No matter how you like to celebrate Mardi Gras, there’s a party for you in the Triangle. Learn about a couple of the major events and then keep reading for a day by day list of Mardi Gras events that are free or cheap to attend in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and beyond. Drinks are on you though!
Fat Tuesday is on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, but events take place on other dates as well. We include both family-friendly and adult events in our list.
This list will be continually updated, so if you know if an event that should be listed, let us know!
Mardi Gras Highlights
Mardi Gras Festival at The Plant
Mardi Gras Festival at The Plant
Date: February 13 and 14, 2026
Time: 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday and 12 to 6 p.m. on Saturday
Place: The Plant, 192 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Costume parade, masquerade ball, live music, entertainment, vendor market
Mardi Gras Live! at Sports & Social
Mardi Gras Live!
Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026
Time: 12 to 4 p.m.
Place: Sports & Social, 301 Fenton Gateway Drive, Cary, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Live entertainment, masks, beads, prizes, Creole themed menu, more.
Carnival Du Crank — Mardi Gras Stroll and Party
Carnival Du Crank
Date: Sunday, February 15, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Place: Crank Arm Brewing Company, 319 W Davie Street, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Sidewalk stroll with the Second Line Stompers through the Sip ‘n’ Stroll Downtown Social District. Afterparty with live music by Mel Melton and the Wicked Mojos, and a Creole and southern menu.
Mardi Gras at The Pour House
Mardi Gras at The Pour House with Boom Unit Brass Band and Chip Robinson Sextetto
Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Place: The Pour House Music Hall and Record Shop, 226 S Blount Street, Raleigh, NC
Cost: $14.24
Features: Music by Boom Unit Brass Band and Chip Robinson Sextetto
Durham Mardi Gras
Durham Mardi Gras
Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
Place: Motorco, 723 Rigsbee Avenue, Durham, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Doors at 6 p.m. The Bulltown Strutters and Cajun Band Shamu Garcon are performing. Hurricanes on tap and NoLa food specials. Typically, beforehand, meet at the Bull at CCB Plaza around 5:30 p.m. for a sidewalk parade.
Mardi Gras at Chavis Park
Mardi Gras at Chavis Park
Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Place: John Chavis Memorial Park, 505 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Music, food trucks, mask making, and a bead giveaway.
More Mardi Gras Celebrations in the Triangle
Get Some Mardi Gras Bling
- Mardi Gras Bulk – 100pcs 3 kinds of Mardi Gras beads. Multiple Mardi Gras accessories, one set to meet all your parade and party needs!
- High Quality – Mardi Gras accessories is made of metal-colored plastic, safe and suitable for long-term use.
- Universal Size – Mardi Gras decorations is 33 in, One size is suitable for women men.
- Mardi Gras Throw – You will receive 100pcs of 11 types of Mardi Gras beads, ensuring an abundant supply for your carnival festivities.
- Festival Design – Our Mardi Gras throw necklaces feature masks, coins, and classic color designs, creating a vibrant and authentic carnival atmosphere.
- Universal Size – With a length of 33″, our Mardi Gras bulk is suitable for unisex adult and can effortlessly complement your carnival attire.
- High-Quality Plastic Tablecloths –Made from premium plastic material, these Mardi Gras table covers protect your surfaces from spills, stains, glitter, and party messes while showcasing vibrant…
- Generously Sized for Rectangular Tables –Each tablecloth measures 54 x 108 inches (137 x 274 cm), perfectly fitting most 6 to 8-foot rectangular tables. Ideal for party dining tables, buffet setups…
- Vibrant Mardi Gras Mask Design –Featuring iconic Carnival elements such as gold masks, colorful feathers, beads, crowns, confetti, and classic purple harlequin check patterns, these table covers…
- Festive Mardi Gras Earrings: This dainty earrings feature vibrant Mardi Gras fleur de lis inspired design.
- Lightweight & Comfortable: mardi gras earrings are made of acrylic materials, these earrings are designed for all-day wear without discomfort.
- High Quality & Size: Jump into Mardi Gras season with these adorable Fat Tuesday earrings! These holiday drop dangle earrings are made of alloy and sequin, lightweight and durable, wearing them for a…
- 【Premium Material】 The short sleeve shirt is lightweight, soft, breathable, cool and does not shrink, giving you the most comfortable wearing experience. After washing, it dries quickly and…
- 【Classic Design】Our basic series Button Down Shirt features spread collar, chest pocket and short sleeves, regular fit shirts are suitable for most people, simple but classic, never goes out of…
- 【Stylish Pattern】There are various pattern types to choose: bowling, coconut tree, stripe, art, music, tie dye print, hawaii, geometric, flag. We also have festival theme shirts like Halloween…
- Mardi Gras Party Favors Set: Includes 9 vibrant sequin masks, 9 rubber bracelets, 72 fun temporary tattoos, 54 colorful bead necklaces and 72 shiny coins. Perfect for parties, parades and…
- Suitable for Mardi Gras Party & Parade: Mardi gras beads necklace can be used not only for party, but also for mardi gras parade and masquerade. Increase sequin design, which will make you look very…
- Mardi Gras Theme Design: The mardi gras mask are design in the classic colors of green, gold and purple, and the coins have exquisite crown and mask patterns on the front and back. Add a strong…
- Vibrant Mardi Gras Jewelry for Women – These lightweight glitter hoop earrings feature Purple, Gold & Green sequin accents, perfect for Mardi Gras, Carnival, New Year & Holiday parties. The dangle…
- Premium & Hypoallergenic – Crafted from gold-plated alloy with shimmering sequins, these earrings are nickel-free and safe for sensitive ears. At just 0.43 oz (12g), they’re designed for all-day…
- Perfectly Proportioned Hoops – Measuring 2.48″ wide x 2.64″ tall (6.3cm x 6.7cm), these statement earrings are bold yet lightweight. The 0.24″ (6mm) thick hoops ensure durability without tugging on…
- More Feathers,More Fluffy:45g feather boas have more feathers and a fuller design,adds extra volume to enjoy a better experience
- Comfortable to Wear: 2 Yards feather boas bulk are selected high-quality and soft turkey feathers,and is made by our skilled craftsmen after rigorous selection,which are safe,plump,and…
- Multi-Dimensional Colors: Three styles more than 29 bright colors,multiple dimensions give you options,suitable for various scenes and costume,Enjoy the fun of the party
- 30Pcs Mardi Gras Accessories: Each mardi gras decorations set contains 30 mardi gras beads necklaces. There are three colors, purple, gold and green, the number of each color is 10. Mardi Gras beads…
- Perfect Mardi Gras Decorations: The mardi gras necklace beads is great as mardi gras party supplies, st patricks day necklace, mardi gras party decorations, kids birthday party, school events or other…
- High-Quality Materials: The mardi gras beads are made of high-quality materials. Each mardi gras beads bulk decorations are carefully crafted, and the gloss and texture are also great. You can enjoy…
- PACK OF 12 MARDI GRAS MASKS – Each bulk pack of Mardi Gras masks includes 12 assorted vibrant colored masks in adult sizes for men & women. Get ready to have an epic Mardi Gras party with these…
- BEAUTIFUL COLORS & FEATHERS – Because these masquerade masks come in assorted vibrant colors they fit in perfect with your Mardi Gras party supplies. Each fantasy feather mask is individually wrapped…
- DECORATE FOR ANY MARDI GRAS & MASQUERADE PARTY – If you are throwing a masquerade ball, then costume masks are a must because they make your Mardi Gras theme complete. These feather masks will be sure…
