Mardi Gras is coming back to Beaumont

There’s no better place to celebrate Mardi Gras than in the “Cajun capital of Texas,” asserts the Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), and Mardi Gras Southeast Texas (MGSET) is making its return to downtown Beaumont on Feb. 24-27. Festivities will be centered around the Beaumont Event Centre, 700 Crockett St., and the celebration offers partygoers a fun-filled weekend rife with Cajun culture and cuisine, live music, rides and – of course – parades aplenty.

Following a successful first year in Beaumont in February 2020, MGSET is coming back better than ever in 2022 after COVID-19 canceled event plans last year, President Laura Childress shared. According to her, relocating Mardi Gras from Port Arthur to downtown Beaumont significantly grew the celebration, with thousands of attendees in 2020. She anticipates an exciting event this year.

 “Since moving to Beaumont, the response has been overwhelming,” said Childress. “Our first year was so exciting, and the new location by The Event Centre and Great Lawn is perfect to host all of the events in downtown Beaumont for this 4-day celebration.”

Attendees will be in for a treat, the CVB suggests, with parades, the opportunity to join or start a Krewe, carnival rides and games, and excellent entertainment options. Country music singer Tyler Farr will be playing Friday, Feb. 25; rap singer, Nelly, is headlining Saturday, Feb. 26; and the Los Chicos Del 512 - The Selena Experience will take place on Sunday, Feb. 27. There will also be Zydeco, swamp pop and jazz acts playing throughout the weekend.

In addition to the many musical performances, MGSET is the perfect opportunity to see the Budweiser Clydesdales “up close and personal,” the CVB describes. Make sure to catch performances by Exotic Wings, Magic Poodles, All Things Wild White Tigers, Dallas the Fire Eater, ride the mechanical bull or take a picture with Oliver the African Watusi.

 “If you went to Mardi Gras Southeast Texas in 2020, you could feel the incredible energy that would make anyone want to come back in 2022,” said City of Beaumont Director of Event Services Emily Wheeler. “This weekend festival is perfect for all ages and should not be missed.”

 Neches River is hosting the Capes and Crowns 5K and 1K run on Saturday, Feb. 26, and Wagner Carnival will be on site with state fair quality rides. The KidZone, sponsored by Beaumont Emergency Hospital, will allow young Mardi Gras attendees to participate in games and win prizes for free on Saturday and Sunday from noon-6 p.m.

 “At the Beaumont CVB, we pride ourselves in giving visitors from near and far, authentic experiences that are unapologetically Beaumont and encapsulate all that Southeast Texas has to offer,” said Christina Lokey, Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau Marketing Director. “The multi-day Mardi Gras Southeast Texas festival leads to new visitors and overnight stays which means visitor spending in our local economy.”

 On Sunday, Feb. 27, enjoy a Jazz Brunch with Dr. Jimmy Simmons and Band at The Event Centre on the Lake. Tickets are required and may be purchased online through Ticketmaster or the Beaumont Civic Center Box Office.

“This four-day event lends itself to the perfect weekend for all ages wanting to experience some Cajun fun and Texas hospitality,” the CVB touts. “Catch the excitement and let the good times roll y’all!”

Advanced wristbands for the event are available online.

 About Mardi Gras Southeast Texas

Mardi Gras Southeast Texas is a non-profit volunteer organization structured as a fundraiser for 14 local charities in the Southeast Texas area. Over the last 30 years, MGSET has donated over $1 million to those charities in Southeast Texas. Come out and show your support!

Visit Mardigrassetx.com for more information.