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!
Most events take place either Saturday, March 1, or Tuesday, March 4, 2025. 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! And read on for a bigger, day by day list of Mardi Gras events in the Triangle (or jump right to the day by day list.)
Mardi Gras Celebrations in the Triangle
Mardi Gras Festival at The Plant
Mardi Gras Festival at The Plant
Date: February 28 to March 2, 2025
Time: Varies
Place: The Plant, 192 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Costume parade, live music, entertainment, vendor market
Carnival Du Crank — Mardi Grass Stroll and Party
Carnival Du Crank
Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 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.
Durham Daytime Mardi Gras
Daytime Mardi Gras
Date: Sunday, March 2, 2025
Time: 1 to 5 p.m.
Place: The Scrap Exchange, 2050 Chapel Hill Road, Durham, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Make and take costumes, hats and shoebox floats, live music by The Bulltown Strutters, parades.
Mardi Gras Jazz Jam at Downtown Public House
Mardi Gras Jazz Jam
Date: Sunday, March 2, 2025
Time: 4 to 7 p.m.
Place: Downtown Public House, 113 Goldsboro Street N, Wilson, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Jazz jam led by Root Down Collective. Drums and keys provided. FREE gumbo and beeds. Costumes encouraged.
Mardi Gras at The Pour House
Mardi Gras at The Pour House with Boom Unit Brass Band and The Phoebes
Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Time: 8 p.m.
Place: The Pour House Music Hall and Record Shop, 226 S Blount Street, Raleigh, NC
Cost: $15
Features: Music by Boom Unit Brass Band and The Phoebes
Durham Mardi Gras
Durham Mardi Gras
Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Place: Starts at the CCB Plaza
Cost: Free
Features: Meet at The Bull at 5:30 p.m. Festive attire encouraged. At 6 p.m. there will be a music jam led by the Bulltown Strutters. At 6:30 p.m. the Bulltown Strutters will lead a sidewalk parade from CCB Plaza to Geer Street. At 8 p.m. they’ll perform at Motorco.
Mardi Gras at Chavis Park
Mardi Gras at Chavis Park
Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Time: 5 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,
You might also be interested in:
