The invitation-only honor to ride on a float in a Mardi Gras parade is extraordinarily exclusive—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for even the most seasoned traveler. Until now.
AFAR Experiences is heading to New Orleans this March 2nd to 4th for three days and two nights of Mardi Gras fun, which will culminate in a float ride with the Krewe of Orpheus, a "super krewe" that boasts one of the largest and most spectacular parades.
Leading up to Lundi Gras, the night before Mardi Gras and the day of the Orpheus parade, AFAR will offer attendees an authentic, exclusive opportunity to experience Mardi Gras just as the locals do: from their front porches, at their crawfish boils, and on the city's neighborhood streets, surrounded by friends, family and revelers of all ages. Plus, we'll introduce attendees to some of the city's most respected and knowledgeable Mardi Gras “insiders,” from writers and historians to Mardi Gras Indians. And all of this while feasting on traditional NOLA cuisine and grooving to live musical performances.
Mardi Gras is a time to be colorful, be joyous, and be with incredible new (and old) friends. Gather your glitter, sequins, masks and costumes, and celebrate Carnival season right—with AFAR Experiences.
After you arrive in New Orleans, join us for a late afternoon welcome reception to meet the AFAR team and your fellow travelers. That evening, you’ll be transported to an exclusive and surprise-filled masquerade ball set in a stunning private home. Party theme and costume suggestions will be shared with attendees in advance.
Celebrate Mardi Gras like—and with—the locals. We’ll head Uptown to watch the daytime parades and catch some beads! Activities will be interspersed with bowls of gumbo and king cakes, delicious cocktails, conversations with local experts, and plenty of opportunities to shout "Throw me something, Mister!" as the floats roll on by.
Later that afternoon, we’ll enjoy a traditional crawfish boil at a private house party as the crowds await the arrival of Krewe of Bacchus, one of the most anticipated parades of the Carnival season. This is your chance to experience an evening parade from a spectator's perspective.
After a good night's rest, we'll gather in the morning for a hearty brunch to sustain us for the amazing day (and night!) that awaits.
Stamina is required for the day of the ride, as there will be periods of waiting while the floats assemble, but your patience and understanding will be rewarded as you embark on what is guaranteed to be one of the most electrifying, life-affirming experience you've ever encountered. Parade costumes, masks, and food and beverages will be provided, as well as a basic package of beads and throws for your ride (additional throws—highly recommended!—can be purchased in advance or on-site).
Once rolling, the parade duration will be approximately four to six hours, during which time you’ll finally understand what it feels like to be a rock star.
Following the parade, we’ll celebrate our last night together by dining and with the rest of the Krewe at the Orpheuscapade, a black-tie gala few will ever experience.
Ace Hotel New Orleans, the official hotel partner for AFAR Experiences, sits at the intersection of Carondelet and Lafayette streets in a beautiful 1928 art deco building, flanked by museums and galleries in the city's culturally-vibrant Warehouse District. A stone's throw from the French Quarter, our historic nine-story building has marinated in the magic of one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities for nearly a century. Ace New Orleans is home to some of the finest dining and drinking in the city, plus a music venue right on site—a magnet for the city's most welcoming cultural emissaries.
A list of AFAR Mardi Gras attendees has been shared with the hotel. Registered attendees can book hotel rooms directly, up until December 28th only, by calling Ace Hotel central reservations at 504-941-9191 and quoting “AFAR Mardi Gras”. Please note there is a 60-day cancellation policy on all bookings. Room rates are honored two days pre- and post-AFAR Experiences, subject to availability.
Availability during Mardi Gras is extremely limited, and we advise booking your room as soon as possible. If you are unable to stay the Ace Hotel, there are nearby hotels we can recommend, however note that all daily event transportation will pick up/drop off at the Ace.
