Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker and City officials recently announced a series of events for the 2025 Mardi Gras season. The festivities will feature returning favorites such as parades, block parties, pub crawls, and cultural celebrations for residents and visitors of all ages.
“Mardi Gras in Hattiesburg is more than just a celebration; it’s a reflection of our city’s energy and creativity,” Barker said. “These events highlight our local businesses, musicians and artists, creating opportunities for people to come together and experience the unique culture of our community. Carnival season is simply not about another party in Hattiesburg. So, there’s nothing wrong with finding a reason to get together and enjoy each other. It’s the idea that we live in the cradle of so much of the broader world’s culture. The strength of our city exists in the ideas, passion, diversity, talent, and work ethic of our people.”
Key events include the Krewe of St. Catherine’s 3rd Annual Roll & Stroll Parade and Block Party, set for Friday, February 21 at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Hattiesburg. This year's theme, “HattiesBurger Bacchanal,” will celebrate the live music scene in downtown Hattiesburg, featuring handmade throws and creative costumes.
The Mardi Gras Mambo Pub Crawl will take place on Saturday, February 22 at 12:00 p.m., also in downtown Hattiesburg. Participants can join The Epic Funk Brass Band for a New Orleans-style stroll along Front Street, concluding with a block party featuring a King Cake Bar, live music, and more. Tickets are required and available online.
Also on February 22, the MS Latinx Art Association will present Carnaval Brasileiro at 8:00 p.m. at Fat Cat. This event offers a Brazilian-style carnival experience with samba music, dancing, and Latin cuisine. Tickets are available for purchase.
On Friday, February 28, the Krewe of Lumière and The Good Vibe Foundation will host the second annual Mardi Gras Scholarship Ball at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Terrace Convention Center. The event will feature performances by Southern Komfort Brass Band and DJ Kujho. Tickets are required and can be purchased online.
The 14th Annual Caerus Mardi Gras Parade, presented by Keith’s Superstore and Mississippi Made & More, will take place on Saturday, March 1 at 2:00 p.m. in Midtown. The parade route will run along Hardy Street, passing in front of The University of Southern Mississippi.
“As we prepare for this year’s festivities, I encourage everyone to participate in a way that’s fun, safe and inclusive,” Barker said. “When a business owner, resident, or organization put themselves out there to try something new or create a new tradition, we owe it to them to show up for that effort. They take a risk, and we should support it with our presence and voice. All of us may go take in a parade in New Orleans, Mobile, or the Gulf Coast. But what better way to enhance the season than right here, in our own backyard. There’s something for everyone, and I look forward to seeing Hattiesburg embrace the spirit of Carnival.”
Local residents expressed their enthusiasm for the events.
“Man, there are so many options to celebrate the carnival season,” said Hattiesburg resident Toddrick Cole. “I can’t wait!”
Lauren Avis, a recent Hattiesburg resident, echoed similar sentiments.
“My family is really looking forward to celebrating Mardi Gras in Hattiesburg,” she said.
For more information on the event schedule, visit www.hattiesburgms.com/mardigras.
