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Combining shrimp and rice and everything nice, Mardi Gras, or Carnival is an ancient worldwide tradition of feasting and celebrating before entering a time of atonement. While it's famously known in the US as a major event in New Orleans, Asheville promises its own "Big Easy" spirit, delicious cuisine, and eccentric parties filled with beads and bling! Below, you'll find a list of upcoming celebrations and where to find Mardi Gras-themed cocktails and cuisine:
- Steve Simon and the Kings of Jazz-185 King Street. Friday, Feb. 9 at 8 PM. Steve Simon will be joined by a 9 piece band with a full brass section to start Mardi Gras weekend off with some Jazz! 185 King Street offers "Music, Food, and Brews in Brevard's Backyard." It's a family-friendly venue, but shows are 21+ unless accompanied by a parent. This is a general admission show with tables available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Advance tickets at $5.
- Empire Strikes Brass: Mardi Gras Party!-Salvage Station. Friday, Feb. 9 starting at 8 PM. Come on out to Salvage Station to enjoy the 10th annual Mardi Gras celebration with hometown homies, Empire Strikes Brass! Doors open at 7 PM and the music starts at 8 PM. This is a General Admission, 18+ ONLY show (no exceptions)! Root Down will be serving their delicious twist on Southern Soul food PLUS there will be a FULL bar open to enjoy!
- Mardi Gras Beads & Brews Bar Crawl- Friday, Feb. 10 from 5-11 PM. Get ready to unleash the bead-wearing, brew-sipping, carnival spirit at Pub Pioneers' Mardi Gras Beads & Brews Bar Crawl. Kick off the party by checking in between 5-7 PM at their designated spot. Receive your exclusive wristband and a digital map that's your treasure guide to the ultimate bar crawl adventure. Take the reins of revelry at your own pace, exploring a lineup of vibrant bars. And what's a crawl without exclusive specials? Fear not, intrepid crawler, for the treasure map reveals the secret concoctions awaiting your taste buds. Don your most festive beads, grab your crew, and let the good times roll on this Mardi Gras escapade. It's not just a bar crawl; it's a beads-and-brews odyssey you won't want to miss!
- 17th Annual Asheville Mardi Gras Parade & Queen's Ball- South Slope. Sunday, Feb. 11 from 3:05–9:00 PM. This zany, exuberant, and irreverent event is a gift to the city to shake off those dead of winter blues. This beloved and always colorful event is designed for all ages to enjoy. All members of Asheville Mardi Gras who want to march are welcome to join in as long as you dress up, show up, and bring candy or beads to throw to parade attendees. This year's Mardi Gras event theme is Secret Garden! The Queen's Ball will take place from 5-10 PM at the Funkatorium directly following the parade.
- Fat Tuesday at Highland Brewing-Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 6-9:00 PM. Celebrate Fat Tuesday with beer specials, music, and more! Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere filled with soulful tunes that will transport you straight to the heart of New Orleans. This event is open to all and free of charge! Live Music: Meschiya Lake and The Moodswingers from 6:00-9:00 PM. Food Trucks: Voodoo Roux and Bigfoot-Longs.
- Beneath the Veil: Burial's Mardi Gras Weekend-Saturday, Feb. 10, Sunday, Feb. 11, and Tuesday, Feb. 13. Burial Beer Co. will be hosting Mardi Gras celebrations at all 3 of their locations (Eulogy, Forestry Camp, and South Slope Taproom). The events kick off on Saturday at Eulogy (7 PM) with a Masquerade Ball and NOLA-style DJ set and continue on Sunday at the South Slope Taproom (12 PM) with a pre-parade party, live music, and Mardi Gras-inspired slushies. At 5 PM, the parade after party will be at Eulogy with Phuncle Sam and NOLA-inspired cocktails. The events conclude on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at Forestry Camp (4 PM) with Krewe de Camp NOLA-inspired dishes and cocktails.
With over 180 homes on special, you can find the perfect last-minute deal on a Mardi Gras getaway with a mountain view. Laissez les bons temps rouler (Let the good times roll)!
