NEW ORLEANS — ‘Floats in the Oaks’ is a once in a lifetime opportunity for visitors to view iconic floats from various Mardi Gras krewes all in one place and it will give our region the opportunity to experience a part of Mardi Gras during this historic year. Families can safely participate in a parade-type event, by viewing stationery floats from their cars, while also supporting City Park. Participants are encouraged to wear Mardi Gras costumes and decorate their cars.
Floats from your favorite krewes (over 40 floats!), flambeauxs, live entertainment like dancers along the route (done safely with pandemic precautions), music, light installations, and more! PLUS don’t miss the Grandstand Experience in Carousel Gardens! Dress up in costumes – we want to see your Mardi Gras costumes!
Participate in the “reverse throw’ by bringing beads from your home and throwing them from your car at the bullseye or at the Bacca-Whoppa with all beads donated to St. Michael School.
When:
Thursday, February 4th through Sunday, February 14th
Weekdays 5pm -10pm and Weekends 1pm – 10pm
Pricing:
Tickets for ‘Floats in the Oaks’ and Add-On experiences are limited and all tickets must be purchased in advance and online only.
-Saturday – Sunday: 1 pm to 5 pm – $10 per car
-Monday – Sunday: 5pm to 10 pm – $20 per car
-Grandstand Experience Add-On – $15 per person
-Park Parade Pack – $12 (pack made for 2 people) (This option is sold out)
-City Park has created exclusive hours for bike riders: $5/bike: Saturday 2/6 and 2/13 from 11am to noon. Guests on bikes must wear face coverings at all times, must only attend with members of their own household unless riding at least 6′ away from another rider at all times (even in line), and riders may not stop along the route or leave their bike at any time.
Floats will be lit up at nightime. Vehicle height cannot exceed 10 feet. No limos, mini-buses, pedestrians are allowed on the route. 8 people per vehicle. Everyone participating in a vehicle must be in a seatbelt.
Tickets on sale now: Click here to purchase tickets
If you need assistance with ticketing, please email support@wrstbnd.com.
In addition to the driving tour experience, visitors can add-on Park Parade Packs or the Grandstand Experience. Click here for that information.
Event address: 2 Friederich Ave. New Orleans 70124 :: Click here for a map to find the entrance. (There is only one entrance, turn off Wisner to enter the line for the driving tour event)
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“We are thrilled to hear so many people are interested in such a fundraiser to support City Park. It made us even more excited to eventually announce this event knowing the public supported it. City Park is looking forward to bringing a little bit of Mardi Gras to the people of the area, all while doing so safely. City Park will use the funds raised to maintain and operate the 1,300 acres,” says Rob DeViney, COO, “so everyone in our community can continue to enjoy the Park”.
The COVID-19 pandemic has financially impacted City Park significantly with the closure of revenue generating facilities, which makeup 90% of the Park’s operating budget, such as weddings, catered events, and the amusement park. Floats in the Oaks will provide revenue to offset these financial losses.The Park has been a place of respite for our community and the City Park staff will continue to creatively alter its operations to ensure the Park remains a clean and beautiful resource. City Park has, whenever possible, worked with local businesses to build this event.
“The Rex Organization salutes City Park’s leadership and board for having the vision to bring this wonderful idea to life so that New Orleanians and visitors alike can safely enjoy some Carnival spirit in this unique year,” said Rex Official James J. Reiss, III. Reiss continued, “The Rex Organization is proud to honor its special connection to City Park as personified by Beau Bassich, a Marine Corp veteran in World War II who was the longtime volunteer leader of City Park and who served as Rex, the King of Carnival, in 1989.”
Arthur Hardy ‘Mister Mardi Gras’ “The Floats in the Oaks project is a first in the history of Mardi Gras; an assemblage of Mardi Gras floats from multiple krewes in one place where they can be enjoyed safely by locals and visitors during COVID. The 2021 Carnival season is the first since 1945 where no Mardi Gras parades will roll anywhere in the region. Parades in New Orleans have been affected in several years since the first Comus parade rolled in 1857: Civil War 1862-1865, Political unrest 1875, WWI 1927-1918, WWII 1942-1946, Korean War canceled most parades, Police Strike 1979 cancelled 12 New Orleans parades, while 13 moved to Kenner, Slidell, and Gretna.”
This is a rain or shine event. No refunds will be offered for any reason for this event.
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