TEXAS – The New Orleans Carnival season began Jan. 6 and ends on Mardi Gras – otherwise known as Fat Tuesday – on March 4. While many flock to the Cajun Country to celebrate the Catholic-origin holiday, which signifies the beginning of the Lent season, there are plenty of events and parades right here in Texas.

Dallas

The Village Neighborhood is turning a piece of Texas into Bourbon Street, hosting a Mardi Gras on Main Street party on Saturday, March 1, complete with games, live music and food and drink specials. A ticket is required, and hurricane drinks and crawfish packages are available for purchase.

More information on vendors and event times can be found on the Village Dallas website. 

 

Go Oak Cliff is hosting its traditional Mardi Gras parade on Saturday, March 1, in the Oak Cliff neighborhood with floats, music, food and costumes. Attendees are encouraged to register a float if interested, with pricing ranging from $175 to $1,500. The deadline to apply to register a float is Feb. 24 at midnight. Onlooker participation is free, and more information can be found on Eventeny. 

 

 

Austin

The Hive – a coffee, beer and wine shop – is hosting the “Mardi Gras Mambo” on Saturday, March 1, which will consist of live music, specialty drinks and Mardi Gras crafts. This event is family-friendly and begins at 5pm. More information on ticket purchasing at Do512’s website. 

 

Hotel Vegas and The Volstead Lounge present “Vixens Of Volstead Drag Brunch: Mardi Gras Edition” on Sunday, March 2. Catch a DJ set by DJ Boyfriend, brunch from El Borracho Tacos and a performance by drag queens May Magdalene, Mars, and Veronica Valentine with special guest, Harlót.

 

Nomadic Beerworks is having a King Cake competition with a prize in store, as well as New Orleans inspired foods on Sunday. 

 

San Antonio

The River Walk will be taken over by the Bud Light Mardi Gras River Walk Festival this week from Feb. 28 - March 4, presented by Visit San Antonio. 

 

Restaurants and bars along the river will be offering special deals, and there will be special river cruises for the occasion, including the Go Rio River Cruise with live music. 

This Saturday, the Margaritaville restaurant is offering drink specials, as well as other vendors. More information about the festival can be found on the city’s website.