Mardi Gras in Austin: A Texan Twist on Fat Tuesday Fun!

Welcome to Mardi Gras in Austin, where the city’s vibrant culture and eclectic charm meet the raucous spirit of New Orleans! Here, you’ll find a blend of traditional parades, open-air concerts, quirky street parties, and delightful Cajun cuisine.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned carnival-goer, prepare to immerse yourself in a sea of colorful costumes, lively music, and infectious fun. Ready for beads, brass bands, and barbecue this Fat Tuesday? Let the good times roll!

Where to Celebrate: Top Mardi Gras Austin Events 2025

Carnaval Brasileiro at Speakeasy: Step into the heart of Austin at 412 Congress Avenue and be swept away by the pulsating rhythms and vibrant energy of Carnaval Brasileiro, Austin’s very own Brazilian Mardi Gras! Since 1978, this electrifying celebration has drawn crowds with its dazzling displays of samba, spectacular costumes, and an atmosphere of unbridled joy. Known for being one of the biggest Brazilian Mardi Gras parties outside of Brazil, Carnaval Brasileiro at Speakeasy promises an unforgettable night.

Get ready to dance the night away on Saturday, February 22, starting at 8 PM. The event features two live Brazilian bands and a host of performances that will keep you moving until the early hours. Doors open at 8 PM with music starting at 9 PM, so wear your most comfortable shoes and prepare for five hours of non-stop dancing. For those who love a unique experience, a live body painter will be on-site, and table reservations are available for those seeking a comfortable spot to rest between dances.

The event unfolds in Speakeasy’s Ballroom, a space designed to echo the venue’s 140-year-old historic charm, complete with two bars and a stage. This venue expansion ensures plenty of room to dance and celebrate. Note that there are no refunds, but with such a fantastic night ahead, who would need one?

Official Mardi Gras Bar Crawl – Austin: Get ready to strut through the streets of Austin with the Official Mardi Gras Bar Crawl starting on Saturday, March 1. This extravaganza kicks off at 3 PM and doesn’t stop until 10 PM, offering a full evening of festivity and fun.

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Register between 3 PM and 5 PM at The Blind Pig Pub, located at 317 E 6th Street, and dive into a night of Mardi Gras magic. Participants will enjoy perks like a 16oz Mardi Gras color-changing stadium cup for drinks, no cover charges at participating bars, and discounted food and drink specials. Dress up in your Mardi Gras best to mingle with the crowd, adorned in dazzling costumes and masks.

Bastrop Mardi Gras Festival 2025: Just a short drive from the bustling urban settings, the quaint town of Bastrop, Texas, invites you to the Bastrop Mardi Gras Festival, running from Friday, January 31, to Saturday, February 1, 2025. This vibrant festival is not just an event; it’s a cultural exchange that celebrates the rich Cajun heritage of Evangeline Parish, Louisiana.

Immerse yourself in the traditional “Courir de Mardi Gras” customs, featuring music, dance, and the warm community spirit of Bastrop. The festival includes a range of activities suitable for all ages, making it a perfect family getaway. Highlights include a Mardi Gras Ball, a Gumbo Cook-Off, a festive parade, and live performances of authentic Cajun and Zydeco music. A live radio broadcast from KVPI adds to the festive atmosphere, creating a memorable experience for all attendees.

Parents will appreciate the kid-friendly cultural activities available throughout the festival, ensuring that even the youngest guests have a fantastic time. Dive into a weekend of culture, music, and fun in the heart of Downtown Bastrop and experience the joy of Mardi Gras in true Cajun style!

Close up of a King Cake with yellow, green and purple sprinkles and Mardi Gras beads to the left of the cake in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
photo credit: Louisiana Cookin’ via Facebook

Tips for Celebrating Mardi Gras Austin TX

Visiting Austin during Mardi Gras can be an exhilarating experience, filled with vibrant parades, lively music, and a festive atmosphere that captures the spirit of this beloved holiday. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a family adventure, here are some tips to make your Mardi Gras experience in Austin both enjoyable and hassle-free.

Choose the Right Events: Austin offers a wide array of Mardi Gras festivities suitable for both couples and families. For a more romantic experience, couples might enjoy the evening balls or live music events where the atmosphere is more adult-oriented. Families, on the other hand, can look for daytime parades that are colorful, lively, and feature lots of activities for kids. The Bastrop Mardi Gras Festival, for example, offers cultural activities that children will find both educational and entertaining.

Prepare for the Day: Regardless of whether you’re visiting with your partner or your family, it’s essential to pack all-day essentials. This includes snacks, water, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. The weather can be unpredictable, so a light jacket or an umbrella might be wise to carry along as well.

Arrive Early: For any popular event, arriving early is key to securing a good viewing spot, especially if you’re attending with children. It also helps you to avoid the rush and gives you a little extra time to settle in before the festivities begin.

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Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Keep hydrated and have plenty of snacks on hand. Austin’s culinary scene is vibrant, with plenty of food trucks and local eateries offering Mardi Gras specials. Try some local flavors and indulge in the festive foods that are synonymous with Mardi Gras, like king cake or spicy jambalaya.

Be Mindful of Safety: Large crowds can be overwhelming, so it’s important to keep safety in mind. Decide on a meeting point in case anyone gets separated during the festivities. For couples, it’s a chance to stick together and experience the energy of Mardi Gras as a duo. Families should keep a close watch on children, with wristbands or tags containing contact information just in case.

Where to Stay in Austin For Mardi Gras Season

During Mardi Gras in Austin, accommodation options abound, catering to all tastes and budgets. Here are our top picks:

The Driskill: Step into the grandeur of The Driskill at 604 Brazos Street, where luxury meets history right in the heart of Austin. This iconic hotel not only offers a glimpse into Texas’s rich history with its opulent decor and architecture but also places you at the center of the Mardi Gras festivities. It’s perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway or anyone looking to indulge in a bit of old-world charm amidst the vibrant celebrations.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Austin Downtown South Congress: Enjoy spacious comfort at Embassy Suites by Hilton Austin Downtown South Congress, located near scenic Lady Bird Lake. This hotel is ideal for families, offering large suites that provide room for everyone and easy access to downtown parades and events. The proximity to green spaces and family-friendly attractions like the Congress Avenue Bridge, where you can watch the famous bats, makes it a top pick for those with children.

Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown/Convention Center: Discover the pulse of Austin’s Mardi Gras at Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown/Convention Center at 500 N Interstate 35. Just steps from the historic 6th Street and live music venues, this hotel is a haven for those who want to be in the thick of the action. With comfortable accommodations and top-notch amenities, it’s ideal for revelers and night owls looking to experience everything Austin has to offer during the festive season.

hotel room with bed, chairs, window and view of city
Photo Credit: Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown/Convention Center (Austin, TX) via Facebook

How to Enjoy Austin’s Mardi Gras Without Breaking the Bank

Planning your Austin Mardi Gras adventure? Visit us at Tripster for exclusive discounts on hotels, attractions, and vacation packages tailored to your travel needs. We also offer a comprehensive travel guide packed with tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your visit to Austin.

Whether you’re looking for family-friendly options or seeking the best spots to join the festivities, Tripster is your go-to resource for planning and saving on your next trip.

Austin TX Mardi Gras FAQs

Texas celebrates Mardi Gras with a vibrant array of parades, balcony parties, and festive balls, drawing locals and tourists alike into the colorful, lively festivities. These traditional events spread across various cities, each adding a distinct Texan twist to the Mardi Gras spirit.

Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is a festive celebration that marks the close of the pre-Lenten season. It is celebrated with elaborate parades, masquerade balls, and other joyful activities, primarily as a final day of indulgence before the solemn season of Lent begins in many Christian traditions. This celebration is renowned for its vibrant colors, lively music, and cultural significance, drawing participants from around the world.

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