2026 Parade Info
This year we have a number of events going on all weekend so scroll down for info on all that's happening!!!
The Main Event
Sunday,
February 15, 2026
12:00pm line up begins
3:05 Parade Start
LOCATION: South Slope
THEME: Life Is a Carnival
Click on Map for full page version
This parade is our gift to the city, a zany, exuberant and irreverent downtown event in the dead of winter.
We invite residents to get together with friends, neighbors, and coworkers to create high-quality, surprising and entertaining entries, add upbeat music, and strut their stuff tossing those ubiquitous beads to the crowd. Zaniness, political satire, and amazing displays of populist art appreciated!
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We love and respect our community, and Asheville is not Bourbon Street. Alcohol and nudity are not part of our twist on Mardi Gras in the mountains. We are promoting a fun, safe event for all ages – with a definite emphasis on FUN!
Official Queen's Ball kicks off after the parade at the Funkatorium
(5:30 ish)
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Wicked Weed Funkatorium, 147 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, USA​
Official Home of Asheville Mardi Gras
​There will be dancing, live music from JLoyd Mashup and the Awards ceremony. Awards for Krewe of Distinction, Best Costume, and the Rob Seven Award (a member who has exemplified the Mardi Gras spirit) will be announced.
People will have a chance to mingle with the krewes, eat, drink, dance and be merry, maybe even meet the Royals.
It's a chance for Krewe members to see other krewes' costumes and hang out with each other.
Other Fun Events for Mardi Gras Weekend
​32 Banks Ave #101
Asheville, NC 28801, USA​
Friday Feb 13 6pm-2am
Banks Ave Bar is excited to start the Mardi Gras Weekend with a bang! They will have special drinks the entire weekend.
Sunday Feb 15 Opening early at Noon
They also want us to share that everyone should come by on parade day as they have a front row seat! Chef Paul Cressend of Café Amelie will be serving a scrumptious gumbo for everyone. They also will have a Drag Show right after the parade which will be done long before the action at Funkatorium gets into high gear!
​27 Buxton Ave
Asheville, NC 28801, USA​
Saturday Feb 14 12-6pm
Green Man Brewery is excited to once again be involved with AMG. They will offer special drinks for the weekend.
Sunday Feb 15 Chef Grush and Panda of Grush's Cajun Dino Grill will park their Triceratruck just outside the brewery. They hope everyone will stop by on parade day as it's right along the parage route.