We know and love super Krewes like Endymion, Bacchus and Muses, but there’s a world of parades beyond the big names that are a blast. Here are some of my favorites to add to your schedule and parade tracker this season.  

Chewbacchus 

For me, the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus feels like the spark to get me swept up in Mardi Gras mode. This walking parade celebrates everything sci-fi and nerdy — from Star Wars to Dungeons & Dragons and everything in between. Coming this Saturday, Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. through the Bywater, Marigny and the French Quarter, this is one to check out. 

Krewe du Vieux 

Another great walking parade through the French Quarter is Krewe du Vieux, usually a week following Chewbacchus. This parade is heavy on satire and sex, with costumes, throws and floats intended as social and political commentary. With Tulane grad and Glass Half Full founder Franziska Trautmann as the queen of the parade, catch them on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 6:30 p.m. 

‘tit Rəx 

Inspired by both Bacchus and the small parades put on at schools, ‘tit Rəx asked how big you could make a small parade. This parade has elaborate floats and décor all in shoe box sized packages. People hand out mini drinks and set up mini displays along the parade route. The silliness of the scale adds to the delight. On Feb. 1 at 4:30 p.m., this enchanting parade is worth the trip to the Bywater. 

Cleopatra 

Cleo Friday used to be my underground secret to getting big beads, but now many attend this all-female krewe with the hope of catching a coveted glitter cup.  Despite being a tame parade, the energy of the crowd and riders is incredible, and there is a high chance of big beads and signature throws. The Krewe of Cleopatra rolls on Friday, Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. and is sure to have throws worth the trip. 

Freret 

Krewe of Freret is the is the fourth of the six-parade lineup from noon lasting into the night on Feb. 7. Founded by Loyola University New Orleans graduates to get more young professionals involved in Mardi Gras, I love their commitment to inclusion and local roots. I’m a huge fan of the Krewe of Themis with their mini decorated umbrellas. Expected to roll around 3:30 p.m., be sure to try and catch their fanny packs and decorated Mardi Gras masks. 

Family Sunday 

On Sunday, Feb. 8 starting at 11 a.m., three parades will make the trip from Uptown St. Charles Avenue to the French Quarter, known to many as Family Sunday. The first is the Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale, which was originally founded by Gwendolyn V. Rainey to create the first predominantly Black female Mardi Gras Krewe. Now, women of all colors are welcome. With their signature bejeweled mirror compacts, the energy at this parade is always outstanding. Following Femme Fatale and Krewe of Carrollton, the Krewe of King Arthur throws decorated grails that are fabulous. 

Barkus 

Arguably the cutest parade of the season, the Mystic Krewe of Barkus heads through the French Quarter on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. Featuring pups galore on floats and walking, this parade is heaven for dog lovers. The elaborate puppy costumes are sure to impress and always bring a smile to my face.