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
- SET INCLUDES:Our Mardi Gras accessoriesset includes 1 x Mardi Gras feather scarf, 1 x Mardi Gras hair tie, 1 x sequin face mask, 3 x Mardi Gras bead necklaces in different colors to decorate your…
- FIT SIZE: Mardi gras outfit for women’s bead necklace is 82cm/32inches long, Mardi Gras feather scarf is 200cm/78.7inches long, sequin hairband has a circumference of 42cm/16.5inches, Mardi Gras mask…
- COMFORTABLE MATERIAL: Our mardi gras outfit set is made of high quality materials such as feathers, sequins and spandex, which is glossy and elegant, comfortable and easy to carry, suitable for long…
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- MARDI GRAS MUST-HAVE – Celebrate in style with purple, green, and gold bead necklaces, perfect for birthdays, carnival parties, or Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans!
- HIGH-QUALITY MATERIAL: Our sparkly skirt is made of excellent 100% Polyester with beautiful fringes and sequins, which is lightweight, skin-friendly and durable. Besides, the tulle lining under the…
- GORGEOUS SEQUINED FRINGE: The belly dance skirt with four-layered sequins and fringes is shinier and more gorgeous, which makes you more acctractive. What’s more, the tinsel skirt perfectly fits your…
- ONE SIZE FITS MOST: The tassle skirt is designed of lacing belt , which allows you to adjust the length of the belt to suit your waistline. The waistline of belly dancer skirt can be adjusted…
- 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…
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- 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…
- ✨【FESTIVE AND FUN】✨ Metallic foil fringe garland has double stick tape at the back for easy mounting and removing. Strong adhesion but not too strong to rip off car/wall paint, this parade…
- ✨【PARADE FLOAT SUPPLIES】✨Parade float fringes create a strong festive and fun atmosphere. For example, using these shiny metallic fringe garland as car decoration for your son/daughter’s…
- ✨【ADDING FLAIR】✨The foil fringe garland serves as an awesome party decoration trim, fancy up a party. Hang it on the wall as an iridescent shiny backdrop for photos, your friends will be very…
- Package Includes: Mardi Gras accessories set includes 1 costume suspenders, 1 Glasses, 1 Mardi Gras sequin hat and bow tie in three colors. These Mardi Gras accessories can match your Mardi Gras…
- Sparkling Sequin Hat: Elevate your Mardi Gras costume with this Sequin Hat, a dazzling addition to any Carnival party outfit. This hat is covered in shimmering sequins that catch the light with every…
- Sequin Bow Tie: This Sequin Bow Tie adds a touch of sophistication to your Mardi Gras ensemble. This elegant bow tie is adorned with the same sparkling sequins as the hat, creating a cohesive and…
- 6-PACK MARDI GRAS MASKS: Includes 6 uniquely designed paper masquerade half-face masks in vibrant purple, green, and gold carnival colors, perfect for groups and parties.
- CARNIVAL-THEMED DESIGN: Classic Brazilian Carnival and Mardi Gras style half-face masks featuring intricate feather patterns and jewel accents, ideal for photo shoots and stage performances.
- ADJUSTABLE BUCKLE ROPE: Each mask comes with an 11.81-inch adjustable iron buckle rope for a secure, comfortable fit that suits most adults without slipping during wear.
