Mardi Gras – New Orleans, February 2026

Experience the Magic of Mardi Gras in New Orleans 2026

Experience the Magic of Mardi Gras in New Orleans 2026

An Incentive Travel Experience Like No Other

Reward your top-performing customers, channel partners, or staff with a front-row seat to one of the world’s most vibrant and iconic celebrations. Tie your sales targets to this high-energy event and deliver a reward filled with colour, culture, and connection.

Talk to us today about planning your Mardi Gras incentive travel program.

Why Mardi Gras?

New Orleans Mardi Gras is a legendary celebration of community, music, and spectacle. With dazzling parades, exclusive hospitality, and a rich cultural backdrop, it’s the perfect reward for your B2B audience. A Mardi Gras incentive travel experience inspires engagement, drives results, and delivers unforgettable moments.

  • Unforgettable Parades & Pageantry – Be immersed in the energy of world-famous parades, costumed performers, and the excitement of beads flying through the air.
  • VIP Festival Access – Secure premium viewing spots and entry to exclusive events, private parties, and grandstand experiences.
  • Cultural Immersion – Dive into New Orleans’ deep-rooted traditions—from jazz and blues to Creole and Cajun cuisine.
  • Electric Atmosphere – Your team or customers won’t just attend Mardi Gras—they’ll feel part of something bigger, where every moment is a celebration.

Beyond the Parade: Discover New Orleans’ Charm

Mardi Gras is only the beginning—New Orleans offers incredible food, music, and experiences all year round. Extend your incentive travel program by showcasing the best of this iconic Southern city.

  • World-Class Dining – Indulge in Southern soul food, fine dining, and street eats—from crawfish étouffée to beignets and king cake.

  • Live Music Everywhere – Follow the sounds of brass bands and blues to legendary clubs on Frenchmen Street or spontaneous performances in Jackson Square.

  • Historic French Quarter – Explore centuries-old architecture, wrought-iron balconies, and colourful streets steeped in history.

  • Mississippi River Adventures – Treat your group to a private paddleboat cruise or sunset cocktail hour on the water.

  • Local Markets & Culture – Discover local artisans, Mardi Gras mask makers, voodoo folklore, and authentic Louisiana charm.

Important Details for New Orleans

Travel Details:

  • Event Dates: Parade season culminates on Tuesday, 25th February 2026
  • Location: Downtown New Orleans & French Quarter
  • Weather: Mild late-winter climate, averaging 18–22°C
  • Access: Flights via major U.S. hubs from Australia (via LAX, Dallas, or Houston)
  • Visa Requirements: ESTA required for Australian passport holder

Trip Highlights:

  • 5 nights in luxury accommodation near the French Quarter
  • Grandstand parade seating and private viewing parties
  • VIP access to Carnival balls or Krewe events (optional add-ons)
  • Jazz brunch or private music tour
  • Exclusive welcome dinner and team celebration night
mardi gras new orleans incentive travel

Make your Incentive Self-Funded with Our Target Site

212F organises the destination and the activities, but with our custom-built target sites, you can know that the right customers are coming. This ensures your business gets the most out of the incentive experience and lets you know you’re solidifying your brand’s emotional connection with your customers.

Whatever the objective, we can ensure the ROI and the connection with your customers are entirely funded by the expected/required sales growth.

  • Combine aspirational event with sales-driven strategy
  • Best ROI initiatives in the market
  • Reward key customers and change behaviour
  • Key selling period – 6-to-9-month targets achieved
  • Units, dollars, product – whatever your sales goals
  • Reinforce an emotional connection to your brand

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Mardi Gras delivers a unique mix of culture, spectacle, and exclusivity—making it ideal for an incentive travel program. By tying sales performance to a once-in-a-lifetime Mardi Gras reward, you can drive motivation and deepen emotional connection with your brand. Participants will work toward a vibrant, unforgettable experience that celebrates success with true New Orleans flair.

  • We design custom-built platforms that align with your business KPIs. Whether you’re driving growth through spend, product focus, or customer engagement, our Mardi Gras incentive travel sites keep your participants focused and on track with real-time dashboards and communications. All activity is designed to achieve your goals and deliver the ultimate experience.

  • Yes—212F crafts every Mardi Gras incentive travel experience to suit your brand and audience. Whether your team prefers culinary experiences, jazz and heritage, or party-centric celebrations, we’ll curate a program that feels exclusive, purposeful, and aligned with your objectives. Every itinerary is built to impress, engage, and perform.

Ready to plan your next incentive travel experience or corporate event?

No question is too big or too small. We’d love to help you, whether that’s a potential incentive travel destination, study tour, conference, or executive education. Give us a call or fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch soon.

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