Carnival time

You better be ready because Mardi Gras is already here.

The good news: You have plenty of options, whether it’s family-friendly fun or raucous debauch you’re looking for.

Southdowns

Friday, Feb. 1, 7 p.m.

This family-friendly night parade rolls through the Southdowns neighborhood in Baton Rouge, beginning at Lee High and ending at the shopping center at the corner of Perkins Road and Acadian Thruway. southdowns.org

Spanish Town

Saturday, Feb. 2, noon

This off-color spectacle rolls through downtown Baton Rouge beginning at the corner of Spanish Town Road and Third Street, and ending at the Pentagon Barracks on Lafayette Street.

It’s known for its bawdy floats, racy costumes and suggestive commentary. May not be suitable for small children, although there is an alcohol-free family zone on the north side of Convention Street between Fifth and Seventh streets. spanishtownmardigras.com

Endymion

Saturday, Feb. 2, 4 p.m.

This classic rolls through Mid-City New Orleans beginning at City Park, heading down Carrollton to Canal, and ending at the Superdome.

This Carnival super krewe is known for celebrity. This year actor Kevin Costner presides as grand marshal, and along for the ride are legendary rockers The Doobie Brothers and 1980s pop sensation The Go-Gos. endymion.org

Bacchus

Sunday, Feb. 3, 5 p.m.

The parade rolls through Uptown New Orleans beginning at the corner of Napoleon and Tchoupitoulas and ending at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Organized by a group of New Orleanians wanting to break with Carnival tradition by opening membership to out-of-towners, Bacchus achieved super krewe status, also known for celebrity royalty. This year former pro-wrestler Hulk Hogan reigns. kreweofbacchus.org

Orpheus

Monday, Feb. 4, 6 p.m.

This relative newcomer rolls through Uptown New Orleans beginning at the corner of Napoleon and Tchoupitoulas and ending at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Organized by Harry Connick Jr., Orpheus boasts more than 1,200 riders, including this year’s king and queen, Saints head football coach Sean Payton and actress Patricia Clarkson. kreweoforpheus.net

New Roads

Tuesday, Feb. 5, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

This parade follows a three-mile route around downtown New Roads, approximately 35 miles from Baton Rouge. The 11 a.m.

Community Center Carnival Parade begins and ends near Rosen-wald Elementary School, and the 1:30 p.m. New Roads Lions Carnival Parade begins and ends near the National Guard Armory.

It’s a family-friendly alternative to the Big Easy on Mardi Gras day, and Louisiana’s second-oldest Mardi Gras celebration at 86 years old. newroadsmardigras.com