Buying guide
Where to buy Mardi Gras beads and throws in Louisiana
Two stores, case prices for everyone, and online ordering with free in-store pickup. Here is how people around New Orleans and Houma actually get their beads.
Where can you buy Mardi Gras beads in bulk near New Orleans?
Mardi Gras Beads Factory sells beads and throws by the case at two Louisiana stores. The Bridge City store is on Highway 90 at the base of the Huey P. Long Bridge (1145 Highway 90 W, Bridge City, LA 70094), minutes from the Westbank and across the river from Uptown. The Houma store is on West Tunnel Boulevard (1396 W Tunnel Blvd, Houma, LA 70360) and serves Terrebonne and Lafourche. Both stock the full aisle of throw beads, big beads, specialty beads, plush, and novelties.
How do you get Mardi Gras beads without riding in a parade?
You buy them the way the krewes do: by the case. Every case on this site shows its piece count and price per piece, and case prices are open to everyone — no license, no account, no case minimum. Families buy a case of throw beads for the route, a party, or the front porch on parade day.
Can you order Mardi Gras beads online?
Yes. Choose your pickup store, add cases to the cart, and check out online — an online order needs a total of at least $35. Your order is packed and waiting at the store you chose. We are pickup-only and do not ship, which is what keeps case prices low. Large orders can go on layaway and be paid down online before Mardi Gras.
What kinds of Mardi Gras beads can you buy?
Throw beads are the classic metallic strands in purple, green, and gold, the cheapest per piece. Big beads are the oversized and light-up strands the crowd reaches for. Specialty beads carry themed medallions — gators, crawfish, flags, LED designs. Use the bead sizing chart to compare strand lengths and bead sizes before you choose.
When is the best time to buy Mardi Gras beads?
January, before the parade-season weekends begin — stock is fullest and popular throws have not sold through yet. Check your parade date on the 2027 parade schedule and size the order with our float guide. Both stores are open year-round for in-store shopping.