Patience is a virtue, and it can be hard one to have while waiting for Mardi Gras to roll around. So much so, that not only is Krewe of O.A.K. throwing their 31st Mid-Summer Mardi Gras parade as a reprieve from such virtue, but it is throwing it earlier this year than it did last year.

Traditionally taking place the last weekend of August, Mid-Summer Mardi Gras has moved up its annual uptown event to Saturday, Aug. 19. The change, however, comes as result of the krewe’s cosmic calculation rather than the anxious anticipation for Fat Tuesday that plagues the rest us. NOLA.com reports the Krewe’s oracle advised them to make the move to better align with the solar eclipse happening the following Monday.

While they may have changed the date, the Krewe of O.A.K., who’s name both symbolizes the street they call home and acts as acronym for “outrageous and kinky,” will still closely adhere to their established traditions of summertime sin. Like previous years, the parade will kick off at the Maple Leaf Bar, leaving at 7:30 p.m., and make its way over to Palmer Park at the intersection of South Carrollton Avenue and South Claiborne Avenue.

The theme of this years parade is “Dirty One XXXI Coming In Hot.” As the theme, and the name of the krewe that picked it, imply, the costumes and activities of parade-goers may not make this a family friendly event. However, anyone is welcome to march along side “floats” of decked out golf carts and jacked up wheelbarrows.

Dance groups Tap Dat, the Muff-A-Lottas and The Organ Grinders as well as a group from the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus will return this year to march in the Mid-Summer Mardi Gras parade. Queen Stacy Morigeau and King Robustus XXXI Doug Trager will reign over the 2017 festivities.

La Casita will host the official Mid- Summer Mardi Gras after party. Drink and food specials will begin at the taqueria before the parade at 6 p.m. and DJ Soul Sister will play from 10 p.m. to midnight. The Maple Leaf Bar will be closed for a private event.