Fat Tuesday is next Tuesday, and if you plan to salute Carnival royalty, you need a strategy. The big change this year is Uptown, where Rex has shifted its official reviewing stands to The Josephine on Napoleon Avenue. Downtown, civic fixtures like Gallier Hall will still anchor mayoral greetings and other royal stops, according to NOLA.com.
Where Rex Will Toast His Queen
Rex has moved its grandstands and toasting stop to The Josephine, the restored Our Lady of Lourdes Church at Napoleon and LaSalle (2400 Napoleon Ave), as reported by NOLA.com. The shift, following a weather-shortened procession last year and a temporary 2025 stop at Pascal's Manale, was described as an effort to keep the Queen and her court on the route by WDSU.
Watching Uptown: Where To Stand
If you are settling in Uptown, neutral-ground spots near The Josephine and along Napoleon between Toledano and Jackson offer clear sightlines of the floats and the monarch's procession. Arrive early, bring low chairs and a small cooler, and keep in mind that official reviewing stands and barricaded areas are reserved for ticketed viewing or krewe access.
Downtown Stops And Zulu
Gallier Hall (545 St. Charles Ave) remains a civic focal point where city leaders have traditionally greeted parade royalty, according to the venue's website. For a full rundown of where to find other royal moments on Fat Tuesday, including where Zulu and Rex will be saluted along the way, check out NOLA.com's guide to Carnival toasts and stops.
Before You Go
Check the Rex Organization page for official parade details and the latest route information, and keep an eye on outlets like WDSU for any last-minute weather or safety updates. With crowds heavy and routes subject to change, a little advance planning goes a long way in finding the perfect spot to shout, "Hail Rex!" next Tuesday.
