9 ways to celebrate Mardi Gras in Central Texas: parades, live music, drink deals
Forget the French Quarter, y'all. This year, Central Texas is throwing a Mardi Gras bash that's less beads-in-your-face tourism and more like your weird uncle's backyard barbecue — but with gumbo and a brass band that might actually know what they're doing. From crawfish boils in dive bars to drag brunches that'll make your wig spin, the city's serving up a spicy slice of Louisiana, Texas-style.
Kitty Cohen's is doing their last free crawfish boil of the season on March 1. They're opening at 11 a.m. with beer and frozen hurricanes, calling it a pre-Mardi Gras party. It's just their usual crawfish boil, but the last one for a while.
2211 Webberville Rd #3548. kittycohens.com.
This Mardi Gras bar crawl on March 1 turns Austin into a New Orleans-style party. Participants get beads, a color-changing cup and a mask (for the first 100 people), along with no cover and drink specials at participating bars. Registration is from 3 to 5 p.m. at The Blind Pig Pub, where you'll get your gear. After that, you can visit any of the participating bars at your own pace. Participating bars include the Bling Pig, Burnside's Tavern, Dizzy Rooster, The Lodge, Peckerheads and Thirsty's. Remember to bring your ID. You can find more information here.
Sahara Lounge is hosting a Mardi Gras party with a global twist. Starting at 7 p.m., they'll have their regular Africa Night Buffet with both vegan and meat options, accompanied by Mafaro Marimba. Later in the evening, Continental Drift takes the stage at 9 p.m., followed by the Sahara Allstars at 11 p.m. Entry is $12 cash or $14 card at the door, and they'll have free beads while supplies last. You can also save a spot ahead of the event here.
1413 Webberville Rd. saharalounge.com. 512-927-0700.
The annual San Marcos Mardi Gras parade, hosted by the Mistick Krewe of Okeanos, transforms the historic downtown area into a celebration. "Okeanos salutes all things San Marcos" is this year's chosen theme. Beginning at noon at Jack's Roadhouse (1625 Hopkins St.), the parade features colorful floats, music and a festive atmosphere, all while adhering to strict guidelines ensuring a family-friendly and safe event. Notably, the parade maintains a non-political stance, welcoming all participants, including pets on leashes. You can sign up for the parade here.
Aaron Franklin's Uptown Sports Club is throwing a four-day Mardi Gras bash with New Orleans-inspired food and drinks. Expect special menu items like brisket gumbo, oyster po'boys and beignets, along with themed cocktails in souvenir cups. The bar will be decked out in Mardi Gras decorations, and the patio is now enclosed for better comfort. They're aiming for a fun, neighborhood party vibe, celebrating the building's long history and its current role as a spot for Louisiana-influenced Texas food and drinks. The celebration runs from March 1 to 4, with varying hours.
1200 E 6th St. uptownsports.club. 512-551-2013.
Meanwhile Brewing Co. is throwing a Mardi Gras bash on March 2 featuring Big Wy's Brass Band, who will perform from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The event includes free live music, beer and New Orleans-inspired food specials from their food trucks. Distant Relatives will serve Texas BBQ Gumbo, Songbird offers Shrimp Poboys and Bésame has King Cake Ice Cream. They'll also have celebratory drinks available in the taproom. The event encourages early arrival to secure seating near the stage or dance floor.
3901 Promontory Point Dr. meanwhilebeer.com. 512-308-3659.
Volstead's is hosting a free, 21+ Mardi Gras themed drag brunch on March 2 on the Hotel Vegas & Volstead Patio starting at 1 p.m. Hosted by May Magdalene, Mars and Veronica Valentine, with special guest Harlót, the event features performances, music by DJ Boyfriend, and brunch from El Borracho Tacos. Doors open at noon. You can make reservations here.
1500 E 6th St. texashotelvegas.com/volstead.
Scholz Garten is having their usual Fat Tuesday crawfish boil on March 4 from 4 to 8 p.m. They'll have crawfish, some New Orleans food like po'boys and gumbo, big king cake pretzels, live brass band music, and Abita beer and hurricane drink specials.
1607 San Jacinto Blvd. scholzgarten.com. 512-474-1958.
Volstead's is hosting a Mardi Gras celebration starting at 6 p.m. on March 4. The event features hurricanes, beads and King Cake with a prize of a free Hotel Vegas South by Southwest 2025 Key Tag for the person who finds the baby. From 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., DJs Rapid Ric, ulovei, and Dennis Loy will provide the music. The event is 21+ and has no cover charge. You can find more information about the event here.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: When is Mardi Gras in Texas? Celebrate with parades, crawfish, deals
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