Beaufort’s Mardi Gras!

A 3-Day Celebration

February 9 – 11, 2024

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, 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.

Mardi Gras Parade

The crowds fill the parade route on Front Street and on Middle Lane in anticipation of the parade starting at 3 p.m. sharp, with the crowning of the Mardi Gras King and Queen.

Beaufort’s Mardi Gras Celebration is a true display of Beaufort’s quirkiness. The parade of “krewes” in costume tossing jewelry and charms is something to see. The Sweet Potato Queens always steal the show! The group of women aged 40-70, all dress in elaborate costumes and perform choreographed routines.

New Parade Route: The parade starts at Truist Bank and proceeds west on Front Street to Turner Street and turns right to continue onto Middle Lane, ending on Craven Street.

Parade “krewe” entry fee is $50.00

Street Carnival

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.

Parade and Street Carnival, 11 am – 5 pm. Free admission.

Pro/Am Gumbo Competition and Tasting!

Don’t miss your opportunity to sample Classic New Orleanian-style gumbo. Amateur and professional cooks will participate in the Pro/Am Gumbo Competition and Tasting. The competition is guaranteed to be fun and exciting, and rewarding for our contestants! Professional and amateur divisions will be judged separately, and the winners will be announced during the festival. The event starts at Noon and takes place under the tent in the West Parking Lot on Front Street. Tickets are $30 per person and include choice of a beer or glass of wine. PRO/AM Competition & Tasting, 12-10pm. Ticket Event.  Presented by Eddy Myers Real Estate.

Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball

The premier event of Beaufort’s Mardi Gras includes a feast with interactive food stations sponsored by Beaufort Grocery Company. Carnival themed entertainers that will add to the festive atmosphere. Sample the Bourbon Street Tasting sponsored by Woodford Reserve.

The event takes place in the West Parking Lot on Front Street. Mardi Gras Ball, 6-10pm. Ticketed Event. Presented by the Beaufort Hotel.

Sinner’s Remorse Brunch

There will be no need to repent after the Mardi Gras Celebration with a quintessential Louisiana brunch. Mardi Gras brunch puts the easy in Big Easy with authentic New Orleans breakfast dishes setup in stations, under the big tent, and served by local restaurants. Let’s not forget Tito’s Bloody Mary Bar and Mimosas. There will be plenty of live music to fill the air on Front Street. The event takes place in the West Parking Lot on Front Street.

Mardi Gras Sunday Brunch, 11 am – 2 pm. Ticketed Event.

Spend the Weekend

Make plans now to come to Beaufort for Mardi Gras weekend. There are a number of inns and B&Bs for you to choose from. The Beaufort Hotel (below) is the official hotel for the 2024 Mardi Gras Celebration. 

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