Mardi Gras
Celebrate Mardi Gras in Manitou Springs.
Dress up, dress down and don’t forget to don your feathered masks while you enjoy all that Manitou Springs has to offer.
Whether you're establishing new family-friendly traditions or planning a lively date with your special someone, Mardi Gras offers unforgettable excitement for all ages. Dive into an array of fun activities during Carnivale Weekend in Manitou Springs, including a masquerade ball, a gumbo contest and a parade. Featuring this year's theme as "Cirque du Manitou," Carnivale Weekend is a vibrant procession of thrilling festivities, where colorful costumes, mouthwatering eats and high-spirited dancing come alive.
Mardi Gras Events
CarniBall Masquerade 2025
February 22, 2025
CarniBall is Manitou Masquerade at its finest! 2025’s theme is Cirque de Manitou. Come dressed in your best masquerade costumes for drinks and Cajun-inspired food (gluten-free & vegan options will be available) live music from Tribe, plus the 2025 Carnivale King, Queen and Court will be announced this evening. The event will take place at Iron Springs Chateau in Manitou Springs, CO.
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Time: 6pm - 9pm
Location: Iron Springs Chateau, 444 Ruxton Avenue, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Cost: $75/ticket, purchase here.
Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off
March 1, 2025
Come celebrate 31 years of flavor with gumbo aficionados. Whether you're a seasoned gumbo maestro or just love savoring the deliciousness, join Manitou Springs to witness 20 talented gumbo chefs showcasing their best creations. For just 75¢ per sample, taste and vote for your favorite. Don't miss this opportunity to indulge in a gumbo extravaganza starting at 11am!
Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025
Time: Gumbo judging starts at 11am
Location: Soda Springs Park, 1016 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Cost: $0.75 for each gumbo sample
2025 Carnivale Community Parade
March 1, 2025
It’s a tradition in Manitou Springs to march down Manitou Avenue and celebrate Mardi Gras in true fun and funky color that Manitou is known for! So grab your beads and costume-up with us! The theme for 2025 Carnivale is Cirque du Manitou. The more the merrier, so bring your family, your neighbors, your co-workers, your friends, everyone!
Awards ceremony will be held after the parade at the finish in Soda Springs Park for best group/costumes.
Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025
Time: Parade lineup begins at 12pm. The parade begins at 1pm.
Location: Meeting location for lineup is Memorial Park, 502 Manitou Ave. Parade ends at Soda Springs Park. Parking available at Hiawatha Gardens parking lot adjacent to Memorial Park.
Cost: Free.
To march in the parade, the RSVP form for 2025 is not currently open.
Transportation & Parking
Discover a variety of ways to reach Carnivale Weekend events, including biking and public transportation availability. Pike Ride is offering a discount code for cyclists during Carnivale festivities. Event goers can park at Hiawatha Gardens in Memorial Park or Fields Park. Parking is also offered at Manitou Springs High School from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with a $10 donation to the FCA and AT Clubs. Find out more transportation and parking information here.
