Beaumont Mardi Gras

SETX Mardi Gras

One of the best things about living in Beaumont, Texas is Mardi Gras! If you have been to the South East Texas Mardi Gras in Beaumont you understand. I love the French Cajun influence we have in Beaumont. Beaumont is crawling with rich history and culture.

Mardi Gras 2023 is going to be February 16-19th.

The French say “Laissez le bon temps roller!!” Which translates to “Let the good times roll!” Here is everything you need to know to have the ultimate Mardi Gras experience in Beaumont. Hope to see everyone out there having fun at Mardi Gras 2023!

Mardi Gras is a family event that kids and adults love. There is so much to enjoy for all ages. Beaumont works hard to make it fun and safe for children.

Children under 12 are admitted to Mari Gras for free! Another great thing that Beaumont does for its citizens. The free kid’s zone is open Saturday and Sunday 12-6 pm. Sunday is the unofficially family day with the munchkin and truck parades and Jazz Brunch. The entire ride section – AKA the Carnival is outside of the Mardi Gras gates, so you do not need a ticket to enter that area. They have over 30 attractions for all of South East Texas to enjoy. The giant Ferris Wheel is always my favorite. The have single tickets to purchase, with each ride requiring a few tickets. They also have a $25 FUNPASS, which offers unlimited rides. Keep in mind of the beads around children’s neck when riding rides. You can have them take them off if they have a lot of they are very long.

All of the headline concerts are included with the gate admission. The tickets range from $10-$15 per day.  You will find that many organizations and local companies have FREE tickets. They either give them away to employees or citizens of Beaumont, just have to ask around.

In the past we have had entertainment from  the famous Nelly, Vanilla Ice and Tone Loc. Every year they try to bring someone new to keep it exciting. Apart from the musical entertainment there is stunt shows and exotic bird performances. There is only hard alcohol in the Funky Jester Lounge – inside the Event Center. Some times the Event Center is rented out for private parties, you will just have to go that year and see for yourself. You will find beer, wine and seltzer stations throughout the fair grounds.

Gate tickets and Carnival FUNPASS can be bought in advance from Market Basket, the Mardi Gras Southeast Texas store in Port Arthur, or online, which will save you about $5/per person. There is a great deal for $50 weekend pass for entry into Mardi Gras for all four days.

Lets talk about the parades. Who doesn’t love a parade? There are decorated floats, beads, and even the famous Budweiser Clydesdale horses. Over the years the parades continue to get better every year. Many local businesses participate and throw cups, kookiest, hats, even free game play gift certificates to 5 Under Top Golf in Beaumont, TX on  College Street. Lamar University gives out great prizes as well, sometimes even t-shirts.

Here you will find the schedule for the parades. The most elaborate not to miss parades are Friday and Saturday nights – the Valero Krewe of Krewes Parade (1/17 @ 7 pm) and Total Krewe of Aurora Grand Parade (1/18 @ 6 pm), while the Courir de Mari Gras kicks off the festivities Thursday (1/16 @ 5 pm) with a chicken toss. All main parades start at the Civic Center, travel down Main Street to Crockett, Bowie, Magnolia, Laurel, Calder, and end at Edison Plaza, so be sure to arrive in advance to snag a good spot along the route.

Beaumont  Mardi Gras has the best music. They will have a DJ with all the traditional Cajun zydeco and country favorites playing. The headlines of Mardi Gras 2023 includes LT, Zydeco Mob, Uncle Kracker and Paul Wall. No matter who is playing, it is always entertaining and a great time.

Photo Credit to Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas