Bastrop Mardi Gras Festival

Experience the excitement, color, and energy of Mardi Gras right in the heart of Historic Downtown Bastrop! The Bastrop Mardi Gras Festival brings together festive parades, live music, delicious food, local shopping, family-friendly activities, and plenty of beads for a celebration that's full of fun.

Whether you're catching beads along the parade route, enjoying local flavors, dancing to live entertainment, or exploring Downtown Bastrop's unique boutiques and restaurants, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Mayor's Mardi Gras Ball: January 22, 2027

presented by Discover Bastrop

Step into the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras at our Mayor's Mardi Gras Ball Celebration on January 22nd, 2027, hosted at the beautiful Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center! Enjoy lively melodies, delicious Cajun-flavored hors d'oeuvres, and a cash bar.

Doors open at 6:30 pm, with the celebration kicking off at 7:00 pm and lasting until 11:00 pm. 

Prepare for an unforgettable evening of Mardi Gras fun, featuring live musical performances. 

• Individual Tickets: $40 per person

• Sponsored Table: $400 for a table of 8

TICKET SALES END FRIDAY, JAN. 15th at 5:00 pm. Stay tuned for a registration link. 

Mardi Gras Celebration

presented by Discover Bastrop

Saturday, January 23 is the heart of the Bastrop TX Mardi Gras Celebration, with a full day of nonstop fun in historic downtown Bastrop along Main Street. Enjoy fan favorites like the Umbrella Parade, the Beads & Bling Crawl, and the Mardi Gras Gumbo Cook-Off, where teams compete for bragging rights and guests can sample bold, Louisiana-inspired flavors. Live music from two stages, a lively vendor market, and street entertainment keep the celebration going all day, before downtown lights up at 6 PM with the 4th Annual Lighted Mardi Gras Grand Parade. The festivities continue after the parade with a street dance, wrapping up the night in true Mardi Gras style.

Stay tuned for full event details. 

Mardi Gras Gumbo Cook Off

presented by and benefitting the Bastrop Juneteenth Celebration Committee

Bring your appetite and your best recipe to the Bastrop TX Mardi Gras Gumbo Cook-Off on January 23, 2027, from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, where bold flavors and festive fun take center stage in Bastrop, Texas.

Chefs of all kinds are invited to join the celebration, from family teams and local restaurants to home cooks with a signature gumbo worth sharing. Guests can enjoy a lively, family-friendly atmosphere complete with music, Mardi Gras flair, and the chance to sample a variety of delicious gumbos from competing teams.

Cash prizes and bragging rights await the teams that impress the judges and the crowd, making this a can’t-miss highlight of the weekend’s festivities.

Team participation is limited and advance registration is encouraged.

Tickets and registration available soon!

Lighted Mardi Gras Parade

presented by Discover Bastrop

Saturday, January 23rd | Parade begins at 6:00 PM | Downtown Bastrop

Get ready to let the good times roll at the 4th Annual Lighted Mardi Gras Parade in downtown Bastrop! Following a full day of Mardi Gras Festival festivities, this exciting lighted evening parade kicks off at 6:00 PM, filling the streets with music, colorful floats, festive throws, glowing decorations, and plenty of beads.

The parade will follow the traditional downtown route, beginning at Bastrop High School, traveling west on Cedar Street, continuing south along Main Street, and ending at Emile Street. Local businesses, organizations, and community groups are invited to join the fun and help bring the spirit of Mardi Gras to life for spectators lining the route. Grab your beads, turn up the music, and come celebrate an unforgettable night of Carnival in Bastrop!

Parade packet and more event information to come!