Mardi Gras Austin 2026: 18 Best Events, Parades & Parties

Updated: Saturday, January 24, 2026

Jump To: Free Events | Family-Friendly | Adults Only | Greater Austin Suburbs

Austin is ready to transform into a Texas-sized version of the French Quarter for Mardi Gras 2026. Whether you are looking for the vibrant brass bands on 6th Street, a family-friendly parade in San Marcos, or a unique Bingo night in Elgin, the Live Music Capital of the World has a celebration for everyone.

From the high-energy Mardi Gras Madness 5K to the soulful sounds of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band at Antone’s, this year’s lineup promises beads, king cake, and plenty of “joie de vivre.”

If you’re looking for even more ways to fill your calendar, don’t miss our guide to the top Things to Do in Austin this Weekend.

Editor’s Note: We work hard to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information. However, all details are subject to change. Please verify information before heading out.

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Free Mardi Gras Austin 2026 Events

Mardi Gras Madness 5K/10K – Austin

Get your heart rate up before the gumbo at this annual festive run. It’s a high-energy way to kick off the season with plenty of beads for participants.

Insider Tip: Arrive 45 minutes early to secure a parking spot close to the starting line and enjoy the pre-race music.

Where: East Metro Park, 18706 Blake Manor Rd, Manor, TX 78653
When: Saturday, February 7, 2026 | 9:00 am
How Much: Free to watch; Race entry fees vary

Family-Friendly Mardi Gras Austin 2026

Annual San Marcos Mardi Gras Parade

Image credit: mardigrassanmarcos

The historic districts of San Marcos set the stage for a grand, family-oriented celebration as the city’s original Mardi Gras Krewe rolls through the streets. Starting at 12 pm, this annual parade transforms the neighborhood into a lively corridor of laughter and community spirit.

Insider Tip: Set up your chairs on the sidewalk at least 30 minutes before start time for the best view of the bead toss.

Where: Historic District, San Marcos, TX 78666
When: Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 12:00 pm
How Much: Free

Mardi Gras Family Event – Round Rock

Round Rock Pride invites you to a family-oriented Mardi Gras celebration specifically for those with children under 18. You can dive into the festive spirit by creating custom masks and colorful beads at the dedicated craft stations.

Where: Round Rock Public Library, 200 E Liberty Ave, Round Rock, TX 78664
When: Saturday, February 7, 2026 | 1:30 pm – 3 pm
How Much: Free

Mardi Gras Parade – Round Rock

Enjoy this festive procession through the heart of Round Rock featuring local krewes and community organizations.

Insider Tip: The best photo opportunities are near the main stage where the krewes pause for performances.

Where: Main Street, Round Rock, TX 78664
When: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
How Much: Free

Mardi Gras at La Verde Park – Kyle

Image credit: City of Kyle Parks and Recreation Department

Immerse yourself in a sea of green, purple, and gold while enjoying live music, traditional King Cake, and various food and drink vendors. Make sure to arrive early to grab your beads and masks while supplies last.

Insider Tip: Bring a picnic blanket so you can relax on the lawn while the kids enjoy the playground.

Where: La Verde Park, 3901 Burnham, Kyle, TX 78640
When: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | 6 pm – 8 pm
How Much: Free

Club of Austin: Mardi Gras Celebration

Image credit: Tulane University Alumni

Don your favorite Mardi Gras costumes for this kid-friendly gathering, which features Tulane swag and traditional King Cakes. Each registration includes two free drink tickets, and local food will be available for purchase. Come connect with your community and bring the New Orleans spirit to Austin!

Where: Lustre Pearl East, 114 Linden St, Austin, TX 78702
When: Saturday, February 7, 2026 | 12 pm – 3 pm
How Much: $25

Mardi Gras Austin 2026 – Adults Only Parties

Mardi Gras Mambo: The Dirty Dozen Brass Band

Experience the authentic sounds of New Orleans with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas.

Insider Tip: This show is high-energy; wear comfortable shoes because you will be dancing the entire time.

Where: Antone’s Nightclub, 305 E 5th St., Austin, TX 78701
When: Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 8 pm
How Much: $38.15

Austin Alumni Chapter Mardi Gras Meet-Up

Join Loyola University New Orleans alumni for an authentic celebration featuring traditional music and community.

Insider Tip: This is the best place in town to find fellow New Orleans natives who know exactly how to celebrate.

Where: Shoal Creek Saloon, 909 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
When: Thursday, February 5, 2026 | 5 pm – 7 pm
How Much: $10

Mardi Gras Gala “Love in New Orleans” – Cedar Park

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with purpose at the “Love in New Orleans” Mardi Gras Gala on February 14th. This evening combines romance with community impact, featuring live jazz, authentic jambalaya, and festive spirit to benefit Hill Country Community Ministries.

Your attendance directly supports neighbors in need, turning a holiday date into an opportunity to transform local lives.

Insider Tip: This is a formal event; break out your best masks and black-tie attire for the costume contest.

Where: Embassy Suites Round Rock, 270 Bass Pro Dr, Round Rock, TX 78665
When: Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
How Much: $150 per ticket

Mardi Gras Casino Night – Wimberley

Test your luck at the Mardi Gras Casino Night, where you can take on everything from blackjack and roulette to high-stakes Texas Hold’em. While you play, feast on a classic Cajun menu featuring muffuletta slices, red beans and rice, and authentic King Cake.

Your participation supports the 5th Annual “Emergency Responders Appreciation Luncheon,” ensuring every winning hand helps a great cause.

Insider Tip: Buy your “fun money” chips in advance to skip the line at the door.

Where: St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 14711 Ranch Rd 12, Wimberley, TX 78676
When: Saturday, January 31, 2026 | 6 pm – 10 pm
How Much: $65

Mardi Gras Brunch Annual Fundraiser

Support Take Me Home Transport at their Annual Mardi Gras Brunch, a primary fundraiser dedicated to saving at-risk animals in central Texas. Enjoy a delicious brunch and mimosas while meeting sweet, adoptable dogs looking for a new start.

The morning also features a high-stakes live auction led by Willmann Auctioneers, and offering everything from vacations to concert tickets alongside an extensive silent auction for you to browse.

Where: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, 6505 N IH 35, Austin, TX 78752
When: Saturday, January 31, 2026 | 10 am – 12:30 pm
How Much: Not stated

Greater Austin Suburbs & Beyond

Bastrop Mardi Gras Festival

Image credit: Explore Bastrop County

Head over to this massive regional festival featuring a gumbo cook-off, live music, and a lighted grand parade.

Insider Tip: Stay for the lighted parade after dark; it’s the highlight of the festival and very popular with locals!

Where: Multiple locations in Bastrop
When: Friday – Saturday, January 30 – 31, 2026
How Much: Varies

Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras – Fish City Grill Georgetown

Image credit: Fish City Grill – Georgetown (Georgetown)

Enjoy a full day of live music, authentic bayou-inspired food specials, and festive drinks designed to keep the celebration moving. The restaurant will be decked out in full Mardi Gras spirit, so come ready to grab some beads and masks while you dance the night away.

Insider Tip: Parking can be tight on the square; use the free parking garage at 9th and Main.

Where: Fish City Grill, 1019 W University Ave Suite 1025, Georgetown, TX 78628
When: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
How Much: Not stated

Mardi Gras at Krab Kingz – Pflugerville

Seafood and celebrations go hand-in-hand at this Pflugerville mainstay.

Insider Tip: Their snow crab boils are the perfect Mardi Gras meal — remember to ask for the extra spice!

Where: Krab Kingz, 1202 FM 685 A1, Pflugerville, TX 78660
When: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | 11 am – 11:59 pm
How Much: Not stated

Masnytsia + Mardi Gras – Pflugerville

Pflugerville hosts a unique cultural fusion this year, weaving together the Ukrainian tradition of Masnytsia with Mardi Gras. Celebrate the end of winter through a blend of colorful costumes and playful games that honor both heritages.

Where: 1205 Mattapan Dr, Pflugerville, TX 78660-2927
When: Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 5 pm
How Much: Not stated

Mardi Gras Bingo 2026 – Elgin

Compete for cash prizes across multiple rounds while enjoying food trucks, an open bar, and exclusive ranch merchandise. Please remember to bring cash for your $25 bingo cards and prepare for an evening of festive fundraising.

Where: Millie’s on Main, 212 N Main St, Elgin, TX 78621
When: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | 5 pm – 9 pm
How Much: Not stated

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Mardi Gras 2026? Fat Tuesday falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, but Austin events begin as early as late January in suburbs like Bastrop.

Are there Mardi Gras parades in Austin? While Austin doesn’t have one single massive downtown parade, local parades will be held in Round Rock and San Marcos on February 14, and in Bastrop on January 31.

Where can I find free Mardi Gras events in Austin? Many suburban celebrations, including the festivities at La Verde Park in Kyle and the Pflugerville Heritage Park event, are free to the public.

If you’re ready to explore more of what to do in Austin, don’t miss our latest updates on Things to Do in Austin this Weekend.

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Lacey Morris

Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.