Crowley outlines Mardi Gras, Main Street and downtown event schedule for 2026

Crowley Main Street and the city’s tourism office presented a schedule of downtown events for 2026 during the Jan. 13 committee meetings and outlined related street-closure needs.

Officials said Carnival de Acadia (Mardi Gras) is scheduled for Feb. 17 with a 10 a.m. parade preceded by a 9 a.m. worship hour and musical entertainment running into the evening. The Main Street director noted additional events this year — including Taste of Crowley (March 26), Sip and Stroll (May 2), a Sock Hop After School Bash (June 5), Kids Day (Sept. 26), the Halloween parade (Oct. 30) and Christmas in Crowley (Dec. 5) — some of which will require street closures.

The Historic Commission reported two approvals from its Dec. 10 meeting: a new awning for Threads Boutique at 219 North Parkes and signage for ShopRite’s corporate office, both approved with conditions to retain compatibility with the historic district. Chair Jill Habits said she had met with the mayor and the city’s code inspector and Main Street director to discuss streamlining the Certificate of Appropriateness application process.

Officials encouraged the public to register for programming (some registration deadlines were discussed during the recreation report) and to participate in downtown campaigns such as 'Love Local.' The city also announced an upcoming Farmers Appreciation Dinner on Jan. 22.

What’s next: Event organizers will coordinate street-closure permits and public notices; the Historic Commission will continue meeting to manage downtown development approvals.