The Parish Hosts Tucson’s Largest Mardi Gras Festival on Feb. 17

The Parish will host Tucson’s largest Mardi Gras celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 17. The annual Fat Tuesday festival runs from 1-10 p.m. and highlights Creole food traditions, live music, and one of the city’s most established culinary festivals.

Mardi Gras Traditions at The Parish

The Parish Mardi Gras festival centers on food rooted in Cajun and Creole history. The menu includes Arizona’s only Cajun Mardi Gras alligator roast, a tradition with deep bayou origins. Chefs will roast six 25-pound alligators throughout the day.

Additional dishes round out the feast and anchor the Fat Tuesday experience.

• Alligator roast
• Crawfish boil
• Jambalaya
• Cajun sampler plates with gumbo, crawfish étouffée, and red beans and rice
• King cake
• Hurricanes

Live Music on Two Stages

Music plays a central role in the Parish Mardi Gras festival. Performances span indoor and outdoor stages from early afternoon through late evening. The lineup highlights local and regional talent across multiple genres.

Outside Stage
• 1-3 p.m. Bryan Dean Trio
• 3:30-5:30 p.m. Big Sounds of Pleasure
• 6-8 p.m. Miss Olivia and the Interlopers

Inside Stage
• 1:30-3:30 p.m. Barnaby and the Butcher
• 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tiny House of Funk
• 7:30-9:30 p.m. In Tha Zone

What to Know Before You Go

The Parish will open gates at 1 p.m. on Fat Tuesday. The cover charge is $15, with food and drinks sold separately. The event operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Parking remains extremely limited near the venue. Organizers strongly encourage ride-share services. Entry pauses if capacity reaches its limit.

The event welcomes guests 21 and older, or minors accompanied by a parent. Children 12 and under enter free until 9 p.m. Guests cannot re-enter once they exit.

The Parish is located at 6453 N. Oracle Rd. For more information, visit theparishtucson.com.