Bastrop Mardi Gras Festival
You don’t have to wait until Fat Tuesday to dive into the music, colors, flavors, and festivities of Mardi Gras!
From January 30–31, the City of Bastrop is bringing the magic of Louisiana right here to Central Texas with two days of vibrant, family-friendly Mardi Gras fun.
Expect lively music, festive vibes, delicious Cajun-inspired treats, and plenty of chances to laissez les bons temps rouler—“let the good times roll!”
The good times are headed to Bastrop… and you’re invited!
Mayor's Mardi Gras Ball
presented by Discover Basrop
Step into the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras at our Mayor's Mardi Gras Ball Celebration on January 30th, 2026, 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 musical performances by Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys and Jean-Pierre and the Zydeco Angels! 🎉🍹🎶
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Individual Tickets: $40 per person
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Sponsored Table: $400 for a table of 8
TICKET SALES END FRIDAY, JAN. 23rd at 5:00 pm and are available at https://bit.ly/2026BastropMardiGrasBall!
BastropTX Mardi Gras Celebration
presented by Discover Bastrop
Saturday, January 31 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 3rd 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.
For full event details, visit: https://www.eventeny.com/events/mardigras2026-25770/
BastropTX 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 31, 2026 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 available HERE
Teams may register at https://bastropjuneteenth.com/gumbo-cook-off
Lighted Mardi Gras Parade
presented by Discover Bastrop
Saturday, January 31 | Parade begins at 6:00 PM | Downtown Bastrop
Get ready to let the good times roll at the 3rd 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!
Download the PARADE PACKET for more information on how to participate.
For full details, visit: https://www.eventeny.com/events/mardigras2026parade-26004
