The sounds of New Orleans and succulent Creole cuisine will be coming to Beaufort as part of the Mardi Gras on Middle Lane. It’s the celebration of food, drink, music and, of course, the parade. Beaufort’s annual Mardi Gras Celebration is set for March 1 & 2, 2025.
Local restaurants including Aqua, Beaufort Grocery Company, Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant & Pub, and Cru Wine Bar will offer Cajun cuisine at their food booths. It’s the place for attendees to enjoy Mardi Gras standards like gumbo, smoked sausages, barbecue, shrimp, po’boys, muffuletta, jambalaya, and king cakes.
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Special Louisiana beers will be featured at The Backstreet Pub and Hurricanes will be offered by Aqua. New-Orleans-inspired Bourbon Street Punch will be available from Cru Wine Bar.
2025 Mardi Gras Event Schedule
Street Carnival & Parade, Saturday March 1st, 11 to 5 pm
Free Event
Festival on Front Street, Turner Street and Middle Lane entertainment includes disco ball lady, stilt walkers, jugglers, bubble artist, unicyclist, hoop dancer. Kid’s activities.
Mardi Gras Parade kicks off at 3 pm
Free Event
New route to allow for larger floats – Parade Starts at Gordon Street on Front Street – headed West to right on Turner Street – Continues on Turner Street toward the Court House.
Cajun Cookoff Competition & Tasting, Saturday March 1st, Noon – 2 pm.
Ticketed Event – $50 per person.
Don’t miss your opportunity to sample Classic New Orleanian-style gumbo, jambalaya, king cake and beignets. Amateur and professional cooks will participate in the Cajun Cookoff and Tasting. It takes place under a heated tent at the Beaufort Historic Site.
Masquerade Ball, Saturday March 1st, 6 to 10 pm
Ticketed Event – $150 per person.
Entertainment includes aerial bartending/LED stilt walkers and hoop artist. A feast of delectable delights, from gourmet hors d’oeuvres to decadent desserts. Live music.
It takes place under a heated tent at the Beaufort Historic Site.
Sinner’s Remorse Brunch, Sunday March 2nd, 11 am to 2 pm
Ticketed Event – $125 per person.
Takes place at the Marlin Room at Beaufort Hotel entertainment includes champagne dress lady, juggling, aerial performance. Live music.
Tickets can be purchased at www.visitbeaufortnc.com/mardi-gras
Beaufort’s Mardi Gras is sponsored by the Beaufort Business Association. The Beaufort Hotel is the host hotel for this event.
Music will be provided by Blue Moon Jazz to welcome partygoers starting at 2 p.m. Out of Nowhere will perform a blend of blues and dance music throughout the afternoon.
Middle Lane takes center stage as the home to Beaufort’s annual Mardi Gras celebration! The highlight, of which, is arguably the shortest parade in North Carolina. It’s a true display of Beaufort’s quirkiness. The parade of “krewes” in costume tossing jewelry and charms is not to be missed.
The Sweet Potato Queens always seem to steal the show! The group of women, aged 40-70, all dress in elaborate costumes and perform choreographed routines.
The crowds fill Front Street and Middle Lane in anticipation of the parade starting at 3 p.m., led by the Mardi Gras King and Queen. If you’re late… there’s always next year. The parade is that quick.
Mardi Gras on Middle Lane is a community supported event that’s become a popular street carnival filled with Cajun music & jazz! Costumes are strongly encouraged.
Be sure to bring the kids along for the face painting and mask making experience under the tents. The gaming area has something fun for all ages. Children will enjoy the face painting and mask making booths. Adults can challenge each other to a round of boules or cornhole.
After going to Beaufort’s Mardi Gras Celebration, you’ll understand why Beaufort was named to the list of “America’s Quirkiest Towns” in September 2014 by Travel + Leisure Magazine. We guarantee you’ll be back next year – with your costume and beads!
HOW TO JOIN THE “KREWE” PARADE
Now is the time to sign-up your “krewe” to participate in Beaufort’s 2025 Mardi Gras Parade. The parade “krewe” entry fee is $50. Register here.
WHEN YOU GO:
Dates: Saturday & Sunday, March 1 & 2, 2025.
Hours: Vary by event. The parade starts at 3 p.m. sharp.
Price: Free & Ticketed events
Parking: Downtown Beaufort
Address: Front Street Beaufort, NC, 28516.
Telephone: 252-528-8640
Email: hello@visitbeaufortnc.com
Website: www.visitbeaufortnc.com
Social Media: Facebook
Need to Know: Be sure to get to the event early as the crowds fill Front Street and Middle Lane.
Accommodations: Make plans now to come to Beaufort for Mardi Gras weekend. There are a number of inns and B&Bs for you to choose from. The Beaufort Hotel is the official hotel for the 2025 Mardi Gras Celebration.
Questions? Email hello@visitbeaufortnc.com or call 252-528-8640 for more details.
Images provided by Betsy Cartier.
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