Mardi Gras Southeast Texas is back this year with more parades, more music, and more FUN than ever! You will find amazing entertainment, parades, and costumes galore each and every day. Beyond beer and beads, here's what to expect anytime you come:
Catch a Parade
After Thursday's kickoff event, there are several parades each day, and you can find the full schedule here. All parades are outside the gates and circumvent downtown, so no view is a bad view, and there are no entry fees! Pro Tip: bring a bag to hold all the beads and goodies the floats throw your way.
Enjoy Some Music
Inside the gates, live music will play from opening time to close, with the big headliners like Paul Wall and Slim Thug closing out each night. You can find the full entertainment lineup here. Take advantage of DJ music, Zydeco bands, and more on the Main Stage and the Gold Stage during any downtime you have or when you're in need of a break from the action. It's the perfect background music when you're grabbing a bite to eat from any of the fantastic food trucks that will be there.
Go to the Carnival
Located outside the gates (no wristband required!), the carnival will be open every day with 30+ rides and games for kids and adults of ALL ages! Make sure to purchase a daily Fun Pass for $25 (or $20 if you buy online ahead of time) so you can maximize your budget with unlimited rides.
See the Star Attractions
We have a jam-packed lineup of entertainment this year, both on and off the main stages! You can see amazing acts like the Magic Poodles, The Mummers – Woodland String Band, StuntMasters Action Sports, and Exotic Wings Production any day. Be sure to keep an eye out because these performances will be happening all over the fairgrounds.
Feast on Food Trucks
Food trucks are sprinkled around the fairground, and what better excuse for making a food crawl? Devour the staples like Rudy's Kabobs, or find something new that you absolutely love! The food trucks will be there every day from open to close. Don't forget drinks, too! Beverage stations are also scattered throughout the gated area and open all four days. Pro Tip: Hard alcohol is only available inside the Event Centre at the Funky Jester lounge, which is a great place to rest your feet if you need a break from the crowds.
No matter what days you are planning to come, things are happening that you won't want to miss. Be sure to check out the full parade schedule, entertainment lineup, and map out your plan of attack to make the most of Mardi Gras.