The Laurel of Asheville‘s Community Events Calendar
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The Laurel of Asheville is a lifestyle magazine focused on the arts, culture, and communities of Western North Carolina, and submitted events should fall within this context. If your event occurs over several days, please submit multiple events. Events extending beyond a month will not be accepted. All submissions are subject to editorial approval and edits for clarity and style before being published online. If you are going to include a photograph, please be certain that you have the rights to utilize that image. If there is a question about image rights, we may remove the image. Also, images should be no larger than 2000 pixels wide. Large images will prevent the event from being submitted. Please allow up to 5 days for your even to be posted. If you encounter difficulties submitting an event, please email [email protected].
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Asheville Mardi Gras Parade and Queen’s Ball
February 15 @ 3:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Free
Asheville, NC — Laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll! Downtown Asheville will burst into color, rhythm, and revelry on Sunday, February 15, 2026, as the Mardi Gras Parade rolls through the South Slope beginning promptly at 3:05 p.m. This year’s parade theme is “Life Is a Carnival”.
Sponsored by Asheville Mardi Gras, a local non-profit organization, the parade will feature dazzling costumes, lively music, and the joyful traditions of Carnival—bringing a taste of New Orleans straight to the mountains.
“This celebration is about community, creativity, and joy,” said a representative of Asheville Mardi Gras. “We’re thrilled to invite locals and visitors alike to come out, dress up, and celebrate Mardi Gras Asheville-style.”
When the last float passes, the party continues with “The Queen’s Ball,” the official after-party following the parade from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at the Wicked Weed Funkatorium. Guests can expect music, dancing, and royal-worthy festivities to close out the day in true Mardi Gras fashion. The Queen’s Ball is free to the public.
The parade is free and open to the public as well, welcoming all ages to experience an unforgettable afternoon of culture and celebration in the heart of downtown Asheville.
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