As New Orleans prepares for Mardi Gras 2026, a beloved Carnival tradition born out of crisis is getting new life and new leadership. Stronghold Studios, a Mid-City–based art and fabrication studio, has officially become the city’s leading producer of Mardi Gras House Floats, ensuring the continuation of a movement that transformed neighborhoods during the pandemic.
The House Float tradition first emerged in 2020, when parade cancellations threatened to leave Mardi Gras unrecognizable. Rather than let the season fade, residents across New Orleans turned their homes into elaborate, walk-by floats, filling streets with color, humor, and creativity. What began as a grassroots response quickly evolved into a defining symbol of the city’s resilience.
With the dissolution of the Krewe of House Floats, Stronghold Studios has now taken the reins, positioning itself as the new headquarters for House Float design, fabrication, and community coordination. The studio aims not only to preserve the tradition but to expand it citywide.
What’s New for Mardi Gras 2026
For the upcoming season, Stronghold Studios is introducing several new initiatives to support homeowners and Carnival-goers alike. An interactive House Float Map will allow residents and visitors to explore registered House Floats throughout New Orleans. Any decorated home can be included by submitting a map request through Stronghold Studios’ website.
The studio is also accepting House Float project requests on a rolling basis, giving homeowners flexibility in planning their designs. In addition, one of the most popular pandemic-era resources is returning: Mardi Gras float flower sales. Beginning January 2, Stronghold Studios will open its Bienville Avenue warehouse every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in January, offering hundreds of colors, styles, and sizes of float flowers, with discounted options starting at $40 while supplies last.
Handmade Art and Local Talent
“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. Darrow emphasized that the studio is committed to honoring the origins of the movement while giving residents new tools to participate, whether through full House Float installations, event activations, or accessible flower sales.
All artwork produced by Stronghold Studios is custom-made in its Mid-City workshop by local artists, reinforcing the homegrown nature of the tradition and keeping creative labor rooted in New Orleans.
Beyond House Floats
While House Floats are at the center of the studio’s Mardi Gras work, Stronghold Studios’ reach extends far beyond residential Carnival displays. The team specializes in custom fabrication and décor for music festivals, corporate events, private celebrations, and large-scale activations, including Super Bowl events. The studio also serves as the art department hub for Jazz Fest, a role that has shaped its approach to blending large-scale design with the city’s cultural identity.
From concept and design to fabrication and installation, Stronghold Studios manages projects end to end, with an emphasis on authenticity and local flair.
A Tradition Still Growing
In 2025 alone, Stronghold Studios designed more than 50 House Floats and welcomed hundreds of visitors to its float flower sales, cementing its role as a central force in the modern House Float movement. For 2026, the studio says it is ready to build on that momentum.
House Float installations are scheduled to begin in the first week of January 2026 and will remain on display through the end of the Mardi Gras season.
Residents interested in designing a House Float, purchasing float flowers, or adding their decorated home to the official map can get started by visiting Stronghold Studios online. Updates and behind-the-scenes looks at upcoming projects can also be found on the studio’s Instagram (@strongholdstudiosnola) and Facebook pages.
