Mardi Gras is Coming to Bastrop

Laissez les bon temps rouler during Bastrop’s first official Mardi Gras tribute! For five days let the good times roll with Cajun culture and Mardi Gras traditions. The weekend will have something for everyone—music, dancing, gumbo and other delicious Cajun cuisine, kid’s activities, art, and a parade. Here’s what you need to know to join the good times.

What is Mardi Gras?

Early French settlers brought Courir de Mardi Gras—Fat Tuesday Run—to present-day Louisiana, and the tradition evolved and blended with Cajun culture to become our modern celebration with costumed processions, music, and communal revelry. Originally, Mardis Gras had religious undertones associated with Lent, but incorporating Cajun heritage created a unique celebration that kicks off with horseback riders in masks and colorful costumes running through the rural countryside, stopping for dancing and a chicken chase. The chickens end up in a pot of gumbo on Mardi Gras, which features a parade of groups called Krewes in vibrant garb and masks riding on elaborate floats.

The city of Bastrop’s events will have aspects of the traditional festivities! There may not be an actual “run,” but there will be plenty of good times to go around.

Let the Good Music Roll

Kick off the good times at 7:00 PM Thursday, February 1st, at Cajun Country Opry, presented by Farm Street Opry at the Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center! Enjoy performances by Jean-Pierre & The Zydeco Angels and Sister Sue, plus special guest delegates from Evangeline Parish and Louisiana.

Let the Good Tastes Roll

Enjoy the Taste of Mardi Gras Ball on Friday, February 2nd, at the Bastrop Convention and Exhibit Center with Cajun-flavored hors d’oeuvres and vibrant music from The Johnathans and Jean-Pierre & the Zydeco Angels. Click here for tickets and dress code information — it will be a night to remember!

Next, delight your taste buds with traditional Mardi Gras food at the King Cake Contest on Saturday, February 3rd, at Calvary Episcopal Church. You are encouraged to bake your own cake and enter! The cakes will be evaluated on appearance, texture, and taste in two categories: adults and children 12 and younger. The judges will sample each dessert during the parade to determine a winner, and afterward, everyone can savor the cakes with hot cider.

Let the Good Times Roll

The other celebrations begin early (8:00 AM!) on Saturday, February 3rd, with the Gumbo Cookoff to benefit Bastrop County Cares. Everyone can chow on gumbo for $10 and help choose the People’s Choice winner. Then, check out A Salute to Fred’s Lounge from 8:00 AM-1:00 PM, a homage to the iconic Mamou, LA, watering hole. KVPI will broadcast live from Downtown with authentic Cajun vibes and lively tunes. Watch the parade at 10:00 AM, then enjoy music and kid’s activities until 4:00 PM, including a chicken chase and musical instrument petting zoo while listening to the Riley Family Band. Cap off the day with Art After Dark. And on Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday, February 13th, celebrate at Calvary Episcopal Church with a parade and party.

You can always be close to the good times when you live at The Colony. Contact us today to find your dream home in our sprawling, amenity-rich community where you’ll never miss a thing!