dogs. Keep these away from your pup:

• Gumbo, jambalaya and étouffée. Usually made with onion, garlic, spices and rich fats.
• Crawfish boils. Shells, heads, corn cobs and spicy, garlicky seasoning can cause blockages and stomach upset.
• Beignets. Fried dough and powdered sugar are fatty and sugary.
• Po' boys and fried seafood. Fatty, seasoned and sometimes served with bones or shells.
• Red beans and rice with sausage. Often seasoned with onion and garlic and high in fat.
• Pralines and chocolate. Sugar, nuts and chocolate can all cause problems.
• Drinks. Alcohol, hurricanes and other cocktails are dangerous for dogs.

The ASPCA's list of people foods to avoid includes onions, garlic, chocolate, alcohol and xylitol. See our guide to holiday foods dogs can and can't eat for more.

Crawfish boil safety

Crawfish season ramps up around Mardi Gras, and backyard boils are a big part of the fun. The boil itself is a hazard zone for dogs: boiling water, hot propane burners, sharp shells and spicy seasoning.

Keep your dog indoors or leashed well away from the burner and pot. Once the boil is dumped on the table, dogs may try to grab shells, corn cobs or potatoes. Corn cobs are a common cause of intestinal blockages. Bag and remove shells and cobs quickly, and take trash straight to a lidded outdoor bin.

Spicy, salty seasonings can irritate your dog's mouth and stomach. If you want to share, a small piece of plain, unseasoned boiled potato or carrot cooked separately is a safer choice.

Dog-safe Mardi Gras treats to make

Your dog can enjoy festive flavors too, with a few simple swaps. Bake small "king cake" biscuits from oat flour, plain pumpkin puree, an egg and a pinch of cinnamon, shaped into a ring. Skip the sugar, icing, colored sprinkles and plastic baby. A thin smear of plain yogurt makes a pretty topping.

For a cool treat, blend plain yogurt with a little banana or blueberries and freeze it in small molds. Plain cooked sweet potato cubes are another easy, colorful option. Always check that peanut butter is xylitol-free before adding it to any recipe.

Keep portions small and count treats toward your dog's daily calories. Our guide to homemade Christmas dog treats has more tested recipes you can adapt with festive cookie cutters.

Festive Mardi Gras photos with your dog

Mardi Gras colors make for bright, joyful photos. Pose your dog in front of a purple, green and gold backdrop at home, such as a door wreath, streamers or a festive blanket, rather than in the middle of a crowded parade.

Natural light, your dog's eye level and a squeaky toy held near the camera help capture a happy expression. Never drape real beads on your dog for photos; a festive bandana gives the same effect safely. For more tips, see holiday photos with your dog.

Traveling to Mardi Gras with your dog

If you're heading to New Orleans or another Gulf Coast city for Carnival, plan well ahead. Pet-friendly hotels and rentals fill quickly around Mardi Gras, and some may have blackout dates or extra fees for pets during peak weekends.

Ask about noise, since many hotels sit near parade routes, and request a room away from the street if possible. Never leave your dog alone in a hotel room during parades if they're noise sensitive. A trusted local sitter or boarding facility may be a better choice for busy parade days.

Our guide to holiday travel with your dog covers packing and car trips, and choosing holiday boarding or a pet sitter can help if your dog stays behind.

Noise, brass bands and fireworks

Mardi Gras is loud. Brass bands, drumlines, sirens, cheering, horns and sometimes fireworks can be very stressful for dogs, even at home if you live near a parade route.

Close windows and curtains, turn on white noise or calm music and give your dog a quiet room with a chew or frozen food toy during parade times. Keep bathroom breaks leashed, even in a fenced yard, because frightened dogs may try to escape.

For dogs with strong noise fears, talk to your vet ahead of time about options. Our guide to New Year's Eve fireworks and dogs has a step-by-step plan for noisy celebrations.

Dog costumes and Mardi Gras looks

Dressing up is part of Mardi Gras, and plenty of dogs look great in purple, green and gold. Comfort and safety come first. Choose lightweight outfits that don't restrict movement, breathing or vision, and avoid anything with small beads, bells or loose decorations your dog could chew off.

A festive bandana is one of the easiest and most comfortable options. Browse Happy Yay dog bandanas for colorful choices. Skip masks, hats and wigs if your dog paws at them, and never put real beads around your dog's neck.

Glitter, face paint and colored hair sprays made for people aren't safe for dogs. If you want color, use a festive collar or bandana instead.

Dog parades and pet-friendly Mardi Gras events

Some cities host dog-friendly Mardi Gras events, including costume contests and dog parades. New Orleans is known for its dog krewes and pet parades during Carnival season, and other Gulf Coast towns hold similar events.

These can be a fun alternative to big parades, but they're still busy and noisy. Check event rules, required vaccinations and start times on the organizer's official site, and arrive early to give your dog time to settle.

Bring water, take breaks and leave if your dog seems overwhelmed. Not every dog needs to march; watching from the side or staying home is perfectly fine.

Celebrating Mardi Gras at home with your dog

You don't need a parade to have fun. A small, dog-friendly Mardi Gras party at home can be just as festive. Decorate with purple, green and gold streamers placed out of reach, put on some jazz at a comfortable volume and make a dog-safe treat.

Try a homemade "pup cake" with plain pumpkin, oat flour and an egg, topped with a little plain yogurt, or freeze plain yogurt and banana in a bone-shaped mold. Skip the plastic baby and colored sugar.

Snap a family photo in festive colors, play a game of hide-the-toy or take a calm evening walk around the neighborhood to see the decorations. Our guide to dog-friendly holiday traditions has more ideas.

Hosting a Mardi Gras party with a dog in the house

Mardi Gras parties often mean lots of guests, food and drinks. Set up a quiet room for your dog with water, a bed, chews and background sound. Ask guests not to feed the dog, keep drinks off low tables and close doors behind them.

Store beads, throws and party favors where your dog can't reach, and do a floor sweep during and after the party. Keep the trash lidded and behind a door. Our guide to hosting a dog-friendly holiday party has a full plan.

Weather on the Gulf Coast in February

February weather along the Gulf Coast can range from chilly and damp to warm and humid. On warmer days, watch for overheating, especially in crowds or for flat-faced breeds. Offer water often and find shade.

Pavement can stay cool in February, but check it with your hand on sunny afternoons. On cool, rainy days, a light raincoat and a towel for wet paws help. Elsewhere in the country, Mardi Gras may mean snow and ice, so adjust your plans to your local weather.

What to do if your dog swallows beads or king cake

If your dog swallows beads, a plastic throw, the king cake baby, corn cobs or anything else risky, call your vet right away, even if your dog seems fine. Don't try to make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.

Watch for vomiting, gagging, drooling, loss of appetite, straining, a painful belly or lethargy. Swallowed batteries from light-up throws are an emergency. If you think your dog ate something toxic, such as chocolate, xylitol or alcohol, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center; fees may apply.

For mild stomach upset after rich food, see our guide to dog upset stomach, but call your vet if symptoms continue.

Preventing lost dogs during Carnival

Busy streets, loud noises and open doors make Mardi Gras a common time for dogs to go missing. Keep your dog indoors during parades if you live near a route, and use a gate or crate when guests come and go.

Double-check that your dog's collar fits snugly, their ID tag is readable and their microchip is registered with your current phone number. A recent photo on your phone helps if you need to post lost-dog alerts.

Puppies, seniors and sensitive dogs

Puppies are curious and will try to eat beads, cake and anything else they find. Keep them in a puppy-safe space during parties and skip parades until they're older and fully vaccinated.

Senior dogs may be more sensitive to noise and crowds and tire quickly. A quiet home celebration is usually best. Noise-sensitive or anxious dogs will be happiest away from the action entirely. Plan a calm space and talk to your vet if they struggle with loud events.

After Mardi Gras: Lent and a calmer routine

The day after Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, marks the start of Lent, and the city quiets down quickly. It's a good time to return your dog to a calm, predictable routine after weeks of parades, parties and noise.

If your dog had extra treats or rich food during Carnival, go back to their normal meals and portions. Long sniff walks, a few quiet days and normal bedtimes help your dog settle. If you notice ongoing stomach upset, lethargy or anxiety, check in with your vet.

Spring is just around the corner, and with it come new seasonal tasks. Our guides to spring shedding in dogs and Easter with your dog can help you plan ahead.

After the celebrations

Once Carnival season ends, do a thorough sweep of your home, yard and car for beads, throws and party leftovers. Beads often turn up in couch cushions, car seats and garden beds for weeks.

Store or donate beads and throws in closed bins, and keep any leftover king cake boxes well out of reach. Return your dog to their normal routine and food. Many cities collect used beads for recycling, which keeps them out of yards and storm drains.

Mardi Gras checklist for dog owners

Run through this list during Carnival season:

• Decide honestly whether your dog will enjoy a parade.
• Harness, short leash and up-to-date ID.
• Water, treats and waste bags packed.
• Beads and throws stored in closed bins.
• King cake and party food out of reach.
• Crawfish boil zone off limits.
• Quiet room ready for noisy days.
• Comfy festive bandana, no real beads.
• Floors and yard swept after each event.

• Most dogs are happier at home. Big parades are loud, crowded and full of hazards.
• Beads and throws are choking risks. Keep them off the floor and away from curious mouths.
• Watch the king cake. The plastic baby is a choking hazard, and the cake is rich and sugary.
• Keep Louisiana favorites away. Gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish, beignets and drinks aren't dog-safe.
• Celebrate safely in color. A festive bandana and a dog-safe treat let your pup join the fun.

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When is Mardi Gras 2027?

Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, February 9, 2027. Carnival season starts January 6, with parades building over the following weeks.

Can I bring my dog to a Mardi Gras parade?

Some calm, well-socialized dogs can handle small parades from a quiet spot, but most dogs are happier at home. Big parades are loud, crowded and full of hazards.

Are Mardi Gras beads dangerous for dogs?

Yes. Plastic beads, especially broken strands, can cause choking or intestinal blockages. Keep them off the floor and away from your dog.

Can dogs eat king cake?

No. King cake is rich and sugary, and the plastic baby inside is a choking hazard. Some versions contain chocolate, nuts or xylitol.

What if my dog swallowed the king cake baby?

Call your vet right away. Small plastic objects can cause blockages. Don't induce vomiting unless your vet tells you to.

Is crawfish safe for dogs?

Shells, heads, corn cobs and spicy seasoning can cause blockages and stomach upset. Keep your dog away from crawfish boils.

Are beignets safe for dogs?

No. Beignets are fried dough covered in sugar, which can upset a dog's stomach and contribute to pancreatitis.

What should my dog wear for Mardi Gras?

A comfortable purple, green and gold bandana or collar is easiest. Avoid real beads, glitter, face paint and costumes that restrict movement.

How do I keep my dog calm during Mardi Gras?

Keep your dog home during parades, close windows, use white noise and give them a quiet room with a chew. Talk to your vet about severe noise anxiety.

Are there dog-friendly Mardi Gras events?

Yes. Some cities, especially New Orleans, have dog parades and costume events. Check official event pages for rules and dates.