Bring the Party at These Local Mardi Gras Festivals
Carnevale and Mardi Gras celebrations offer colorful, spirited fun in the Hudson Valley this winter.
Adobe Stock / tomertu
What better way to fill the chilly slump to spring than with a colorful and boisterous soiree? Whether you’re celebrating in the Italian fashion for Carnevale or gearing up for Fat Tuesday, you'll love the local celebrations that add color to the winter season.
In honor of the occasion, traditional handmade masks, parades, and delectable cuisine ensure festivities you won’t forget. Here are a few events in the Hudson Valley that will help you get the party going this month.
Mardi Gras
Elting Memorial Library, New Paltz
February 15, 20; 4 p.m.
Elting Memorial brings the Mardi Gras fun in a big way. Learn some French with SUNY New Paltz students on February 15 or make your own Mardi Gras mask and accessories on February 20. Both free days are family-friendly events that will have you looking your best before the real fun begins.
International Carnevale Celebration
Villa Barone Hilltop Manor, Mahopac
February 16, 23, March 2; 7 p.m.
Make your way down to Mahopac for a seven-course meal that features regional Italian foods with Julius Caesar himself as your host for the evening. Be sure to secure your tickets fast; there’s a reason this event has sold out 18 years running. Open bar and special performances will be available all night long.
Carnevale Calabrese Celebration
Italian American Community Center, Albany
March 2, 6:30-11:30 p.m.
On the first Saturday in March, Albany's Italian American Community Center celebrates Carnevale, or Italy's version of Mardi Gras. Look forward to an evening of fine dining, dancing, and silent bidding. The Good Times Band will be on-hand with live music throughout the night, while Treviso by the Mallozzi's caters dinner. Come in traditional Carnevale costume if you want a shot at winning the colorful costume contest at the end of the fest.
Mardi Gras Masquerade
Colony Woodstock, Woodstock
March 2, 8 p.m.
If you love live music and dancing, you'll want to pick up tickets to the Mardi Gras Masquerade at Colony on March 2. DJ Shaman Vybez drops the beats while The B Boyz and Brass Refuge perform live. Pick up $10 tickets in advance if you're planning to go, since the cost jumps to $15 at the door.
Uncle Shoehorn's Fourth Annual Funky Mardi Gras Ball
Wickham Woodlands Manor, Warwick
March 2, 8 p.m.
For a true New Orleans-style Mardi Gras get-down, round up a crowd and head to the Mardi Gras Ball at Warwick's Wickham Woodlands Manor. The event kicks off at 8 p.m. with NOLA funk and jazz tunes designed to get everyone out on the dance floor. Bourbon Street décor and masks and beads galore add color to the evening, while floats and Louisiana-influenced red beans and rice with sausage keep the party going strong. Don't forget to grab a slice of king cake for dessert!
Mardi Gras Pancake Lunch
Our Savior Lutheran Church, Fishkill
March 3, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
If pancakes are the party food of the weekend (they are), then this luncheon is just the thing for Mardi Gras revelers in the Hudson Valley. Swing by Our Savior Lutheran Church in Fishkill for a lunch spread of pancakes, king cupcakes, and more. Children's crafts, a parade, and jazz tunes offer family-friendly entertainment throughout the afternoon as well.
Brews for Rescues Mardi Gras Party
Newburgh Brewing Company, Newburgh
March 3, 1-4 p.m.
Keep the Mardi Gras party going on Sunday at Newburgh Brewing's afternoon community shindig. Hosted in collaboration with Pirate Dogs OC, Inc., the event raises funds to support the nonprofit organization and the animals under its care. A fun raffle and rescue challenge take place during the day, while a pet food drive accepts Purina and Friskies donations in the brewery lobby.
Mardi Gras Cupcakes
Albany NY Library, Albany
March 5, 3:30-5 p.m.
Bring the teen bakers in your life to the Albany Library for this festive and free Mardi Gras-themed baking lesson. Teens and tweens ages 11 to 17 can learn how to make king cupcakes, a twist on the famous New Orleans king cake. All supplies are provided, so make sure to register your young bakers in advance to secure them a spot.
