The Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus, the science fiction and fantasy-loving Nerd Horde, has announced what its calling an “across the board paradigm shift” in its approach to this year’s Mardi Gras. On February 3, Chewbacchus returns for its eighth annual carnival festivities, though with a more decentralized, DIY approach.

Its traditional post-parade festivities, the Chewbacchanal, will manifest itself many small parties rather than one central bash. Throughout the Bywater and Marigny, members of the 150 distinct subkrewes will organize parties with their own individual rites honoring the Sacred Drunken Wookiee, including a wickedly good party at the Art Garage hosted by a mysterious group calling itself the Chewluminati.

Chewbacchus also announced that the three original Overlords of the Krewe, Kirah Haubrich (Dilithium Crystal Hot Sauce), Brett Powers (MC Ghetto Fett) and Ryan Ballard (Space Commander Chewbaccacabra) will reign as the Royalty of the 2018 parade. As previously reported by OffBeat.com, this year’s theme will be “Get on Board the Mothership.”

All of the latest information can be found at  www.chewbacchus.org.

This Saturday, January 13, the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus hosts its 8th Annual Sci-Fi Fashion Show… Set Your Phasers To Stunning! It’s the Krewe’s biggest annual fundraiser and a chance for Krewe members to showcase their costumes and talents before the Chewbacchus parade. It all goes down at Howlin’ Wolf for $10, and folks can register to participate in the fashion competition for prizes here: https://goo.gl/forms/HEbu4WcCAHPHvqB92.