Royalty
If you're interested in what it takes to be King or Queen, hit this button for all the requirements and responsibilities. There's more to it than just riding on the float!!!
Rules for RoyalsThe Season Begins
Twelfth Night Party
The official start of the 2027 Asheville Mardi Gras season and "A Must Attend Event"!
- Date
- Saturday, January 9, 2027
- Time
- 7:00–10:00 p.m.
- Location
- The Funkatorium
147 Coxe Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
Each year, deep in the heart of winter, the Mardi Gras season lights a spark as it begins in January with the Twelfth Night dance party and celebration. On this enchanted night, the King and Queen of Asheville's new Mardi Gras season will be crowned.
This year there are going to be a few changes to the Twelfth Night events. The first is that this year it will be held at the Funkatorium which will be closed to the public and we will have the entire venue to ourselves. The Kitchen will be closed so you won't be able to order food but the Bar will be open.
How the King & Queen are chosen
Partygoers are invited to have a slice of king cake. However, only current Asheville Mardi Gras members get to take a slice of the king cake containing the little plastic baby. Update your membership here.
Whoever finds the Mardi Gras baby in his or her slice can become the next king or queen, joining the ranks of AMG royalty. Memberships will be available at the door for $30, but register online to avoid the line at the door. As always, costumery and buffoonery are encouraged.
Another change that we are trying out this year is how the King and Queen are selected. In past years, deciding who wants a chance at the baby and who doesn't was always a bother and took too long and there were always a few rumors that "it was rigged". So we are going for more transparency and a smaller pool of candidates.
We have had a lot of good Kings and Queens and we'd like to continue that trend so we will be accepting nominations for Royalty and the board will contact candidates to make sure they want the honor and are willing to fulfill all the responsibilities that come with it. The pool will be narrowed down to 15-20 folks and then during the Twelfth Night festivities, these folks will each select a slice of cake and baby will make the final decision.
For everyone else there will be still be King cake (but it will come from a baby-less cake).
Membership
To renew your membership or join, click here. Members receive a discount on tickets and you must be a member to become royalty.
Join or RenewTickets
To buy tickets for the Twelfth Night Party, click here. Members should receive a link for discounted tickets in the welcome email for a discount. Tickets will be available at the door but will be $5 higher.
Buy TicketsVolunteer
Volunteer to help at the event and get free admission. This link will take you to a signup page that describes in detail what/when/how. Step up and pitch in!
Sign Up