-
Paul Wall
Mardi Gras Southeast Texas returns to Beaumont near the Great Lawn of the Downtown Event Centre (700 Crockett St.) on Feb. 16-19 and will include parades, concerts, food, attractions, carnival midway, arts and crafts, and, of course, plenty of beads.
The festivities will officially begin at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16, with the Courir de Mardi Gras Parade, followed by Zydeco music from Lil’ Steven & The Zydeco Futures and LT & The Zydeco Mob.
The Golf Cart, ATV, 4-wheeler Showcase Parade is set for 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17, as well as the Valero Krewe of Krewes Parade at 7:45 p.m. Musical performances scheduled for Feb. 17 are Sons of Bocephus at 8:30 p.m. and headliner Uncle Kracker at 10 p.m.
The Neches River Festival Capes and Crowns 5K will jumpstart events Saturday, Feb. 18, at 8:30 a.m. The Motorcycle Showcase is slated for 5:30 p.m. and the TotalEnergies Krew of Aurora Grande Parade at 6 p.m.
Music fans are in for a treat Saturday. Popular hip-hop stars will take the stage including Lil Keke (8 p.m.), Baby Bash (9 p.m.), Slim Thug (10 p.m.) and Paul Wall (11 p.m.).
Three parades are slated for Sunday, Feb. 19, starting with the KidMed Munchkin Parade at 2 p.m., Re/Max One Umbrella Parade at 3 p.m., ExxonMobil Truck Parade at 4 p.m. and the Neighborhood Veterinary Center Paws Parade at 4:30 p.m.
Sunday musical entertainment includes Ma$$aro at 4 p.m. along with LaTropa Estrella at 6 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased online at mardigrastx.com or at any Market Basket location for $10 on Thursday, $20 for Friday, $25 for Saturday, $15 on Sunday, or take advantage of the $50 four-day pass.