Mid Summer Mardi Gras

Post-​mardi gras depression is inevitable and never fun. Midsummer gives you a reason to keep on living until halloween. It’s always super hot, in all possible ways.
It used to be a 5 star parade, back when it traveled through the neighborhoods and stopped at snakes. Back then, there were no bystanders — you were either part of the parade, or you weren’t there. It’s still a blast and a much needed costuming outlet.
If you go, make sure you costume, there seems to be a growing population that have decided it’s not necessary but remember that science has proven that costuming enhances enjoyment by 93% and can have huge impacts on your career. Plus I saw a guy get denied service at a portable bar because he wasn’t in costume. Don’t put yourself in unfortunate situations!

I’m shocked that more people don’t know about this mini parade/​block party in the dead of the summer! There are aspects of it that are exclusive to the Krewe of Oak, who put it on, and their personal attendees but walking with the parade and the aftermath on Oak Street is open to the public.
Every year there is a theme, this year was «OAKtopussy Riot: a Tribute to James Bondage». The theme is usually pretty raunchy. I, of course, with little planning but bright ideas, dressed as a Octopussy Cat with tentacles and kitty ears with my buddy.
In the past, I marched the entire route and adorned my Bearded Oyster costume since the troupe is quite popular in their scantily-​clad uniforms but I was feeling a little more modest this year… Modesty is for the nuns though because it was HOT! I mean HOT, HOT! Had I forgotten that the name of the event was Mid Summer as in the Middle of Hell in the South? Must’ve ’cause I wore jeans and booties. Stupid.
Though I was sweating buckets, I thoroughly enjoyed the people watching, antics and pop-​ups from the local shops and restaurants. The Natural Light All Stars also did an impromptu performance outside of Squeal that was fun to watch.
A few notes:
Come in costume or you’ll look like you’re just creeping around.
If you’re easily offended by barely dressed women OR men, this isn’t your gig.
Be ready to sweat, a lot. A lot, a lot.
The reason I gave Mid Summer an AOK is because they really don’t do a great job at publicizing it, and maybe that’s a Krewe preference, like, «hey, we’re having this awesome party and if you show up great, if not, no big deal» but I think for local businesses it should be better promoted.
Personally, I love any excuse to costume!

This is a small walking parade which draws a large crowd. They have a few stop points on the route for drinks at the uptown bars for refills. You usually don’t get throws at this parade, but its a lot of fun to watch.
Maybe as Tulane student, I love this parade especially because it’s always the last big hurrah before school starts. And I run into a lot of friends from school here.
Pro-​tip: bring your own cooler in a wagon or wheels. Makes dealing with crowded bars easier.

Fun, irreverent party! Some dude gave a mini-​speech from a balcony about how humor is completely necessary to survival! Amen brother! I love people who get it.
People in costumes and general NOLA wackiness. Would have been super awesome if I wouldn’t have puked all over my boyfriends feet (he still loves my anyway).
Next year I’ll wear a costume.

This is one of the events put on by the Krewe of Oak. This is a fun event where you get some unique blends of New Orleans crazy characters and fun spilling out into the neighborhood with the after party at the Maple Leaf Bar late into the night/​morning. You need to be a member of the Krewe of Oak or know a member of the Krewe of Oak to attend this event.

I haven’t been to Midsummer Mardi Gras yet, but I assume that it’s awesome, and I want to be able to check in today when I get there. Hence, this pre-​emptive review (and brand new business listing!) for an event that I intend to have a fabulous time at later this evening.
If you’re planning to be there, bookmark this business listing so you can check in, and hopefully we can find each other!