Laissez les bon temps rouler - It's Mardi Gras time, y'all! From special drinks and dishes full of flavor, live jazz serenades, Downtown goodies, themed parties, and, of course, a good ol' fashioned parade - you're in for a fun Mardi Gras in San Marcos.

 

Mardi Gras Martinis

Kick off your Mardi Gras festivities at the historic Hays County Courthouse on Thursday, February 8 from 5-7pm for delicious martinis, yummy appetizers, and, of course, jazz music. This ticketed event is $20 per person for tickets online or $25 per person at the door.

 

Mardi Gras Parade

We could not be more excited to bust out our purple, gold, and green, and join the festive fun. Of course, the San Marcos Mardi Gras Parade is a can't-miss celebration. The parade is on Saturday, February 10, and begins at noon. The parade winds through San Marcos' historic districts and ends at Jack's Roadhouse. 

See the parade route here:

1. The parade will begin at Jack's Roadhouse (1625 Hopkins St.). 2. From Jack's the parade will travel down Dixon Street and turn right on to Belvin Street. 3. It will roll down Belvin to Scott Street where it will turn right at Scott Street. 4. It will follow Scott, crossing Hopkins, and then turn left on San Antonio Street. 5. It will go down San Antonio to Nance Street where it will turn right, go one block, and turn right again on MLK. 6. The parade will go down MLK to Endicott Street, where it will turn right, go one block to San Antonio, and turn left. 7. From there it will proceed down San Antonio back to Jack's where it will disband.

Jammin' to Jazz

Hoping to catch some live jazz music for Mardi Gras? Roughhouse Brewing and Zelicks are both hosting Mardi Gras parties with some great live jazz performances. 

Mardi Gras Specials

If there's one thing we're sure of, it's that Mardi Gras should be full of fantastic flavors! Fried gator, boiled crawfish, hearty soul food, and something special to sip on are staples for this fun holiday. You'll find Mardi Gras special offerings at The Taproom, Roughhouse Brewing, Zelicks, and more. Looking for something festive for your Mardi Gras events? KnD's has you covered! 

Keep The Party Going Downtown

Of course, after you've celebrated with the parade, you'll want to explore Downtown San Marcos and get a bite to eat! Make sure you check out the decked-out decor courtesy of the Downtown Association's window decorating contest. You're sure to see some fun Mardi Gras-themed displays adorning local businesses. 

There's also an opportunity to collect doubloons around Downtown San Marcos! Doubloons will be offered at checkout at the locations listed on the map below. Once you've collected three, you can trade them in for a tote bag at one of the Downtown Association of San Marcos tables located on the four corners of the Hays County Historic Courthouse lawn. Hours for redemption are from 1-5pm and there are a limited amount of tote bags available.