How long does Mardi Gras last?

I've experienced the last weekend of carnival before mardi gras and it was crazy,wild,fun, and crowded and was wondering how first weekend compares,

I was just curious on how long a parade takes from it's start time to reach downtown and it's terminus. For example, if a parade start at the typical location uptown at 4:15pm about what time should it be arriving on Canal St in downtown? We are staying...

From the beginning of the route, to the end? Two hours? Four hours? What are we to expect here?

I was wondering how long the concerts last in the park? the park closes at 8pm but the concerts begin at 8:30pm. anybody? Around what time do the concerts end?

Ive been invited to be a guys date to a Mardi Gras Ball and I'll have to wear some type of formal dress, and I have a great one thats almost floor length golden satin with an open back and overall very sexy, but Im not sure how to get rid of my pantylines...

My girlfriend wants me to take her to a Mardi Gras ball. The problem is, I'm a college student, and haven't worked since summer, so my cash is kind of tight. Anyone know how much it would cost to attend a Mardi Gras ball and what to wear? Some are cheaper...