Durham celebrates Mardi Gras in a big way. The main event is on Tuesday, February 25th, 2020, and it’s free. The parade is a DIY affair. You don’t have to register your krewe. Just show up. There is no officially organized parade, but…it will happen.
Here are answers to frequently asked questions.
Here’s the Facebook event for the 2020 Durham Mardi Gras, which marks its 10th year in 2020.
Nobody can tell you exactly what to expect, because anything can happen (because this is Durham), but tradition suggests that folks will gather at CCB Plaza, 201 North Corcoran Street, Durham, around 6:30 p.m.
There will be bands and music and people showing off their over-the-top costumes, and the League of the Tutu will adorn Major the Bull with a giant tutu.
Then around 7 p.m., the parade will make its way to Motorco, 723 Rigsbee Avenue, maybe led by the Bulltown Strutters if past years’ events are any indication. Everyone is in the parade. You don’t have to do anything to get into the parade. Just show up. Parade on the sidewalk, not the street.
Parking is free on the streets after 7 p.m. Kids are allowed in the venues until 9 p.m., officially.
There will be live music, with no cover, at several Durham venues. Here’s the music schedule:
Motorco
723 Rigsbee Avenue:
- 7:30 – 8:45: Katharine Whalen & her Mardi Gras Squad
- 9:15: The Bulltown Strutters
The Blue Note Grill
709 Washington Street
- 8 p.m to 9:15 p.m: Boom Unit Brass Band
- 9:45 p.m. to 11 p.m.: Rollin Dynamite
Fullsteam Brewery
726 Rigsbee Avenue
- 8:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.: Tom Merrigan’s Hot Raccoons
- 9:45 pm. to 11 p.m.: Rainbow Cabbage & The Kings
The Pit Authentic Barbecue in Durham
321 W Geer Street
- 7:45 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Cajammers
- 9:15 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.: Shamu Garcon
The Bar…Durham
711 Rigsbee Avenue
- 9:30 p.m.: The Mardi Gras Drag Show
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it's also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
You might also be interested in:
More Mardi Gras Happenings in the Triangle
Check out our list of Mardi Gras events in the Triangle, or look at them, briefly, here:
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