Asheville Prepares for the 16th Annual Mardi Gras Parade

News Summary

Asheville is set to host its 16th annual Mardi Gras Parade on March 2, 2023, bringing joy and color to the streets with a free event for the community. The festivities kick off at 3:05 p.m. at the intersection of Coxe Ave. and Southside Ave. with a vibrant animal-themed celebration. Streets will be closed for the parade, and there will be exciting after-parties and pre-parade events leading up to the main event, all showcasing the spirit of community and fun.

Asheville Gears Up for a Vibrant Mardi Gras Parade!

Asheville is bursting with excitement as the 16th annual Mardi Gras Parade is set to bring color and joy to the streets on Sunday, March 2, 2023. The community is invited to join in the fun, and the best part? It’s completely free and open to the public!

All Eyes on the Parade!

Get ready for a sensational afternoon! Floats will commence lining up bright and early on parade day, with the main festivities kicking off at 3:05 p.m. The parade will start at the intersection of Coxe Ave. and Southside Ave. and wend its way through the heart of the city, going north on Coxe Ave., turning along Buxton Ave. and Banks Ave., before wrapping up at Federal Alley.

If you’re planning to catch the parade, make sure you’re ready! Streets along the route will close to vehicle traffic starting at 10:00 a.m. and are expected to reopen around 6:00 p.m. after everything is cleared away. Here’s a quick rundown of the specific streets that will be closed for the festivities:

• Coxe Ave from Patton to Buxton
• Southside Ave from Coxe to Biltmore
• S. Lexington from near the intersection with Church/Banks to Southside
• Church St. near the intersection with Banks/S. Lex to Southside
• Buxton Ave (all)
• Banks Ave (all)
• Coxe Ave from Southside to Banks
• Millard (all)
• Collier from Banks to Millard
• Federal Alley from Hilliard to Coxe

Get Colorful with the Theme “Animalia”

This year, the theme of the parade is “Animalia”, so it’s time to unleash your wild side! Attendees are encouraged to don vibrant costumes that reflect this theme. Whether you dress as your favorite animal or incorporate animal prints into your outfit, the more colorful, the better!

Celebrate with After-Parties!

But the fun doesn’t stop at the parade! After the festivities wind down, head over to South Slope for three exciting after-parties to keep the celebration alive. Dance, mingle, and soak in the delightful atmosphere.

Join the Mardi Gras Fun Leading Up to the Parade

There are plenty of festivities lined up leading up to the parade, so get your party shoes ready! On Friday, Feb. 28, enjoy the groove of the Hustle Souls & Firecracker Jazz Band at the Asheville Music Hall from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.. Then, on Saturday, March 1, immerse yourself in a Royal Procession at multiple locations from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Feeling like dancing? Don’t miss the Mardi Gras Dance with Bayou Diesel at Cork and Keg Bar at 8 p.m. For those looking for live music, Empire Strikes Brass will be lighting up The Grey Eagle, with tickets starting at $21.

A Celebration of Community Spirit

The Asheville Mardi Gras organization is a dedicated group of volunteers who work hard to spread joy and community spirit by bringing the vibrant traditions of New Orleans to the lovely landscapes of Western North Carolina.

So don’t delay! Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and prepare for a magnificent parade and a weekend filled with lively festivities. Let’s celebrate Asheville’s very own Mardi Gras and create memories that will last a lifetime! Get dressed up, and most importantly, bring your enthusiasm for a day full of love, joy, and community spirit!

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Additional Resources

• WLOS: Asheville Mardi Gras Parade Returns
• Wikipedia: Mardi Gras
• AVL Today: Mardi Gras Events in Asheville
• Google Search: Asheville Mardi Gras 2023
• WLOS: 16th Annual Asheville Mardi Gras Parade
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Mardi Gras
• WLOS: The Great Comeback Carnival