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It was nearly 24 years ago when a small group of friends created Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas. After years of planning and collaboration with dozens of nonprofit organizations, their inaugural Mardi Gras was held in Port Arthur in February of 1993.
Some 26 years later, organizers found a new home for Mardi Gras Southeast Texas – downtown Beaumont. The community enjoyed a fresh vibe as festivities such as massive parades, food, vendors, carnival, and live music centered around the Downtown Event Centre in 2020 – a clean, bright, beautiful, and safe area that lends itself to be the perfect home base for festivals as well as events. After the pandemic forced the cancellation in 2021, the anticipation returned in 2022 as tens of thousands watch three-time Grammy Award-winning artist Nelly perform.
Last year, Mardi Gras Southeast Texas raised and met the expectations with a musical lineup that featured Paul Wall, Uncle Kracker, Slim Thug, Baby Bash along with endless entertaining attractions and so much more.
Expect no different in 2024. In less than a week, the Great Lawn at the Downtown Event Centre at 700 Crockett St. will once again be filled with folks donning the colors of purple, green and gold, and of course, all the beads you can catch.
Gates open at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8, 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9, and noon Saturday, Feb. 10, and Sunday, Feb. 11. Tickets are needed to enter the gated area, which includes concerts and stage activities. Single day admission tickets are $10 on Thursday, $20 on Friday, $25 on Saturday, and $15 on Sunday (children 12 and under are free). A great value is the 4-Day Pass ($50). Organizers encourage patrons to buy online in advance at mardigrastx.com to avoid entry lines. Tickets can also be purchased at area Market Basket locations and the Mardi Gras Store (3830 FM 365) in Port Arthur.
The 33rd annual event (fourth in Beaumont) has a fantastic musical lineup that includes a wide variety of genres such as Three Thirty Seven on opening night. The famed Marshall Tucker Band and PopGun! on Friday. Popular hip hop stars Chingy and special guest Lil Flip perform Saturday night, as will Bryan Keith & Zydeco Legacy. Famed Latin musical ensemble Sonido Mazter concludes the event’s live music on Sunday.
Attractions include dog races, free inflatable “Kids Kingdom,” Family Farm petting zoo, balloon arts and clowns, and Dallas the Fire Guy, who will enchant and captivate the audience with his fire blowing skills high into the air.
Kids of all ages can also enjoy the carnival grounds by Wagner’s Carnival, which will feature nearly 30 rides such as the giant Ferris wheel. Admission to the carnival is free, but a “Funpass” can be purchased for $25 and ride unlimited rides for the entire day.
What would Mardi Gras Southeast Texas be without parades? A time-honored tradition steeped in rich history and bursting with color, music, and festivity that showcase of cultural heritage, community spirit, and the art of celebration.
Ten parades will line the downtown streets. The Courir de Mardi Gras Parade commences at 5 p.m. on Thursday. Golf Cart/ATV/4-Wheeler Showcase Parade is Friday at 7 p.m. followed by the Valero Krewe of Krewes Parade. The spectacle on Saturday begins at 2 p.m. with the Royalty March; the Motorcycle Showcase at 5:30 p.m.; and the TotalEnergies Krewe of Aurora Grand Parade at 6 p.m. The amusement continues Sunday at 1:30 p.m. with the KidMed Munchkin Parade, Re/Max One Umbrella Parade at 2 p.m. and the ExxonMobil Motor Parade immediately follows.
For those really in the spirit and want to participate in a little something “extra,” or as they say in Louisiana, “lagniappe,” Pete’s Dueling Pianos takes over the Event Centre on Friday, Feb. 9, at 9 p.m. ($35). The Neches River Festival’s “Capes & Crowns” 5K Run/Walk (205 Crockett St.) begins Saturday at 9 a.m. ($25-$35). The Jazz Brunch, also inside the Event Centre, on Saturday, Feb. 10, is a harmonious fusion of great music with Mad Maude and culinary delights from Rao’s ($35) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Experience the soulful sounds of The Flava Band later that night at the Event Centre at 7 p.m. ($35).
For detailed information, tickets, and parade routes, visit mardigrastx.com.