Our Story
In 2011…
the Krewe of Freret began with seven Loyola graduates who wanted to preserve the Mardi Gras tradition, unify enthusiastic young professionals, support local industry, and infuse vigor into Carnival while revitalizing the Freret corridor.
Today, the Krewe is known for creating a unique and inclusive parade favoring sustainable throws, local vendors, artists, and entertainers.
Members hand-decorate Mardi Gras Masks as coveted signature throws and since inception, KoF has supported local music.
the Krewe of Freret formed a long-term partnership with legendary float builder Kern Studios to help evolve the Krewe into the next Super Krewe. This collaboration introduced the largest float prop in Mardi Gras history—a giant bust of Grand Marshal Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews.
That same year, the Krewe debuted its “Music of New Orleans” themed parade, featuring iconic performers like Preservation Hall and Arcade Fire.
The night culminated in the first annual Shorty Gras, a high-energy celebration that fuses the spectacle of Mardi Gras with a world-class music festival, curated and headlined by Trombone Shorty himself.
Since that inaugural event, Shorty Gras has become an annual highlight of Carnival season, blending the energy of a live concert with the revelry of Mardi Gras. Each year, the Krewe continues to celebrate the spirit of New Orleans with parade themes rooted in the city’s rich musical legacy.
The parade has grown to feature an ever-expanding lineup of signature floats honoring beloved local artists including Boyfriend, Big Freedia, Juvenile, and Irma Thomas—each float a tribute to the unique sound and soul of the Crescent City.
#BeMardiGras
In 2020,
Our Krewe slogan “Be Mardi Gras” is an open invitation to join Mardi Gras’s best inclusive Membership-based Riding Krewe.
Our Founders initially realized that riding in a Mardi Gras parade was mostly inaccessible to non-native New Orleanians, and even tourists. The reality is that there are so many people who love Mardi Gras all over the world who would jump at the chance to ride in a parade if given the opportunity, and therefore riding should not be something only available to native New Orleanians.
This is how #BeMardiGras came to be not only our slogan, but our mantra.
Krewe of Freret was founded on the notion that being involved in a Mardi Gras Krewe should not be exclusive and invite-only, and that riding in a Mardi Gras parade should be something that is open to everyone!
Signature Throw: the hand decorated mask
The Krewe of Freret throws the coveted hand decorated mask to Carnival revelers as an omen of goodwill and in celebration of the crowd's commitment to the spirit of Mardi Gras. We throw our hand decorated creations to revelers so that they can either highly prize their catch for years to come, or so that they can wear the prized creation and quite literally #bemardigras.
Members of the Krewe of Freret have long been applauded as highly creative and artistic, and so to honor the incredible efforts put forth by this Krewe in decorating our signature throws, each year we hold an annual Freret Mask Award Contest by Shannon E. Thomas, exclusive to Riding members of the Krewe of Freret and the Krewe of Themis.
Below are our past winners. To view our Krewe’s other creations, please check out our Instagram!
2025: Fourth Annual Mask Award Winner- Shae Gardner
2024: Third Annual Mask Award Winner-
Dietric Hennings
2023: Second Annual Freret Mask Award Winner-
Patty De Long
2022 Inaugural Freret Mask Award Winner-
Jessica Rhoades
Who is Shannon E. Thomas?
Shannon E. Thomas is a painter and designer living in Amsterdam, the author of The Practical Guide to Experience Design, and founder of Artificial Design, of whom the Krewe is most proud to call long time supporter and member. She is a hands-on creative leader with a history of building diverse and effective teams, collaborating with business and technology partners, and establishing inclusive processes within organizations. Using curiosity, passion, and humility, she works with global clients across industries to define opportunities and deliver marketable solutions. To learn more about your judge, Shannon E. Thomas, go to https://shannonethomas.com.