Celebrate Mardi Gras Without Breaking the Bank

Mardi Gras is one of the most vibrant celebrations in the world. Beginning 12 days after Christmas and culminating on Fat Tuesday—which falls on March 4 this year—you can expect extravagant costumes, massive parades, great food and more. No matter where you plan to let the good times roll, we've put together tips to help you enjoy Mardi Gras festivities without overspending.

Laissez les bon temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!)

Review Your Spending Plan

Before the celebrations begin, take a close look at your spending plan to determine how much you can comfortably spend for Mardi Gras activities. Once you know your overall spending limit, break it down into categories such as food, transportation, costumes and souvenirs. Having specific amounts for each activity will help you stay on track and make informed spending decisions.

Plan Ahead

With so many parades happening during Mardi Gras, it's a good idea to plan which ones you want to attend. There are also a lot of temporary street closures during this time of year, so knowing your routes in advance will help save on transportation costs and avoid last-minute expenses. Use a map of the city and parade schedules to help. You can even download a parade tracker app to your phone.

Sign-Up for Deals

A lot of prices for dining and experiences tend to increase around this time due to the influx of visitors. Sign-up for promotional emails from your favorites places and follow them on social media to get notified of any discounts. Apps like Groupon may also have experiences at a discounted price.

DIY Costumes and Accessories

Get creative and make your own costumes and accessories instead of purchasing them. Thrift stores and dollar stores are great places to find inexpensive materials. The more brightly colored and over-the-top, the better!

Carry the Necessities

Carrying a reusable water bottle can help avoid buying expensive drinks, but keep in mind restrooms may be difficult to access if you’re on the street level watching the parades. Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep your cash and debit/credit cards on your person instead of in a bag. It’s easy to set your things down and lose them while watching the parades and enjoying the fun.

We hope you enjoy a safe and fun Mardi Gras experience this year! For personalized financial guidance, visit your nearest Financial Health Center.