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Mardi Gras 2022 in downtown Beaumont.
Mardi Gras 2022 in downtown Beaumont. -
A crowd of nearly 10,000 filled Ford Arena for Cody Johnson.
A crowd of nearly 10,000 filled Ford Arena for Cody Johnson.
As we journeyed back into 2022, we found out that Southeast Texas is not boring. In fact, it’s the complete opposite. Sure, Houston has professional sports teams and such, and Louisiana has casinos, but the “409” is filled with plenty of entertainment.
Partygoers patiently waited two long years to celebrate the return of Mardi Gras Southeast Texas to downtown Beaumont last February. While Mother Nature wasn’t as cooperative as organizers would have liked, thousands caught the excitement, along with plenty of beads, as well.
A plethora of parades filled with festive floats made their way through the streets of downtown, along with live music from the likes of Grammy winner Nelly, Tyler Farr, Marcus Ardoin and the Mummers, plus a carnival midway with fantastic eats and treats.
“Despite the difficult cold weather situations, the 30th Annual Mardi Gras Southeast Texas in downtown Beaumont was a huge success,” said Laura Childress, president of Mardi Gras Southeast Texas. “Safety is always a first priority and I am pleased to say there were zero incidents and zero problems. A good time was had by all!”
“Everyone involved worked hard to produce a phenomenal Mardi Gras celebration,” said Beaumont’s Director of Event Services Emily Wheeler. “We are proud of the success and appreciative of the incredible support shown by the community.”
The 31st annual Mardi Gras Southeast Texas is scheduled for Feb. 16-19 in downtown Beaumont at the Event Centre and will feature performances by the likes of Uncle Kracker and Paul Wall.
Wheeler and the City’s Event Services department also hosts dozens of monthly events (Classic Movie Nights, Symphony of Southeast Texas, comedians). Last year, we saw musical performances from stars such as Travis Tritt, Carvin Jones, Robert Earl Keen, Crystal Gayle, the Oak Ridge Boys, Musiq Soulchild, Liverpool Legends, Pink Floyd Laser Light Show and many more. Along with numerous free festivals – Viva ArTaco Hispanic Heritage Festival, Mural Fest, Fourth of July, Oktoberfest, Dogtoberfest – downtown Beaumont has something for everyone.
Ford Park had one of its best years to date. Ford Arena was sold out numerous times in 2022 thanks to comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias and country acts Whiskey Myers, Koe Wetzel and Cody Johnson. The venue also hosted monthly pro wrestling events, Harlem Globetrotters and Cirque Italia.
How could we forget the thousands that attended the YMBL South Texas State Fair? This year’s fair dates are March 23 through April 2.
If you enjoy the theatre, Orange is home to a jewel – the Lutcher Theater. There’s also Beaumont Community Players as well as Port Arthur Little Theater.
The area is also full of festivals – Nederland Heritage Festival, Port Neches RiverFest, Groves Pecan Festival, Orangetober Fest, Texas Rice Festival in Winnie, Gator Fest in Anahuac and so many more.
Art Museum of Southeast Texas, Stark Museum of Art and Shangri La Botanical Gardens provide thousands with enjoyment.
So do you still think its boring here?
-Chad Cooper, Entertainment Editor