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SoMardi Gras Celebration
The 16th SoMardi Gras Celebration is returning to the South Main (SoMa) District) in Little Rock, Arkansas, on March 1, 2025.
This year for the second time, there will be a SoMardi Gras Pre-party Bash on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 6 pm to 9 pm. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
The celebration will begin at noon on Saturday with the parade. This year’s theme for the parade will be “SoMardi Gras Disco 2025”. You’ll see colorful floats, marching bands, dancers, costumed marchers, stilt walkers and much more. If you’d like to go to the parade and look the part, check out these Mardi Gras themed clothes.
After the parade, the party keeps going at the nearby Bernice Gardens. There will be a block party with live entertainment by local musicians until 5 pm. It also has a kiddie corner and a beer garden. Food trucks will be there with special food available for purchase.
At the block party, the 11th Little Rock Beard and Mustache Contest will be presented by Sport Clips. This unique contest has categories for Best Natural Beard Under 6 Inches, Best Natural Beard Over 6 Inches, Best Groomed Beard, Most Original Beard, Best DIY Crafted Beard and Best Mustache.
Little Rock Zoo Mardi Gras Celebration
On Saturday, March 1, 2025, the Little Rock Zoo will have its Mardi Gras Celebration. All the festivities will be included in that day’s admission.
Celebration Schedule
9 am to 10 am
Refreshments can be enjoyed in the Reptile House. You can meet Gambit, the resident King snake and have some King Cake and snacks. There will be free face painting.
10:30 am
Meet at the bottom of Great Apes for the start of the Mardi Gras Parade. The Zoo staff will have Mardi Gras decorated floats, golf carts and Ambassador Animals. Guests are welcome to join the parade with decorated strollers or pull wagons.
Little Rock Hotels
If you’d like to visit Little Rock for their SoMardi Gras and Mardi Gras celebrations, you should consider the following hotels. They are all offering discounted rates which can save you money on your stay.
Little Rock Barbeque
While you’re in Little Rock, be sure to try some of the delicious Arkansas barbecue. Try one of these restaurants that were named the 10 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Little Rock by the users of TripAdvisor.
- Whole Hog Cafe
- Sims Bar-B-Que
- Corky’s Ribs & BBQ
- HB’s Bar B Q
- Count Porkula
- Cross Eyed Pig
- Platnum BBQ
- Wright’s Barbecue
- Fatboy’s Killer BBQ
- Terri-Lynn’s Bar-B-Q & Deli
And do not leave Little Rock without trying a slice of Arkansas Possum Pie. It’s not a savory meat pie but a sweet dessert made with chocolate pudding, cream cheese and whipped cream. It is the state dessert. If you like dessert, you’ll love Arkansas Possum Pie!