In terms of timing, the street is blocked off by 6 p.m. and the venders begin setting up. By about 7 they were all up and some of the bands along the street were playing. The "parade," which is just a couple of dancers in Mardi Gras costumes and a small band, start from the lolos about 7:30 or 8:00 and very slowly work their way down the street, pausing to play and dance often, and allow for photos with viewers. While it's pretty small, they are all having a great time, so it's fun to watch.
When we are driving over, we like to get there before 7 so we can park in the paid lot. If you want to eat at one of the nicer restaurants, I'd recommend a reservation. We made a reservation on Tuesday afternoon for Bistroit Caraibes and by then they were completely full for their first setting, so we reserved for 8:30 but didn't get seated until after 8:45. One of the nice things about eating in the restaurants that night is that there is no car exhaust, although it's a bit hectic with all the walkers by.
By 10 p.m., the venders were packing up and the street was open again.
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