Since 2007, the Asheville Mardi Gras group, a community-based arts + culture organization comprised of locals and New Orleans ex-pats (though anyone can join if they just love a good party), has been throwing a giant Mardi Gras street parade.
The theme: AsheVillage People (Think quirky + loud costumes – not too different from a normal Sunday in Asheville).
Here’s your down + dirty to the 2018 parade:
đź“ŤStarts at the corner of Coxe and Hilliard Ave., follows an approximately half-mile route through the South Slope.
🗓️Sunday, Feb. 11
⏰ 3:05 p.m. start, ~5 p.m. end.
Pro-tip: The free Queen’s Ball goes until 11 p.m. at Club 11 On Grove. How’s that for #SundayFunday??
Find your Krewe
- 9 Krewes (creole for parade marchers) will be representing day of, and those who want to join in can email the 6 that are open, to find a spot. You’re also welcome to march solo, because yolo.
- Bonus: Many of the original organizers will be hanging out with royalty on the Dead Royals float, where past Kings and Queens of Mardi Gras sit.
Plan your brewery + brunch route
- Burial + Catawba are brewing special French-themed beers, Ben’s Tune-Up + Wicked Weed are offering $3 beers.
- Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. is having $4 Rocket Girl Lager pint specials + house made jambalaya
- Plus, Tupelo Honey, Buxton Hall, Thirsty Monk, & Salt + Smoke are right on the way.
âť“What deals did we miss? Let us know here.
Parking Protips
- Bad news. It’s the same day as the Fed Cup tennis tournament, so parking will be extra tight downtown.
- Avoid crowds in the heart of downtown and park at Memorial Stadium, a short walk from the South Slope.
- Or, utilize public transportation. Check out the ART bus schedule online. The Asheland Ave. bus station is about 2 minutes away from the action.
And to get in the spirit, check out photos from last year’s parade.
