Mardi Gras Magic: A Celebration Near You
Sure, we’re a flight away from the Mardi Gras epicenter, but Chatham and Orange counties will be bringing the energy of New Orleans to us! With roots that stretch back thousands of years, Mardi Gras traditions are founded in ancient Roman festivals. It’s celebrated in France on Shrove Tuesday, just before the start of Lent. French settlers eventually brought the party to Louisiana in the 1700s, where it quickly became a local tradition. And from its medieval European origins, Mardi Gras became the parades and festivities we know today!
Here’s how you can celebrate!
The party comes to Carrboro March 1-2, at Pluck Farm and Steel String Brewery’s annual celebration! The carnival spirit will be fueled with live music, a DIY Mardi Gras mask station, face painting and delicious Creole-Cajun food from Mamma Nem’s food truck, also offering vegetarian and gluten-free options. Festivities will also include King Cake, craft beer on tap and a bouncy castle for kids to enjoy. Saturday’s live music will feature Rhonda Robichaux & Meaux, blending blues, soul and jazz, while Sunday brings the New Orleans Masquerade with traditional jazz and blues. Extra instruments will be available for anyone wanting to join the jam session!
Steel String Brewery will have a variety of drinks available, from craft beer to cider, wine and non-alcoholic options. Wear your purple, green and yellow, grab a lawn chair or blanket, and join the magic!
Get ready to let the good times roll at The Plant’s Mardi Gras celebration from February 28 – March 2, in Pittsboro! It’s a three-day extravaganza packed with excitement, including live music, food and festive cocktails. The weekend starts with a masquerade ball at Fair Game Beverage Company on Friday night. Saturday brings a vendor market, a performance by Funk Sandwich and lively jester entertainment. And the day continues with music from Tim Wells and Ie Bon Temps.
The celebration concludes on Sunday with The Overtones Sax Quartet, a parade led by the Boom Unit Brass Band and more music to keep the dancing going. Come in costume, savor the King Cakes and celebrate Mardi Gras with friends at The Plant! Learn more!
Mardi Gras comes to Durham for the Daytime Mardi Gras event on Sunday, March 2, from 1-5 p.m. at The Scrap Exchange! This free community party will share New Orleans-style tunes from the Bulltown Strutters brass band and second-line parades featuring show-box floats. Snack on yummy offerings from food trucks and drinks and get crafty with costume and float-making stations. Brink your friends, family and coworkers for a festive day in Durham!
Motorco is celebrating Fat Tuesday in Durham on March 4! The celebration starts at 6 p.m. with the Bulltown Strutters brass band and Cajun band Shamu Garcon. It’s an evening for dancing, singing and second-line parades. Motorco’s world famous Hurricane cocktails will be on the menu, along with NOLA food specials. This event is free and open to the public!