Mardi Gras in Cincinnati: 2023 Guide

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Mardi Gras is the final day before the beginning of Lent, making it the ideal day to indulge in your favorite foods. Today’s Mardi Gras celebrations include parades, parties, eating and drinking.

When people think of Mardi Gras, they might think of just New Orleans.  But they should also think about Cincinnati.  There are so many Mardi Gras events in the greater Cincinnati area. You can enjoy Cajun food, Cajun music, partying, and more. Some of these events go back to the 1950s.

The S.T.A.R. Chapter of Foundation presents Le Carnivale, the 67th annual Mardi Gras celebration on Saturday, February 25, 2023, from 8:30 pm to 1:30 am. This is happening at the Sharonville Convention Center.

There will be four rooms with DJs. Eat, drink, mingle and dance with each DJ spinning a different genre of music. Are you feeling lucky? You can participate in the 50/50 raffle and the online silent auction that will be happening. The dress code is formal and it will be enforced. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Rising Stars Scholarship program.

On Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 7 pm, Mainstrasse Village in Covington, Kentucky, is having the 2023 Mainstrasse Mardi Gras Parade. You’ll see colorful floats, marching bands, dancers and so much more. Afterwards, people continue celebrating in the local bars.

On Friday, February 17, 2023, the Price Hill Will will present their 9th annual Mardi Gras Ball from 6:30 pm to 10 pm at Arco. It will be a celebration of authentic New Orleans style. Enjoy delicious Cajun food at a buffet dinner from New Orleans on the Go and Cajun music. MYCincinnati will provide the musical entertainment. There will be fun games, drinks and a chance to win raffle baskets. Come in costume and win prizes.

If you don’t have a costume, click here to find Mardi Gras costumes for women and here for men.

On Mardi Gras, February 21, 2023, the 32nd annual Mardi Gras for Homeless Children will be produced by the Northern Kentucky Association at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center. This is a fun evening with a lot of delicious food and beverages from local restaurants. Live entertainment includes Tickled Pink and The Beechwood High School Marching Band. A king and a queen will be crowned. Back by popular demand is former Cincinnati Bengals running back, Giovanni Bernard, as the Grand Marshall.

The proceeds from the event will go to Cincinnati’s Brighton Center’s Homeward Bound Shelter, Bethany House Services and Covington and Welcome House of Northern Kentucky.

Mardi Gras Night returns to the Fitton Center in Hamilton on February 18, 2023, with a night of jazz and cabaret. The Carruthers Signature Ballroom will be transformed into New Orleans. The Hot Magnolias, Cincinnati’s smoking hot Creole band will be taking the stage and leading this Mardi Gras party.

In 1953, the Sisters of St. Joseph founded McNicholas High School in Cincinnati. The Sisters brought the Mardi Gras traditions from New Orleans to their new home. On February 19, 2023, the school will have their 71st annual Mardi Gras Ball. This will honor 40 high school Seniors who have given their time and talents in service to their school and their community.

Cincinnati Hotels

If you’d like to visit Cincinnati for the Mardi Gras celebration, you should consider the following hotels. Click on our links to see how you can save money on your stay.