Mardi Gras parade seating

Question

Nothing recent on this topic, so I thought I'd start a new thread. I'm bringing a couple of smaller younger people for a week of parades and I'm interested in seating to keep my first timers comfortable. I'm aware of the seating at Lafayette Square and the Intercontinental Hotel. Are there any other locations that I could look into? Staying in the Quarter and will most likely be watching the Saint Charles parades.

Answer

For first-timers, especially if you’re bringing younger people or want to avoid long hours of standing, secured parade seating along the Saint Charles Avenue route can make the experience much more comfortable. While Lafayette Square and the InterContinental Hotel are well-known options, there are additional opportunities to consider.

Here are some suggestions for seated viewing along the Saint Charles parade route:

Reserved grandstands: The Krewe of Endymion and Krewe of Orpheus offer private grandstand rentals, usually through their websites or official Mardi Gras channels. These are typically closer to mid-route areas and provide chairs, shade, and sometimes refreshments.
Hotels along Saint Charles Avenue: Some hotels other than the InterContinental also offer balcony or window access for Mardi Gras viewing. Examples include the Pontchartrain Hotel or the Columns Hotel, where you can inquire directly about balcony passes or packages for parade days.
Private homes and rental balconies: In the Uptown section, some locals rent out balconies or yards for viewing. This can be a quieter, more family-friendly environment compared to the busiest spots near the Quarter.
Seat reservations through parade organizations: Some of the krewes sell single-day or multi-day seats along designated portions of the route. These often include a chair and sometimes a small table, and the vendors will mark the spot as reserved.

Additional tips for comfortable viewing with younger or smaller attendees:

Arrive early: Even with reserved seats, getting there at least 30–60 minutes early helps settle in and enjoy the pre-parade atmosphere without stress.
Bring snacks, water, and hats: Many reserved spots allow you to bring personal items for comfort.
Check accessibility: If mobility or height is a concern, verify that the reserved spot provides a good line of sight and safe access.
Consider a mix of seating and short walks: Some families prefer to combine a few reserved spots with a casual walk along quieter sections of the route to experience throws and floats up close.

Overall, the key is to plan early and reach out to hotels or krewe websites for specific balcony or grandstand availability. This ensures your group can enjoy the Saint Charles parades comfortably without the stress of standing in crowded streets for long periods.