Pittsboro
Mardis Gras Festival – The Plant
Kick off Mardi Gras the right way, starting with a masquerade ball at Fair Game Beverage Co. on Feb. 13. Come in your finest dress and your festive mask! Then on Feb. 14, enjoy an all-day celebration with a vendor market, a vibrant costume parade and performances from jesters and Tim Wells and Les Bon Temps. Cap the celebration on March 2 with another vendor market and live music from the Overtones Sax Quartet!
Raleigh
King Cake Daily Special – Union Special Bakery
This beloved Raleigh bakery offers King Cake daily at its Raleigh cafe and bakery throughout Carnival season. This traditional French cake is a sweet pastry ring topped with icing and purple, yellow and green sprinkles or sanding sugar, becoming a symbol of New Orleans and Mardi Gras. Taste its King Cake before the special ends on Feb. 17.
Mardi Gras with Boom Unit Brass Band and Chip Robinson – The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop
This downtown Raleigh venue will make this Mardi Gras one to remember, with everything from beads to brass bands! Celebrate on Fat Tuesday starting at 8 p.m. with Boom Unit Brass Band and Chip Robinson Sextetto. Bring your 21-and-over crew and dance the night away!
Mardi Gras Masquerade Prom for Adults – Dix Park
The Chapel at Dix Park hosts a vibrant, masquerade-style evening where adults 21 and older can get glammed up and celebrate Mardi Gras in style with music, masks and magic all night long. Join the party Feb. 7 from 8-11 p.m. as you dance the night away to beats from the DJ, sip on adult beverages from local vendors at the cash bar, enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and indulge in festive mocktails crafted by talented mixologists on-site.
Durham
Mardi Gras in Durham
Geaux big or geaux home this Mardi Gras in Durham! The Bulltown Strutters lead this New Orleans-style parade with an evening of festivities, starting with a downtown gathering at CCB Plaza. Dress in your best and watch the annual placing of the tutu on Major the Bull, then meet up at Motorco Music Hall around 8 p.m. to enjoy a jumping jamboree!
Durham Mardi Gras – Motorco Music Hall
This Durham music venue is bringing NOLA to North Carolina this Fat Tuesday, with performances from the Bulltown Strutters and five-piece cajun band Shamu Garçon starting at 6 p.m. Dance, sing and savor New Orleans cuisine from Motorco’s kitchen.
Mardi Gras – The Goat
Embrace the spirit of Fat Tuesday at in Durham on Feb. 17 with tarot card readers offering a glimpse into your future. Starting at 6 p.m., put on your masks and become mesmerized by a roaming juggler while listening to the soulful sounds of live jazz music. Indulge in festive treats and try your hand at creating colorful keepsakes at the bracelet making station.
Cary
Mardi Gras Live! – Sports & Social
Celebrate Mardi Gras at this Cary sports bar and entertainment venue Feb. 14 from noon to 4 p.m.! Get swept up in live music and nonstop entertainment, dive into a Creole-inspired menu, sip on hurricanes all day long and sign up for the king cake eating contest. Grab your crew, throw on your beads and get ready to celebrate New Orleans style!
Carrboro
Mardi Gras Weekend at Pluck Farm – Steel String Brewery/Pluck Farm
Keep the party going this Mardi Gras weekend at Steel String Brewery‘s Pluck Farm location Feb. 14-15 with mask-making crafts and a bouncy castle for the kids. Bite into mouthwatering food from Lornetta’s Southern Kitchen and dance to live music from Rhonda Robichaux & Meaux! Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket and enjoy the festivities as you sip on beer on tap, plus cider, wine, hot drinks and plenty of nonalcoholic options.
Chapel Hill
Mardi Gras at Market – Chapel Hill Farmers Market
Mardi Gras is coming to the market this year at the Chapel Hill Farmers Market! Laissez les bons temps rouler with delectable food from Good Intentions Culinary Services’ own Claudia Sanders, made with ingredients fresh from the market on Saturday, Feb. 14 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
