Last Saturday in New Orleans felt like Carnival perfection. Under clear blue skies and sunshine that pushed temperatures into the mid-70s, the Krewe of Freret rolled through its parade route to a sea of packed sidewalks, lawn chairs, and cheering spectators. With ideal weather and an electric crowd, the scene was a reminder of why this parade has become one of the most anticipated events of Mardi Gras season—equal parts neighborhood celebration and full-scale cultural showcase.
For Carnival 2026, the Krewe of Freret honored local music makers with the theme, “The Pulse of Mardi Gras” and featured 23 floats. The 2026 King is Joseph Warren Gerrity and Queen is Shannon Thomas who led the procession to St. Charles Avenue.
From the moment the first float appeared, the energy was undeniable. Families staked out prime spots early, young professionals filled balconies and neutral grounds, and longtime parade-goers settled in knowing they were in for a day that perfectly captured the spirit of Mardi Gras. Freret has always balanced tradition with fresh ideas, and Saturday’s parade leaned fully into that identity, delivering a vibrant procession that felt deeply New Orleans.
The Krewe of Freret’s story began in 2011, when seven Loyola University graduates came together with a shared mission: preserve Mardi Gras traditions while infusing new energy into Carnival. Their goals were ambitious but clear—unify enthusiastic young professionals, support local industry, and help revitalize the Freret Street corridor. What started as a grassroots effort quickly evolved into one of the city’s most recognizable and forward-thinking krewes.
Today, the Krewe of Freret is widely known for its inclusive approach and commitment to sustainability. The parade favors sustainable throws, local vendors, artists, and entertainers, creating a Carnival experience that feels both responsible and rooted in community. The krewe features music-focused, eco-friendly throws like branded fanny packs and, uniquely, barbecue shrimp seasoning packets. These Freret signature throws that are created each year have become symbols of the krewe’s creativity and hands-on spirit.
Music has always been central to Freret’s identity, and that focus was evident throughout Saturday’s parade. Since its inception, the krewe has been a strong supporter of local musicians, weaving New Orleans’ unmistakable sound into every aspect of the experience. That musical DNA took on a larger-than-life presence in 2020, when the Krewe of Freret entered a long-term partnership with legendary float builder Kern Studios.
That collaboration marked a turning point. In 2020, Freret introduced what was then the largest float prop in Mardi Gras history—a massive bust of Grand Marshal Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews. The same year, the krewe debuted its now-signature “Music of New Orleans” theme, celebrating the city’s rich and diverse musical legacy. Iconic performers like Preservation Hall and Arcade Fire were honored, turning the parade into a moving tribute to the sounds that define the Crescent City.
The night didn’t end with the final float. That year also saw the launch of Shorty Gras, a high-energy event that fused the spectacle of Mardi Gras with the scale and intensity of a world-class music festival. Curated and headlined by Trombone Shorty himself, Shorty Gras instantly became a Carnival standout—and it has only grown since. This year Shorty Gras featured Trombone Shorty, ZEDD, Juvenile and Big Freedia.
Each year, the Krewe of Freret expands its lineup of signature floats honoring beloved local artists. Over time, the parade has paid tribute to New Orleans icons including Boyfriend, Big Freedia, Juvenile, and Irma Thomas, with each float serving as a rolling homage to the city’s sound, style, and soul.
Saturday’s parade felt like the culmination of all that history and momentum. As beads, masks, and cheers filled the air, the Krewe of Freret once again demonstrated how Mardi Gras can honor tradition while embracing evolution. The crowd—stretching deep along the route—responded in kind, dancing, singing, and celebrating under the sun.
In a city where music, community, and Carnival are inseparable, the Krewe of Freret continues to stand out. Last Saturday’s parade wasn’t just a perfect-weather win—it was a reminder that Mardi Gras thrives when it reflects the people, culture, and creativity of New Orleans itself.
See the 2026 Mardi Gras Parade Schedule Here.