Where to Celebrate Mardi Gras in Jackson, Mississippi

Jackson brings its own flavor to Mardi Gras season with masked galas, trail rides, and week-long celebrations across the city.

From elegant fundraisers to outdoor bonfires, here's where to experience Fat Tuesday in Mississippi's capital.

Jackson's Take on Carnival Season

What sets Mardi Gras in Jackson apart is the local organizations and shared experiences for residents and visitors. It's a seasonal highlight that showcases the city's culture and ongoing commitment to community-centered events.

Save these dates and get tickets where needed to be a part of one of the city's largest celebrations.

Mardi Gras Events in Jackson

LifeTalk Mardi Gras Gala
Sat., Feb. 7, 2026, 7 – 11:30 p.m. Jackson Convention Complex Center

This elegant masked celebration fills downtown with music, lively entertainment, and a festive Carnival atmosphere, offering guests an early taste of Mardi Gras.

Krewe de Cardinal 2026
Sat., Feb. 7, 7-11 p.m. The Westin Jackson

Krewe de Cardinal is St. Richard Catholic School's largest fundraiser. It's a Mardi Gras-inspired event for parents, friends, and the community to party and support the school.

Saltine Mardi Gras Special
Mon., Feb. 16-22, 4-6 p.m. Saltine Restaurant & Oyster Bar, Fondren

Saltine’s Mardi Gras specials include Crab Cake Beignets served with remoulade and a standout snapper entrée paired with dirty rice, asparagus and rich étouffée. Guests can round out the meal with decadent Bread Pudding finished with white chocolate sauce. The cocktail menu keeps the party going with the limited-time Berry Bacchus, featuring vodka, Chambord, ginger-mint syrup and citrus, alongside the Fish Bowl cocktail made with vodka, coconut rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice and a gummy shark garnish.

Second Annual Mardi Gras Bonfire
Fri., Feb. 13, 2026, Gates open at 7 p.m. Grants Field, 2900 Forest Avenue

This festive trail ride brings riders together with off-road action, music, and a lively atmosphere, offering a unique way to experience Mardi Gras outdoors.

Madison Huff

Author

Madison Huff

Madison Huff is a Multimedia Journalist and Contributing Writer for Marketing Maven Management. A Journalism and Media Studies student at Jackson State University, she specializes in feature writing, storytelling, and on-camera reporting. Madison also serves as a Staff Writer for JSU’s Blue & White Flash, where she produces interviews, digital content, and magazine features for the campus community. Outside of writing, she enjoys traveling, discovering new music, and spending time with friends and family.