The Austin streets are about to be painted purple, green, and gold! While we might be miles from Bourbon Street, the Live Music Capital of the World knows exactly how to let the good times roll with a unique Texas twist, featuring everything from festive 5Ks in Manor to legendary brass band performances downtown.
Expect a beautiful window of celebration this year with high temperatures in the mid-70s, making it perfect for attending outdoor parades and enjoying gumbo out on the patio. Just remember that Texas spring weather can be fickle — keep a light jacket handy for those breezy evenings on Sixth Street.
This is a quick summary of the top events happening this year; for a complete list, check out our Mardi Gras Events in Austin 2026.
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This Year’s Mardi Gras Event Highlights in Austin
The party kicks off early on Saturday, February 7, 2026, with the Mardi Gras Madness 5K/10K at East Metro Park in Manor. This isn’t just a race; it’s a full-blown “Big Easy” style celebration, where runners are showered in beads and high-energy music. The Kids Dash (or “Petit Yetis”) starts at 9:00 am, making it the perfect family-friendly way to burn off some energy before hitting a celebratory Cajun brunch.
For those looking for authentic NOLA soul, head to Antone’s Nightclub on Thursday, February 19, 2026, for the Mardi Gras Mambo featuring The Dirty Dozen Brass Band. This legendary venue provides an intimate setting to catch world-class brass music that embodies the true spirit of the season. Doors typically open early, and with a capacity of only 500, you’ll want to secure your tickets well in advance to ensure you’re part of this high-energy “Mambo” dance party.
If you’re looking for a kid-friendly gathering, don your favorite Mardi Gras costumes to this Mardi Gras Celebration by Tulane University Alumni, which features Tulane swag and traditional King Cakes. Each registration of $25 includes two free drink tickets. Local food will be available for purchase.
What to Expect This Year – Mardi Gras 2026 in Austin
Unlike previous years, where celebrations were concentrated on Fat Tuesday, 2026 sees a much wider spread of “Cajun-themed” events across the entire month of February. You’ll notice a significant increase in “Crossover” events, like the Mardi Gras Madness run, that combine fitness with the traditional revelry of the holiday.
There’s always a lot of fun and interesting events happening in Austin. Check out our always updated, curated list of Things to Do in Austin this Weekend.
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