From Staff Reports

The 18th Annual Asheville Mardi Gras Parade will loop several blocks through downtown Asheville’s South Slope brewing district — from Hilliard Avenue to Coxe Avenue — beginning at 3:05 p.m. March 2. 

The Mardi Gras Parade in Asheville is scheduled two days ahead of Mardis Gras in New Orleans , which is held on March 4. 

Local parade revelers are known to drive decorated vehicles and floats — and march through the streets in spectacular costumes. 

Costumes and festive attire are encouraged for parade-goers.This year’s theme is “Animalia,” which is left to the individual’s interpretations.

A Facebook posting noted that Asheville Mardi Gras “is an all-volunteer based arts and culture group. Our annual parade is our gift to Asheville...

Its website added, “Asheville Mardi Gras would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority for their sponsorship of our 2025 18th Annual Mardi Gras parade.”