Beaufort's Waterfront Mardi Gras Festival is a three-day celebration with feasts, parades, costumes, masks, and revelry. Highlights will include a Masquerade Ball, Parade and Street Carnival, and the Sinner's Remorse Brunch.

Schedule of Events

February 9, 2024

6-10pm: Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball  

Step into a world of mystery and glamour at our enchanting masquerade ball!  Dance beneath the glittering lights of a clear top tent on Beaufort's exquisite waterfront to a symphony of music.  Surrounded by a culinary journey provided by Beaufort Grocery with a feast of delectable delights, from gourmet hors d'oeuvres to decadent desserts. As you savor the flavors, immerse yourself in a world of enchanting entertainment. From music that sets the perfect tone to mesmerizing performances  by Dakota Fox Entertainment that unfold like a story, the night promises to be a symphony for the senses. Get ready for a night of magic, intrigue, and memories.

Ticket includes:  All beverages including Beer, Wine and Spirits, Entertainment, Food Stations and More!   

The event takes place under the tent in the West Parking Lot on Front Street. Mardi Gras Ball, 6-10pm. Ticketed Event. Presented by the Beaufort Hotel.

Click here for Tickets

February 10, 2024

11am to 4pm: Street Carnival

New Orleans-Inspired Food, Drink and Live Music!

Enjoy an afternoon carnival filled with Cajun food and live music! Local restaurants will offer Traditional Cajun or Creole cuisine at their food booths up and down Middle Lane and on Front Street and John Newton Park. It is the place for festivalgoers to enjoy Mardi Gras standards like gumbo, smoked sausages, barbecue, shrimp, po'boys, muffuletta, jambalaya, and the popular king cakes. Special Louisiana beers, Hurricanes, and a New-Orleans-inspired Bourbon Street Punch will be available. The Beer Garden with food truck cuisine will be at the Craven Street parking lot.

3pm: Mardi Gras Parade

The crowds fill the parade route on Front Street and on Middle Lane in anticipation of the parade starting at 3 p.m. sharp, with the crowning of the Mardi Gras King and Queen.

Beaufort's Mardi Gras Celebration is a true display of Beaufort's quirkiness. The parade of “krewes” in costume tossing jewelry and charms is something to see. The Sweet Potato Queens always steal the show! The group of women aged 40-70, all dress in elaborate costumes and perform choreographed routines.

New Parade Route: The parade starts at Truist Bank and proceeds west on Front Street to Turner Street and turns right to continue onto Middle Lane, ending on Craven Street.

Parade "krewe" entry fee is $50.00

Click here to Enter your "krewe"

Children's Activities!

Bring the kids along for family activities including balloon art, face painting and mask making experiences under the tent in the Kid's Area at John Newton Park on Front Street.

Be sure to look for the roaming street performers including stilt walkers, jugglers, balloon twisters, and face painters. These carnival themed entertainers on Front Street and Middle Lane will add to the festive atmosphere.

Artists and Vendors!

Stroll through the outdoor arts tents showcasing an exhibition of outstanding fine art.

Parade and Street Carnival, 11 am – 5 pm. Free admission.

Gumbo Competition and Tasting!

Don't miss your opportunity to sample Classic New Orleanian-style gumbo. Amateur and professional cooks will participate in the Gumbo Competition and Tasting. The competition is guaranteed to be fun and exciting, and rewarding for our contestants! Professional and amateur cooks will be judged head to head, and the winners will be announced during the festival. The event starts at Noon and takes place under the tent in the West Parking Lot on Front Street. Tickets are $30 per person and include choice of a beer or glass of wine. PRO/AM Competition and Tasting, 12-10pm. Ticket Event.  

Click here to Get your Pro/Am Gumbo Tickets

February 11, 2024

11am: Sinner's Remorse Brunch

Elevate your brunch experience with a Mardi Gras twist! Join us for a vibrant celebration where the flavors of New Orleans come alive. Indulge in a feast of Cajun-infused delights, from spicy jambalaya to fluffy beignets dusted with powdered sugar from your favorite Beaufort Restaurants. Sip on colorful cocktails and let the lively dueling pianos tunes transport you to the heart of the French Quarter. Decked in Mardi Gras hues, our brunch is a lively affair where every dish is a burst of festive flavor. Gather your krewe and join us for a brunch that's as spirited as the Mardi Gras parade itself!

Ticket Includes:  Beer, Wine, Bubbles and Spirits, Food Stations, Entertainment and More

The event takes place under the tent in the West Parking Lot on Front Street.

Click here for Tickets

Date:
February 9-11, 2024

Location:
Middle Lane, Beaufort, NC 28516

Click here for More Inforamtion