Since 2007, the Asheville Mardi Gras group, a community-based arts + culture organization comprised of locals and New Orleans ex-pats (though anyone can join if they just love a good party), has been throwing a giant Mardi Gras street parade.

The theme: AsheVillage People (Think quirky + loud costumes – not too different from a normal Sunday in Asheville).

Here's your down + dirty to the 2018 parade:
📍Starts at the corner of Coxe and Hilliard Ave., follows an approximately half-mile route through the South Slope.
🗓️Sunday, Feb. 11
⏰ 3:05 p.m. start, ~5 p.m. end.
Pro-tip: The free Queen's Ball goes until 11 p.m. at Club 11 On Grove. How's that for #SundayFunday??

Find your Krewe

9 Krewes (creole for parade marchers) will be representing day of, and those who want to join in can email the 6 that are open, to find a spot. You’re also welcome to march solo, because yolo.
Bonus: Many of the original organizers will be hanging out with royalty on the Dead Royals float, where past Kings and Queens of Mardi Gras sit.

Plan your brewery + brunch route

Burial + Catawba are brewing special French-themed beers, Ben's Tune-Up + Wicked Weed are offering $3 beers.
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. is having $4 Rocket Girl Lager pint specials + house made jambalaya
Plus, Tupelo Honey, Buxton Hall, Thirsty Monk, & Salt + Smoke are right on the way.

❓What deals did we miss? Let us know here.
Parking Protips

Bad news. It’s the same day as the Fed Cup tennis tournament, so parking will be extra tight downtown.
Avoid crowds in the heart of downtown and park at Memorial Stadium, a short walk from the South Slope.
Or, utilize public transportation. Check out the ART bus schedule online. The Asheland Ave. bus station is about 2 minutes away from the action.

And to get in the spirit, check out photos from last year's parade.