NEW ORLEANS — Arthur Hardy, the longtime voice of New Orleans Mardi Gras, says Carnival 2026 will be his last.

Hardy, 78, announced Wednesday that he’ll retire on Fat Tuesday, stepping away after 49 years of publishing the Mardi Gras Guide magazine and offering expert Carnival commentary.

“It has been a great ride,” Hardy said in an email, “But the time is right.”

A New Orleans native, Hardy launched the guide in 1977 with his wife, Susan, after realizing there was no easy way to keep up with parade schedules. The magazine quickly became a Mardi Gras staple and is now published by Georges Media, parent company of and NOLA.com.

Hardy is preparing the 50th anniversary edition before retiring. His career will be honored with a WYES documentary and a coffee table book featuring all 50 cove

See Full Page