BASTROP, Texas, - Get ready to experience the vibrant traditions and folklife of Courir de Mardi Gras as the Bastrop, Texas, Mardi Gras festival returns for its second year from January 31 through February 1, 2025. It will be a celebration of culture, community, and the unique Mardi Gras traditions of Evangeline Parish in Louisiana's Cajun Country.
Immersive Courir de Mardi Gras Experience: Step into the vibrant heart of Cajun culture at the Bastrop, Texas, Mardi Gras festival! Organizers are thrilled to welcome their neighbors from Evangeline Parish, as local delegates, to share and celebrate their rich traditions.
Experience the essence of Cajun heritage through lively music, spirited dancing, and mouthwatering cuisine that bring their cultural legacy to life.
Cajun Mardi Gras Ball: Step into the spirit of Mardi Gras at Bastrop’s Cajun Mardi Gras Ball and Celebration on January 31, hosted at the beautiful Bastrop Convention and Exhibit Center! You are invited to delight in vibrant melodies and savor an array of Cajun-flavored hors d'oeuvres. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., the event kicks off at 7 p.m., and the celebration lasts until 11 p.m. Prepare for an unforgettable night of Mardi Gras fun with musical performances by Nash Hernandez Orchestra and Jean-Pierre and the Zydeco Angels! A cash bar will be available. Tickets for the Mardi Gras Ball are available at: eventbrite.com/e/1055552057619/
KVPI Live Radio Broadcast: Join in for 'A Salute to Fred’s Lounge,' an homage to the iconic Mamou watering hole! Organizers will again be honoring the spirit of this legendary bar with their own Texas style, as the renowned radio station KVPI broadcasts live from downtown Bastrop. Get an early morning start as they broadcast from Gracie’s on Saturday, February 1, while enjoying authentic Cajun vibes, lively tunes, and a celebration that brings the heart of Mamou's Fred’s Lounge to life! For more information about KVPI’s broadcast, please contact Mark Layne at kvpionline.com/contact.
Mardi Gras Parade: The downtown festival kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday with the vibrant Mardi Gras Parade! Locals and visitors are invited to join the revelry by donning traditional costumes and celebrating the rich traditions of Cajun culture. This family-friendly event brings the spirit of Mardi Gras to life with colorful floats, lively horses, and the joyous energy of Evangeline Parish’s Courir de Mardi Gras. Celebrate this lively tradition as the community comes together in a festive display of unity and culture. For parade rules and applications, visit the website: BastropTXMardiGras.com/parade.
Gumbo Cook-Off: Saturday's festivities will feature a Gumbo Cook-Off competition, proudly organized by and benefiting the Bastrop Juneteenth Committee. This local non-profit is dedicated to honoring Juneteenth, a day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, while promoting education, cultural awareness, and social progress. Funds raised will support their annual celebrations, which include parades, festivals, and other events that highlight African-American heritage and history. For teams to participate, cook-off rules, regulations, and applications, visit the website: BastropTXMardiGras.com/gumbo-cookoff.
Live Cajun and Zydeco Music: Get ready to move your feet and let the festival spirit sweep you away at the main stage all day! The infectious rhythms of lively Cajun and Zydeco music will set the scene for spontaneous street dancing that you won't be able to resist. From foot-stomping fiddles to accordion-driven beats, immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds that create an authentic fais do-do atmosphere.
This year’s lineup promises an unforgettable celebration of Cajun culture and features Steve Riley and The Mamou Playboys, Jean-Pierre and The Zydeco Angels, Leroy Thomas and The Zydeco Roadrunners, and Jamie Bergeron and The Kickin’ Cajuns. For the full music schedule, visit: BastropTXMardiGras.com/music-main-stage.
Family-Friendly Fun: The festival is a family-friendly celebration designed to delight guests of all ages.
Little ones will love the excitement of face-painting, bounce houses, and the ever-popular Children's Chicken Chase—a joyful event where fun knows no bounds! Families can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere, explore the rich cultural heritage of Cajun traditions, and enjoy interactive music and lessons on Cajun music history. It’s an unforgettable day of community, connection, and celebration for everyone to enjoy! For children’s activities and schedule: BastropTXMardiGras.com/kids-activities
Musical Instrument Petting Zoo: Embark on a one-of-a-kind musical adventure with the Musical Instrument Petting Zoo! Making its way from Louisiana to Bastrop, this traveling attraction offers a hands-on, immersive experience into the world of Cajun and Zydeco music. Explore a delightful array of instruments, from accordions and fiddles to percussion and strings, with opportunities for both seasoned music lovers and curious novices to play and learn. Kids will especially enjoy the playful toy versions of these traditional instruments, making it a fun and educational journey for all ages. For more information about their organization, visit: lafolkroots.org.
Culinary Delights of Cajun Cuisine and Spirits: Treat your taste buds to the rich and savory flavors of Cajun and Creole cuisine and spirits! Downtown Bastrop’s restaurants, bars, and food vendors will serve up a tempting array of culinary delights, from hearty gumbo and sweet beignets to festive themed cocktails and custom craft beers. Each dish and drink is crafted to honor the authentic tastes of Louisiana’s vibrant culinary heritage, making this a feast you won’t want to miss! Check out the weekend’s full offerings here: BastropTXMardiGras.com/cuisine-spirits.
Tickets and Admission:
• Friday evening's Cajun Mardi Gras Ball tickets are $75 for individual ticket, $150 for couples’ tickets, and $600 for a reserved table for eight. Tickets are available for purchase through the event’s website.
• All of Saturday's festivities and music are open and free. Gumbo Cook-Off tickets will be available for purchase, allowing you to taste-test the competitors' entries, with all proceeds benefiting the Bastrop Juneteenth Committee.
“We are thrilled to once again celebrate the vibrant spirit and cultural heritage of Courir de Mardi Gras right here in Bastrop, Texas,” said Kathy Danielson, community engagement director, City of Bastrop, Texas. “As we continue to build on our partnership with Evangeline Parish, this year’s festivities will showcase even more of the rich Cajun traditions—music, dancing, food, and so much more. We look forward to sharing these cherished customs with our community while creating lasting new traditions of our own. Let the good times roll!”
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