New Orleans-Inspired Food, Drink & Live Music!

Enjoy an afternoon carnival filled with Cajun food and live music! Local restaurants will offer Traditional Cajun or Creole cuisine at their food booths up and down Middle Lane and on Front Street and John Newton Park. It is the place for festivalgoers to enjoy Mardi Gras standards like gumbo, smoked sausages, barbecue, shrimp, po’boys, muffuletta, jambalaya, and the popular king cakes. Special Louisiana beers, Hurricanes, and a New-Orleans-inspired Bourbon Street Punch will be available. The Beer Garden with food truck cuisine will be at the Craven Street parking lot

Children’s Activities!

Bring the kids along for family activities including balloon art, face painting and mask making experiences under the tent in the Kid’s Area at John Newton Park on Front Street.

Be sure to look for the roaming street performers including stilt walkers, jugglers, balloon twisters, and face painters. These carnival themed entertainers on Front Street and Middle Lane will add to the festive atmosphere.

Artists & Vendors!

Stroll through the outdoor arts tents showcasing an exhibition of outstanding fine art.

Mardi Gras Street Carnival takes place from 11 am – 5 pm. Free admission.

Beaufort’s Waterfront Mardi Gras Festival is a three-day celebration with feasts, parades, costumes, masks, and revelry. Highlights will include a Masquerade Ball, Parade and Street Carnival, PRO / AM Gumbo Competition & Tasting and the Sinner’s Remorse Brunch.

After going to Beaufort’s Mardi Gras Celebration, you’ll understand why Beaufort was named to the list of “America’s Quirkiest Towns” by Travel + Leisure magazine.

Beaufort’s Mardi Gras is hosted by Beaufort Business Association.

Sponsors for Beaufort’s Mardi Gras include: Beaufort Grocery Company, Beaufort Hotel, Beau Coast & Beau Coast West, Beaufort Events Rentals, Grow Social, and the Crystal Coast.