2026 Portland Mardi Gras Parade and Celebration

Photo courtesy of Mysti Krewe of Nimbus

Celebrate Fat Tuesday at the most authentic Louisiana Mardi Gras experience in the Pacific Northwest.

Every year, the Portland Mardi Gras Parade on North Mississippi Avenue. The event is hosted by the Mysti Krewe of Nimbus, a group formed in 2010 to bring the Louisiana Mardi Gras spirit to Portland. The Krewe is made up of former Louisiana residents and locals who love the food, music and culture of Louisiana.

Find out all the ways you can enjoy Mardi Gras at this free community event.

2026 Portland Mardi Gras Parade and Celebration

Photo courtesy of Mysti Krewe of Nimbus

Portland Mardi Gras Day Parade is Tuesday, February 17, 2026. During the free community event, hundreds of Portlanders revel in the streets with lighted costumes, marching bands and bunches of beads thrown to the crowd. 

Parade Details

The parade step off time is 7 p.m. This is a free, family-friendly event.

The parade takes place on North Mississippi Ave. The procession marches from Humboldt St. to Cook St.

Parade entertainment includes dazzling costumed participants, puppets, dance troupes, marching bands, flambeaux circus performers and more. There’s also a signature umbrella throw and beads.

I’m awaiting the 2026 performers list, but here’s a taste of what you can expect:

• Big Foot Brass Band: 10-piece military marching brass band.
• NW Bones Gang: Mardi Gras Black Indian Gang started by the Original Flagboy.
• Beaumont Marching Bobcats: 150-piece middle school band.
• The Beat Goes On Reviving high school and college marching band experiences.
• Portland Samba Band: High energy Brazilian percussion ensemble.
• River City Riot; New Orleans-inspired party brass band.
• DTW Street Band: Inspired by the sounds of New Orleans.
• Jesters Brass Marching Band: Leading the Portland Mardi Gras Second Line.
• New Second Line Band: Curated group of Portland area musicians.

To make this parade extra special, there is an array of entertainers joining the procession. I’ll add the list of entertainers as soon as it is announced.

Also before the parade, families can partake in the Kid’s Costume Pageant at Luke’s Frame Shop at 5:45 p.m.

For more information, visit the Portland Mardi Gras Parade’s website.

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