Asheville Mardi Gras Parade and Queen's Ball

The annual Asheville Mardi Gras parade featuring colorful floats, lively music, and costumed performers. Spectators line the streets of the South Slope in Downtown Asheville to catch beads, trinkets, and other "throws" at this family friendly event. Local businesses along the route join in the celebration by offering food and drink specials and live music. Rooted in the rich, cultural heritage of New Orleans, Mardi Gras and Carnivale, the Asheville Mardi Gras committee has organized this parade for the last 19 years. This year, the one and only official Queen's Ball is making a comeback at the Wicked Weed Funkatorium. The ball is right after the parade and is free to the public. It is a chance to meet the paraders and find out who was voted best costume winner and which parade group is awarded krewe of distinction. Dance and mingle with parade goers and marchers alike.