Krewe of Freret's 2026 Parade
The Krewe of Freret's parade is coming up, so here is what you need to know about it and its other associated events.
The Krewe of Freret Street was established in 2011 by seven
recently-graduated Loyola University, New Orleans students. Once partnering
with Kern Studios, a well regarded float building business, the krewe evolved
into a super-krewe.
What to Expect This Year
Upcoming events hosted by the Krewe of Freret incudes their parade, a Krewe du Vieux watch party and crawfish boil, and Shorty Gras.
The Krewe of Freret parade will take place on February 7 at 11:30 a.m. It starts on Tchoupitoulas Street and Napoleon Avenue, turning right onto St. Charles Avenue, then right again on Canal Street, making a final right back onto Tchoupitoulas Street, and ending on Henderson Street.
The krewe's watch party and crawfish boil for Krewe du Vieux will be on January 31 from 4 to 10 p.m. on Elysian Fields and Royal. Arrive early to enjoy food and company while parade-goers wait for Krewe du Vieux to start at 6:30 p.m.
Shorty Gras, an event hosted by Krewe of Freret and headlined by Trombone Shorty, will follow the krewe's parade in celebration of its 2026 debut. At 6:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. on February 7, join in the Mardi Gras excitement for a musical event featuring Diplo, Big Freedia, Trombone Shorty, and the New Breed Brass Band.
Krewe of Freret Signatures
As the krewe expands, so does their collection of signature floats. Each signature float honors a different local artist, including Boyfriend, Big Freedia, Juvenile, and Irma Thomas.
When it comes to throws, the Krewe of Freret supplies parade-goers with beads, flags, and a 2026 signature Billie the Ferret (Freret) stuffed animal.
The Krewe's History
The Krewe of Freret has a relatively short history, having been established for only 17 years, but the krewe has certainly made a name for itself as a super-krewe after the construction of the largest Mardi Gras float prop in history.
The krewe partnered with Kern Studios to design and build a bust of their Grand Marshall Trombone Shorty. Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews feature with the Krewe of Freret jumpstarted their use of musical themes for Mardi Gras.
Every year the krewe hosts Shorty Gras, an event to combine the excitement of Carnival with the city's love for music, honoring musical guest Trombone Shorty as its curator and headliner.
