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Beaufort’s Waterfront Mardi Gras Celebration is a vibrant, three-day festival filled with feasts, parades, costumes, masks, and lively revelry along the town’s historic waterfront.

Festival Highlights: The celebration kicks off Friday night with the Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball hosted by the Beaufort Historical Association, followed by Saturday’s lively Parade and Street Carnival presented by the Beaufort Business Association. The festivities conclude on Sunday with The Masquerade Brunch at the Beaufort Hotel, where the vibrant flavors of New Orleans take center stage at 34° North Restaurant.

After experiencing Beaufort’s Mardi Gras Celebration, you’ll understand why Travel + Leisure named Beaufort one of “America’s Quirkiest Towns.”

Mardi Gras Information: For more information on Beaufort's 2026 Mardi Gras Celebration, visit www.VisitBeaufortNC.com or email the Beaufort Business Association at hello@visitbeaufortnc.com.

Book Your Mardi Gras Weekend Getaway
Extend the celebration with a stay at the Beaufort Hotel, the host hotel for Beaufort's 2026 Mardi Gras Celebration. Enjoy 20% off with the Beaufort Winter Escape.

Hotel guests receive complimentary shuttle service to and from the Mardi Gras festival grounds. Please note that shuttle service is provided by a single vehicle and operates on a first-available basis. Wait times may vary depending on demand.

Call for reservations at 252-728-3000. Visit www.BeaufortHotelNC.com or book online at https://www.beauforthotelnc.com/beaufort-nc-hotel-deals/beaufort-winter-escape

Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball
Friday, February 20 | 7:00 – 10:00 PM

The Beaufort Historical Association proudly presents Beaufort’s annual Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball, hosted by the organization for the first time.

This year’s event draws inspiration from the 18th century, featuring a red, white, and blue theme in honor of America’s 250th birthday. It combines the spirit of 1776, the romance of the Carnival of Venice, and the energy of New Orleans Mardi Gras into one unforgettable evening.

Guests are encouraged to move beyond the traditional purple, green, and gold and instead wear imaginative costumes inspired by 1700s-era patriotic characters or symbolic figures, such as Lady Liberty or an American eagle.

Tickets: $150 + tax
Includes hors d’oeuvres, an open wine and beer bar, and live music by Hustle Souls.

Purchase tickets:
https://beauforthistoricsite\.org/product/mardi\-gras\-masquerade\-ball\-tickets/

Location:
Beaufort Historic Site
130 Turner Street, Beaufort, NC 28516

Cajun Cookoff Competition & Tasting
Saturday, February 21 | 12:00–2:00 PM

Don’t miss the Cajun Cookoff Competition & Tasting, a signature component of Beaufort’s Mardi Gras Celebration.

Amateur and professional cooks alike will showcase classic New Orleans–style cuisine while guests sample a variety of Cajun favorites. The event takes place beneath a heated tent at the Beaufort Historic Site.

Tickets: $50 per person (includes one beer or wine). This is a ticketed event.

Hosted by the Beaufort Business Association.

Location:
Beaufort Historic Site
130 Turner Street, Beaufort, NC 28516

Mardi Gras Street Carnival
Saturday, February 21 | 12:00 – 5:00 PM

The Mardi Gras Street Carnival offers an afternoon of New Orleans–inspired food, drinks, and live music.

Local restaurants will line Middle Lane, Front Street, and John Newton Park, serving traditional Cajun and Creole dishes including gumbo, shrimp, smoked sausages, po’boys, jambalaya, muffulettas, barbecue, and king cakes.
Festival libations include specialty Louisiana beers, Hurricanes, and a New Orleans–inspired Bourbon Street Punch. The Beer Garden, featuring food truck cuisine, will be in the Craven Street parking lot.

Artists & Vendors
Browse outdoor vendor tents offering a wide selection of unique goods. Admission is free.

Hosted by the Beaufort Business Association.

Location:
Middle Lane & Turner Street
Beaufort, NC 28516

Mardi Gras Parade
Saturday, February 21 | 3:00 – 4:00 PM

Crowds will gather along Front Street as Beaufort’s beloved Mardi Gras Parade kicks off at 3:00 PM.

Costumed “krewes” toss beads and charms to cheering spectators, with fan-favorite Sweet Potato Queens dazzling the crowd in ornate costumes and choreographed routines.

New Parade Route
The parade begins at Gordon Street, proceeds west along Front Street to Orange Street, turns onto Broad Street, and concludes at the Courthouse.

Join the Parade
Bring your own “krewe” and take part. Entry fee: $50 per krewe.

Hosted by the Beaufort Business Association.

Location:
500 Front Street
Beaufort, NC 28516

The Masquerade Brunch at 34° North Restaurant!
Sunday, February 22 | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Celebrate Mardi Gras in Style! Elevate your brunch experience with a festive Mardi Gras twist at the Beaufort Hotel.

Join us at 34° North Restaurant as the vibrant flavors of New Orleans take center stage. In addition to our classic brunch menu, indulge in Cajun-inspired specialties—think spicy jambalaya, King Cake, and fluffy beignets dusted with powdered sugar.

Pair your feast with colorful cocktail creations, including:
• The Sazerac – A local spin on the iconic New Orleans whiskey cocktail
• The Hand Grenade – A bold, tropical favorite
• The Hurricane – A Mardi Gras classic bursting with flavor

Gather your krewe and let the good times roll with a brunch as spirited as the parade itself!

Reserve your table today: Call 252-838-7250 or book online at OpenTable.com. Mardi Gras attire is optional.

Complimentary valet parking is available for restaurant and bar guests.

Hosted by the Beaufort Hotel

Location:
Beaufort Hotel
2440 Lennoxville Road
Beaufort, NC 28516

Plan Your Mardi Gras Adventure Today!

Beaufort’s Mardi Gras Celebration is more than a festival—it’s an experience filled with music, flavor, and unforgettable memories along our historic waterfront. Whether you’re dancing at the Masquerade Ball, cheering at the parade, or savoring Cajun-inspired cuisine at the Masquerade Brunch, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this vibrant tradition—book your stay, gather your krewe, and let the good times roll in Beaufort!