Join Now

Step into the Spotlight – Carnival Awaits!

Get ready to dive headfirst into the most electrifying parades of the season – and we want YOU right there with us! This year, we’re bringing the magic to:

Krewe of Muses – Legendary, glamorous, and oh-so iconic. The “Best Parade of Carnival”.

And that’s not all – we’re hosting plenty of optional craft meetups to sprinkle even more magic on your costume (and your social calendar)!

Let’s light up the streets, laugh till it hurts, and create unforgettable memories together. Are you in?

Our Mission

The Bearded Oysters Dance Troupe celebrates creativity, community, and radical self-expression while parading to defend Louisiana’s coastline. Founded in 2004 by artist and environmentalist Katrina Brees, “The Mother Shucker,” our krewe parades with purpose – embracing body positivity, gender play, and inclusivity through bold performances and dazzling costumes. We arouse a hunger for Louisiana oysters to fuel reef restoration, rebuild fragile coastlines, and protect the wetlands that shield us from hurricanes. Like oysters, we thrive on connection, resilience, and transformation, mirroring their adaptability and strength. Our signature blend of fierce beards and radiant costumes transcends gender norms, offering a space where everyone can explore identity, uplift others, and celebrate the magic of Mardi Gras. The world is your oyster – let’s protect it.

Origins of The Bearded Oysters Dance Troupe

At the heart of the Bearded Oysters Dance Troupe is the belief that creativity, community, and self-expression are the pearls of life. Founded in 2004 by artist and activist, Katrina Brees – affectionately known as “The Mother Shucker”- our krewe celebrates body positivity, gender play, inclusivity, and the transformative power of parading.

Katrina has been a driving force in the creation of sustainable Carnival culture in Louisiana, founding not only the Bearded Oysters but several other art-focused krewes including the Kolossos Bike Zoo. Her visual and performance arts pieces have become fixtures in major parades, all while advocating for feminist values and environmental stewardship.

Much like real oysters, which adapt and build reefs by linking together, the Bearded Oysters foster connection, resilience, and transformation. Oysters are born female, can shift to male when needed, and return to their original form – mirroring the playful exploration of identity that is at the heart of our krewe. Our signature look – fierce beards paired with dazzling costumes – allows us to blend and transcend gender, celebrate self-expression, and challenge societal norms.

Parading with the Bearded Oysters is more than performance – it’s a transformational experience. In the streets, we expand our sense of self, explore our identities, and claim our space with boldness and joy. Whether you’re donning a beard for the first time or embracing your inner showperson, our krewe offers a space to play, grow, and reimagine your place in the world.

Through lively parades, performances, and crafting meetups, we build more than costumes – we build community. Whether we’re dancing in Mardi Gras, starring in films and commercials, or advocating for Louisiana’s coastline, we move with purpose, pride, and a splash of glitter.

Participation for members is always optional – step in when you feel the call. The world is your oyster, and we invite you to come out of your shell, bejewel yourself, and dance with us.

Mardi Gras Parade Calendar

Krewe of Muses

Thursday, February 4th, 2027

Lineup at 5pm. Roll at 6:30pm

Uptown New Orleans Route

Carnival Crafting Meet Ups & Costume Pick Ups

January, 2027

3725 Dauphine St at The Bywater Art Lofts Gallery

By appointment as well as weekend days