FEB. 17: KREWE OF CENTAUR FLOAT LOADING PARTY, See the floats up close and meet krewe royalty as they prepare for the parade the following day. Free. 6-9 p.m. Krewe of Centaur Den, 948 North Market Street, Shreveport. Call 222-9391.

FEB. 18: RED RIVER MARDI GRAS BASH, is an exclusive tent party for visiting groups during the Krewe of Centaur Parade. Admission includes access to a private tent with live music, Creole and Cajun food, behind the scene experience and more. For groups of 10 or more. $40 in advance or $45 at the door. Call 800-551-8682.

FEB. 18: KREWE OF CENTAUR PARADE, This annual Mardi Gras parade features masked revelers on floats and marchers tossing beads, toys and other goodies. Family zones are available along the route. 4:30 p.m.The parade starts on the corner of Lake Street and Clyde Fant Parkway and ends on the corner of East Kings Highway and East Preston Street. Visit www.kreweofcentaur.com.

FEB. 19: KREWE OF BARKUS AND MEOUX PET PARADE, This family- and pet-friendly parade features vendors as well as face-painting, animal adoption and much more. $1. 12-4 p.m. 2000 Reeves Marine Drive, Bossier City. Visit www.barkusandmeaoux.org or call 549-3266.

FEB. 25: KREWE OF GEMINI, The first parading krewe in Shreveport-Bossier will feature revelers on floats and marchers tossing beads, toys and other goodies. Family zones are available along the route. 4 p.m. The parade starts on the corner of Lake Street and Clyde Fant Parkway and ends on the corner of East Kings Highway and East Preston Street. Visit www.kreweofgemini.com.

FEB. 26: KREWE OF HIGHLAND PARADE, One of Shreveport’s most eccentric parades with a variety of throws including hot dogs, moon pies and beads. 1 p.m. The parade begins at Gilbert Drive and Ockley Drive. Visit www. thekreweofhighland.org.

FEB. 26: SIXTH ANNUAL MARILYNN’S PLACE MARDI GRAS PARTY, The party will include live music from Dirtfoot, DJ Pablo Z and others, food and drink specials including crawfish, jambalaya, beignets, red beans and rice and more. There will be clowns, face painting and balloons for kids to enjoy as well as local beer, mixed drinks and more for adults. General admission to the party is free but food and drinks must be purchased. A limited number of VIP admission passes including VIP seating accommodations, free food, open bar and more may be purchased by contacting the restaurant at 868-3004. 10 a.m. Marilynn’s Place, 4041 Fern Ave., Shreveport. Visit www.Marilynns-Place.com.