How to Celebrate Fat Tuesday in Austin: Mardi Gras Events Today

Fat Tuesday 2026 has officially arrived in the Live Music Capital of the World, bringing the vibrant spirit of the French Quarter to Central Texas. From festive parades in the suburbs to high-energy second-line block parties and crawfish boils, Austin is ready to let the good times roll. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly afternoon or a lively night out on the town, today’s lineup offers a Texas-sized dose of “joie de vivre.”

Expect a warm and slightly humid Tuesday in Austin with a high of 27°C and a low of 15°C. With mostly cloudy skies but only a 10% chance of rain, it’s a great evening to catch a parade or enjoy outdoor live music on a patio.

Comfort Tip: With temperatures reaching 27°C during the day, lightweight clothing is ideal. However, since it will drop to 15°C tonight, don’t forget to bring a light jacket if you’re staying out for the late-night brass band sets.

This is a quick summary of the top events happening today; for a complete list, check out our article on Mardi Gras Austin Events & Celebrations.

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Today’s Mardi Gras Event Highlights in Austin

For a classic community celebration, the Mardi Gras Parade in Round Rock is a top pick. This festive procession rolls through the heart of Main Street, featuring local krewes and community organizations. For the best photo opportunities, head toward the main stage where the krewes pause for special performances.

If you are looking for an evening of food and entertainment, Fish City Grill in Georgetown is pulling out all the stops today. Located at 1019 W University Ave, they are offering a full day of live music and bayou-inspired food specials. The restaurant will be decked out in full Mardi Gras spirit, so come ready to grab some beads and dance. Meanwhile, in Pflugerville, Krab Kingz is serving up their famous snow crab boils from 11:00 AM to 11:59 PM—don’t forget to ask for the extra spice!

For those who want to combine festivities with a bit of gaming, Mardi Gras Bingo 2026 in Elgin kicks off at 5:00 PM at Millie’s on Main. You can compete for cash prizes across multiple rounds while enjoying food trucks and an open bar. Please remember to bring cash for your $25 bingo cards. Later tonight, you can head over to the Mardi Gras at La Verde Park in Kyle from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM for live music, traditional King Cake, and free beads and masks while supplies last.

The party doesn’t end tonight! For a “hot pick” later this week, don’t miss Mardi Gras Mambo at Antone’s Nightclub on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Experience the authentic sounds of New Orleans with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas. This high-energy show starts at 8:00 PM and is guaranteed to keep you dancing. 

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What to Expect Today in Austin – Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Since Fat Tuesday falls on a weekday, expect significantly heavier traffic in the Round Rock and Georgetown areas starting as early as 3:00 PM as locals head to the Main Street parade and Fish City Grill. If you are traveling between Austin and the northern suburbs, I-35 will likely see increased congestion; consider using the MoPac Express Lane to bypass the worst of the gridlock.

For those heading to the Elgin Mardi Gras Bingo, parking on Main Street will be limited, so arrive early to secure a spot. If you’re visiting La Verde Park in Kyle, feel free to bring a picnic blanket to relax on the lawn while the kids enjoy the playground and festivities.