NEW ORLEANS — Stronghold Studios, an art and fabrication studio based in Mid-City, is continuing the house float tradition for Mardi Gras 2026 following the dissolution of the Krewe of House Floats. In the absence of the krewe, Stronghold Studios stepped in to coordinate New Orleans house float projects independently, offering design, fabrication and materials to homeowners seeking to participate in the tradition.
The House Float movement began in 2020, when Mardi Gras parades were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, residents across New Orleans decorated their homes as stationary floats, bringing Carnival celebrations directly into neighborhoods throughout the city.
What began as an improvised solution during a disrupted season has since become an established part of the Mardi Gras landscape, returning annually as a neighborhood-based expression of Carnival creativity.
What’s New for 2026
For the 2026 season, Stronghold Studios is introducing several updates tied to House Float participation.
An interactive online House Float map will display registered decorated homes across New Orleans. Homeowners may submit completed house floats for inclusion through a map request form on the Stronghold Studios website.
Separately, the studio is accepting house float project requests on a rolling basis from homeowners seeking design and fabrication services.
In addition, Stronghold Studios is again hosting Mardi Gras float flower sales. The sales are taking place at the company’s warehouse at 4429 Bienville Ave. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in January from noon to 4:00 p.m. The selection includes a range of colors, sizes and styles, with discounted flowers available while supplies last.
Stronghold Studios – Local Production
“The House Float tradition is more than decoration — it’s about community, creativity, and keeping the spirit of Mardi Gras alive,” said Coco Darrow, founder of Stronghold Studios. “We’re excited to continue supporting this tradition while offering new ways for people to participate.”
House Float artwork produced by Stronghold Studios is created in-house at its Mid-City studio by local artists.
Custom Fabrication and Event Work
In addition to House Floats, Stronghold Studios provides custom fabrication and décor services for festivals, corporate events and private celebrations. The studio has long contributed to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival as part of the event’s art department, producing installations that range from small-scale décor to large-format sculptural elements.
For 28 years, the family-owned studio has helped shape the visual environment of Jazz Fest through hand-painted décor and permanent installations, including sculptures honoring Professor Longhair, Fats Domino and Bo Dollis, as well as the large African mask in Congo Square.
The team manages projects from concept through installation, working with clients to develop custom visual elements tied to New Orleans culture and live events.
Looking Ahead to Mardi Gras 2026
During the 2025 season, Stronghold Studios designed more than 50 House Floats and hosted public float flower sales throughout January.
House Float installations for Mardi Gras 2026 are scheduled to begin the first week of January and will remain on display through the end of the Carnival season.
More information on House Float submissions, design services and the interactive map is available at www.strongholdstudios.com. All decorated homes are eligible to submit for inclusion.
