If you're preparing for Carnival or if you're a seasoned
parade rider, it is absolutely necessary to get some beads. Don't worry if you
don't have bags of them waiting in the attic for Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's, or
even Halloween (do you know about Krewe of Boo?); there are plenty of local
stores that serve the Mardi Gras parade float riders all year-round. Mardi Gras is big
business here in New Orleans and getting the beads to the people who throw
them is even bigger business.
These great New Orleans Mardi Gras bead stores have more beads than you've ever seen in your life and that includes all those beads leftover after the biggest parades.
Where to Get Mardi Gras Beads in Greater New Orleans
1. Mardi Gras Spot - Plush Appeal
2812 Toulouse St., (504) 482-0000
mardigrasspot.com
Not many can beat Mardi Gras Spot for its impressive supply of Mardi Gras essentials. The location is a trusted spot for many float riders looking to purchase bulk orders of beads for an upcoming parade. But Mardi Gras spot also features a supply of specialty beads and gorgeous glass beads for a colorful necklace that you can wear anytime.
You will be impressed by the sheer amount of gifts, accessories, and novelties you can find here. Pick up some glowing hats and eye glasses, or wine glasses; with the available Mardi gras- themed clothing available here, you can create an outfit that'll get everyone turning their head.
2. Beads By The Dozen
333 Edwards Ave., Elmwood, (504) 734-9966
beadsbythedozen.com
Visit the showroom for Beads by the Dozen if you're near Elmwood, and looking to get extra festive at any given time. The spot features the essential bulk beads, but also features in-house specialists, who can create a custom set of unique beads to match your style. These beads are sure to have you stand out during the festival season even among a crowd.
With custom medallions also available, this spot brings customers something truly spectacular to celebrate the season with. Be aware, this spot is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, but open all day Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
3. TJ's Carnival & Mardi Gras Supplies
28 Fairfield Ave., Terrytown, (504) 392-7217
tjcarnival.com
With such an interesting array available, including custom series like the 'Ain't There No More' beads, there's surely something to suit your fancy if not pique your interest at TJ's Carnival & Mardi Gras Supplies. The aforementioned beads include logos from bygone local brands, lost to time (with new businesses released every year).
More themed-beads at this unique spot include the Jefferson Parish Police Car beads, Bourbon Street Sign beads, and Mardi Gras Hi-Top Shoe beads—certainly conversation starters, even to locals. Don't forget to check out their accessories and clothing items available here as well.
4. The Bead Shop
4612 Magazine St., (504) 330-7476
beadshopneworleans.com
A more bespoke take than others on this list, the Bead Shop in New Orleans specializes in custom made bead jewelry, or rather supplying the beads themselves. Take a look around and see the beautiful artisan creations that will certainly take more time and effort but last. As opposed to typical throwable beads, these you can keep forever.
While this spot offers a wide array of seasonally neutral beads, their inventory includes a very sizable amount of Mardi Gras themed beads, and charms for creating a necklace, or bracelet that reflects your love for the classic New Orleans season. The Bead Shop is closed on Sundays and Mondays, but feel free to stop by from Tuesday to Saturday at 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
5. Mardi Gras Creations
1900 Commercial Dr., Harvey, (504) 328-9384
mardigrascreations.com
A one-stop shop for all your Mardi Gras Needs? Yes please! Mardi Gras Creations in Harvey is a perfect place to find all your necessities for Carnival festivities. Visit in-store at the warehouse or check out their website for a distinct array of beads for Mardi Gras, St. Paddy's Day, and more, available at any time, including specialty big-ball beads.
Another thing you can't miss—this spot sells iconic Mardi Gras casual wear in many shapes and sizes for the Carnival season. Get a sequin-adorned pullover, jacket, or one of many other styles; and don't miss their classic purple, green, and gold rugby shirts (pattern also available in hoodie, dress, etc.).
6. Jefferson Variety Store
239 Iris Ave., Jefferson, (504) 834-5222
jeffersonvariety.com
As the name implies, Jefferson Variety has a wide variety of beads from basic to awesome. Some of the Irish-Italian parade beads even feature tiny food and drink medallions. Can you imagine throwing out beads with mini cabbage, carrot, and potato designs?
Jefferson Variety also keeps large amounts of costume fabric in stock year-round. When you need to create a new float-riding outfit or want to make a walking krewe costume that will last the next few years, you can find every piece that you need here. Satin, fringe, mesh, and more are available for all of your costuming needs.
7. Mardi Gras Beads Factory
1145 US-90, Bridge City, (504) 342-8888
mardigrasbeadsfactory.com
You can find Mardi Gras Beads Factory in Bridge City. This store is packed with big, impressive specialty beads and even leis. Have you ever seen a Saints-themed lei? Mardi Gras Beads Factory can provide your entire gameday posse with them.
If you're more of an LSU Tigers fan, you'll
find plenty of LSU-themed stuff to help you stand out at whatever
bar you're watching the game at. You can also grab some playing card beads to indulge in
poker night or marijuana leaf beads for other extracurricular activities. You
can get a set of hilariously-oversized beads that everyone will envy.
8. Mardi Gras Zone
2706 Royal St., (504) 947-8787
mardigraszone.com
Located in the heart of the Bywater, Mardi Gras Zone is much more than a Mardi Gras supply store for beads, masks, and boas in New Orleans. This location also features a full supermarket, and deli!
Customers will first be greeted by the aforementioned deli, and the impressively sized supermarket behind. Carnival accessories, and trinkets can be found mostly on the second floor. Grab some beads, face paint, or a mask to ensure you have your best aesthetic this Mardi Gras season.
9. NOLA Throws
Multiple Locations
nolathrows.com
Head out to Gretna or shop online at NOLA Throws, which has plastic beads, glass beads, masks, costumes, and even everyday clothing that will put you in the Carnival mood any day of the year. All of the other holidays also have items: plush lips for Valentine's Day, hula hoops for 4th of July, and light-up glassware for New Year's Eve.
Follow their social media to see all the new items that they get in store. NOLA Throws is known for throwing annual events to celebrate the start of Carnival in NOLA and show off their specialty wares. You don't want to miss out on the fun.
10. Mardi Gras Bonanza
Multiple Locations
mardigrasbonanza.com
Available on the Eastbank and Westbank, Mardi Gras Bonanza has both sides covered for all their bead needs. The site offers bead bundles for that perfect parade throw preparation. While beads & throws are more for locals preparing to ride in a parade, tourists and local alike can enjoy the fun souvenirs at this spot. Get a fun flask, printed playing cards, or some special New Orleans hot sauce.
You're sure to find something enjoyable to commemorate your time there, so go ahead! Stop by at either location starting at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday; and if you're on the Westbank, their location is open one hour later than the Eastbank location at 5 p.m!
The Best Mardi Gras Bead Stores in Greater NOLA
Carnival Time is such a wonderful time! Though there's some
debate about where Mardi Gras truly began, there's nothing like experiencing
Mardi Gras day in New Orleans. These stores will get you ready for the big day
and for the whole Carnival season.
Did we miss the most magical Mardi Gras bead store in town?
Let us know what it is!
