Just when you thought all of the Mardi Gras festivities were over and done with for 2023, think again because the good times are still rollin’ here in Tucson.
Once again, the creative minds behind The Slaughterhouse are hosting the third annual Mardi Gras Festival from 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, and then from noon – 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 12 for Family Festival Day.
“Due to actual Mardi Gras falling so early in February for 2023, we have made the decision to move this event to March,” they released in a press release. “We know Tucsonan’s don’t like to be outside when it’s cold — so we will be celebrating when it’s a little warmer and the crawfish are bigger.”
Over at 1102 W. Grant Rd., different experiences will be available like a Bourbon Street Balcony Experience, Cajun food, specialty drinks, FireTruck Brewing Company will be serving beers, live Cajun and Zydeco music, axe throwing, a New Orleans Mausoleum tour, themed vendors, and parades that resemble those that take to the streets of New Orleans.
“The team behind Tucson Mardi Gras wants to invite everyone in the great city of Tucson to come out and experience a little bit of what NOLA and the real Mardi Gras has to offer,” stated Tucson Mardi Gras. “The event benefits local charities and First Responders.”
Saturday’s Festival is suggested for ages 18 years old and up, but kids are allowed with parental discretion. Sunday’s Family Festival Day is more family oriented with a couple more kid-friendly activities available like jumping castles and face painting (additional fees for activities required).
Tucson Mardi Gras Festival Tickets
It’s free to attend the Tucson Mardi Gras Festival but there are some risks. If event capacity is reached, “upgrade ticket holders and Guaranteed Entry ticket holders will be given priority entrance.”
So, if you’d like to guarantee entry, they suggest you pre-purchase any of the ticket options they’ve got available online.
And, if you’re getting a little nervous, perhaps shakin’ in your boots because the event is operated by the same folks behind The Slaughterhouse, don’t fret because this event is “100% No-Scare.” The haunted houses will not be open in any capacity during the weekend.
The Tucson Mardi Gras Festival is located at 1102 W. Grant Rd. For more information and to purchase tickets visit tucsonmardigras.com.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
