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In this guide, we tell you what to expect at the upcoming Mardi Gras celebration in Asheville, North Carolina!
Asheville Mardi Gras (AMG) is an all volunteer community arts and culture group. The group includes New Orleans re-pats, aficionadas of NOLA culture and people who love nothing better than a great party!
AMG is a nonprofit organization. Their purpose is to strengthen community connections that promote frivolity, creativity and celebration based on New Orleans traditions.
Mardi Gras is the ancient tradition of feasting and celebrating before beginning a time of atonement. AMG will present the Mardi Gras Parade on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The parade is their gift to the city – it’s a zany, irreverent and exuberant downtown event in the dead of winter.
People are encouraged to create high quality, surprising and entertaining parade entries. Believe me, this is what everyone will be talking about on Monday!
There will be upbeat music. Watch the people strut their stuff while tossing the beads into the crowds. Zaniness, political satire and displays of populist art are encouraged.
Mardi Gras in the mountains is a fun and safe event that all ages can enjoy with an overriding emphasis on FUN!
Official Queen’s Ball
The Official Queen’s Ball kicks off at the Wicked Weed Funkatorium around 6 pm on Sunday. There will be dancing, live music from JLoyd Mashup and the Awards Ceremony. Awards will be given for Krewes of Distinction, Best Costume and an award for the member who has exemplified the Mardi Gras spirit. You’ll have a chance to mingle with the Krewes, drink, eat, dance and be merry.
Banks Ave Bar
Banks Ave Bar will kick off the Mardi Gras weekend at 6 pm on Friday, February 13. They’ll have special drinks the entire weekend.
On Sunday, they’ll open early at noon. They’re inviting everybody to come by on parade day because they have a front row seat! Chef Paul Cressend of Cafe Amelie will be serving a delicious gumbo for everyone. They will also have a Drag Show right after the parade.
Green Man Brewery
Green Man Brewery will be offering special drinks for the weekend. On Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 12 pm to 6 pm. Chef Grush and Panda of Grush’s Cajun Dino Grill will park their Triceratruck just outside the Brewery. If you like Cajun food, you’ll love the Dino Grill!
Green Man Brewery is hoping people will stop by on parade day, too. They’re right on the parade route.
If you’d like to go to the Mardi Gras celebrations and want to look the part, you’ll find a great selection here. Many of these have discounted prices.
If you enjoyed the New Orleans cuisine during the Mardi Gras weekend and you’d like to learn more about Cajun and Creole cooking, try these cookbooks. You can use our links to save money on them.
- The Best of New Orleans Cookbook – 50 Classic Cajun & Creole Recipes from the Big Easy by Ryan Bondreaux
- The Food Of New Orleans
- New Orleans Cocktails: An Elegant Collection of Over 100 Recipes Inspired By The Big Easy
If you’d like to visit Asheville for Mardi Gras, you should consider these hotels. Many of these hotels have discounted rates and can be booked for under $100 a night. That could definitely save you money on your stay.