Mardi Gras in Arkansas

In Little Rock, we laissez les bons temps rouler like our neighbors in New Orleans. Maybe not just like them, but we still have a good time. Here are a few Mardi Gras celebrations in Arkansas. Unlike New Orleans, many are kid friendly.

Looking for a King Cake? Try a local bakery. Many of them will have King Cakes or King Cupcakes for you.

Little Rock/North Little Rock

February 19
Krewe of Barkus Parade
The parade starts at 2:00 p.m. at the CityGrove Art Park on 5th Street between Main and Maple in North Little Rock. Dogs are welcome. Bring beads too.

February 20
The Krewe of Barkus Party at Starving Artist Cafe
Dancing and music from The Bob Boyd Sounds. Tickets are $35. Located in Argenta/North Little Rock.

February 21
Cajun's Wharf
Cajun's is throwing a party, complete with music and a crawfish eating festival. There's no cover charge.

River Market Pub Crawl
Most of the bars and pubs in the River Market are celebrating. Go check them out. The best bets would be the Flying Saucer and Sticky Fingers. If you're bored on that side of the river, Creegen's in downtown North Little Rock celebrates Mardi Gras too.

The Afterthought
Their Tuesday night jam has New Orleans flair with New Orleans native Carl Mouton leading the way. Party favors and great music. There's no cover charge.

Teen Event at the Laman Library
Teens can celebrate from 4 to 7:30 p.m. in the library’s Teen Center. Located in North Little Rock.

Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Mardi Gras Party
In Chancellors Hall.

February 24
Arkansas Mardi Gras at Next Level Events
Live music by Boom Kinetic. Tickets are $20, which includes beer and wine. Buy tickets.

February 25
SoMa Mardi Gras Parade
The parade starts at noon Saturday at the corner of South Main and 24th streets. Live music to follow at Bernice Garden.

Around Arkansas

February 18
Fat Saturday Parade of Fools (Fayetteville)
Starts at 3 p.m. at the Downtown Square and Dickson Street. The Fat Saturday Parade kicks off the Mardi Gras festivities and has floats and beads and all manner of family brouhaha. Kid friendly.

7th annual Krewe of Krazo Float Parade (Eureka Springs)
This parade starts at 2 p.m. and goes through downtown Eureka Springs. The parade is kid and dog friendly.

February 21
Fat Tuesday on Dickson (Fayetteville)
8 p.m.
Crowning held at Jose's Streetside Pavilion and parade.