Support Us Button Widget

How to celebrate Mardi Gras in Charlotte

There are plenty of ways to observe Mardi Gras in the Queen City, from day-long parties to spots to order King Cake.

A Mardi Gras-themed colored mask is draped in colorful beads.

Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is a festival celebration taking place before Lent.

Photo via WCNC

The energy of Bourbon Street is coming to Charlotte to celebrate Mardi Gras. Have your masks and beaded necklaces ready, and let CLTtoday be your guide on how to enjoy a Big Easy party on Fat Tuesday with some Queen City flare.

Mardi Gras celebrations

Angry Ale’s Meets Bourbon Street | 11 a.m. | Angry Ale’s | Cost of purchase | This day-long party is serving Cajun flare including house-made gumbo, shrimp po’boys, and $8 Hurricanes, plus music, free King Cake and Mardi Gras beads while they last.

Mardi Gras Celebration at Papa Doc’s | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | Papa Doc’s Shore Club | Cost of purchase | Trade the banks of the Mississippi for the shores of Lake Wylie celebrating with Cajun-inspired food and drink specials.

Old Armor 5 Year Anniversary: Mardi Gras Style | 3 p.m. | Old Armor Beer Company, Kannapolis | Cost of purchase | Let the good times roll with drink specials and live music, with proceeds supporting veterans and first responders through the brewery’s Pay It Forward Board.

Jazz & Pancake Dinner | 6-7:30 p.m. | Woodlawn Community Fellowship | Free | Savor a sweet celebration with plenty of pancakes + a special jazz music performance transporting you to the Big Easy.

A color King Cake is placed on a cooking dish.

Fear not... there are plenty of Queen City bakeries offering delicious slices of King Cake.

Photo via WCNC

Where to grab a slice of King Cake

Editor’s note: Many of these spots listed require call-aheads and have a limited day-of supply due to high demand.

More from CLTtoday
The wildest baseball games you’ll ever see are coming to Truist Field.
The Charlotte Crown will play its inaugural season starting in May 2026 at the BoPlex in East Charlotte.
The Truist Championship will take place at Quail Hollow Club in May 2026, and is expected top bring thousands to the Queen City.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Make the most of the fall season and cooler weather with this list of pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and Halloween-themed haunts happening this fall.
Broaden your horizons and indulge in elevated fare with a tasting menu from one of these Charlotte restaurants.
The music venue would be near Bank of America Stadium’s North Gate and would be constructed by 2030.
Sponsored
The upcoming event hosted by Mac’s Speedshop and the Carolina BBQ Festival will showcase four of Charlotte’s pitmasters and barbecue before the main event next spring.
With 40,000+ sqft of equipment and 24/7 access, this NoDa gym has become a community hub for anyone chasing their fitness goals.