Feb 14 - 17, 2026
Mardi Gras isn’t just for folks in New Orleans anymore! Fayetteville has a surprising array of alternative celebration options for anyone on the hunt for their Fat Tuesday fix. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
To get the party started, in a change from last year, the Funkytown Ball will be held the weekend BEFORE the Fat Saturday Parade of Fools! Plenty of businesses in Fayetteville get into the spirit for Mardi Gras, offering themed events and menu items. Enjoy some cajun-inspired food from our local restaurants, imbibe with a classic Mardi Gras cocktail downtown, find yourself a king cake, or get out and attend a Mardi Gras shindig for the full Fat Tuesday in Fayetteville experience!
Mardi Gras Events
Mardi Gras Funkytown Ball
Saturday, February 7th
The Leroy Lounge
It's time to get FUNKY and let the good times ROLL! It's the party you don't want to miss at The Leroy Lounge, an upscale oasis on Dickson St. Enjoy the revelry and a light gumbo dinner. And don't forget to wear your dancing shoes!
Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Fat Saturday Parade of Fools
Saturday, February 14th
Downtown Fayetteville
The Parade of Fools rolls on, just in time for their 33rd birthday! Join the party on Dickson Street and throughout downtown Fayetteville as the much-loved annual parade returns. The parade will begin at 2 pm on the Fayetteville square, and anyone and everyone is welcome to join in on the fun and be a part of the parade! Learn more details about Fayetteville’s original and oldest Mardi Gras kickoff parade here.
Fat Tuesday Pub & Grub Crawl
Tuesday, February 17th
Dickson Street
Take the party into the streets with the second annual Fat Tuesday Pub & Grub Crawl! Costumed revelers from our Krewes will be following a brass band that will join the festivities, and will bring a real Fat Tuesday party to Dickson Street. You can expect dancing in the street, costumes and prizes, and beads, beads, and more beads!
Crecent City Combo Celebrates Fat Tuesday
Tuesday, February 17th
George's Majestic Lounge
Northwest Arkansas' self-proclaimed Big Easy funk apostles will be putting on a show at George’s Majestic Lounge on Fat Tuesday. Get ready for a heavy dose of brass and groove – with the show kicking off at 8:30pm. Tickets are only $10, available here.
Cajun & Creole Restaurants
Cafe Rue Orleans
The ultimate Fayetteville stop for all things authentic New Orleans, Cafe Rue Orleans is a must-taste experience for the purists out there - or anyone that really loves delicious food with a Louisiana flare! Born and raised in New Orleans, Chef Maudie serves up heritage dishes bursting with cajun flavor that have been passed down by her family for generations. Expect to find all the staples here, from crawfish etouffee to beignets and beyond!
Catfish Hole
Since they pride themselves as having “the finest catfish and hushpuppies” you will find anywhere, it's no big surprise that you can find a few cajun lover worthy dishes at Catfish Hole in Fayetteville! This is one the best places in Fayetteville to get reliable catfish dinner platters and family packs for a group - and you won’t regret choosing any of their numerous desserts! They’ve also got fried shrimp, scallops, clams and frog legs, and a variety of grilled options to satisfy your Mardi Gras cravings.
Juicy Tails
Cajun seafood dishes are the star of the show at this Fayetteville restaurant that’s sure to satisfy those Creole cravings! Seafood boils are just a standard menu item here, where you’ll also find a range of po-boys, chowders, and fried fish baskets. Indulge in oysters on the half-shell or add-on some classic Louisiana sides to round out the experience!
Other fun options to try: The Ragin’ Cajun at Hammontree’s, Fish & Grits from Mockingbird Kitchen, Cajun Pasta from Southern Food Company, New Orleans BBQ Shrimp from Cheers at the OPO, or a Fried Shrimp Po’ Boy at Mess Hall 45.
We've Got King Cakes
It’s not Mardi Gras without a king cake! The delectable purple, yellow, and green sweet treat is a classic, and we are fortunate to have the ability to take one home with us right here in Fayetteville. Every year, Cafe Rue Orleans becomes a supplier for the most authentic New Orleans king cakes straight from the source. There are two flavors to choose from, praline and cream cheese. Local favorite Rick’s Bakery bakes their own version, which is available for purchase by the slice or as a full cake, in full, half, or quarter sheets.
Louisiana Libations
While there are a plethora of drinks that scream “New Orleans”, Louisiana locals love a classic daiquiri throughout the carnival season. You can try one for yourself at the Trophy Room (located within The Graduate hotel on the Downtown Square), from long-time locals at Maxine’s on Block, or with an upscale twist at Atlas, The Guisinger or Vault. Continue the festivities at home with a DIY Daiquiri with local syrup from Pink House Alchemy!
French-culture lovers, New Orleans natives, and fun-loving people everywhere can enjoy Fat Tuesday festivities throughout the season when they visit - missing out on Bourbon Street doesn’t feel so bad when Mardi Gras comes to you in Fayetteville! And while you're in the festive mood, be sure to check out our event calendar to see everything happening around town.
