Summary
Celebrate Mardi Gras on the Arkansas side of Texarkana with a full day of music, food, parades, and local flavor. From the big downtown celebration to gumbo spots, king cake, and where to stay, this guide covers everything you need to know.
If you know, you know. Mardi Gras season in Texarkana has its own little magic. It’s loud in the best way, full of color, a little chaotic, and packed with reasons to meet up with friends and eat something that warms you from the inside out. We may not have Bourbon Street, but the Arkansas side of town still knows how to celebrate. Here’s a look at what’s happening this year, from the parade to the gumbo to the king cake.
Start the Day at Front Street Plaza
If you’re looking for where the Mardi Gras fun starts in Texarkana, head to Front Street Plaza on Saturday, February 7, 2026. The party kicks off at 10:00 a.m., and the plaza quickly turns into the heart of the celebration. Vendors will be set up all day with food, drinks, and local goods, and two live stages will keep things moving with nonstop music and DJs.
Plan to hang out for a while. Whether you’re grabbing a bite, browsing booths, or just people-watching with a drink in hand, this is the spot where the good times really start rolling. It’s where the energy builds before the parade and where the party keeps going long after.
Catch the Parade in the Afternoon
The Mardi Gras Parade is the big moment. It kicks off at 3 p.m. and will cruise down Broad Street with all the beads, music, and dancing you’d expect.
People show up early to claim their spot, kids are everywhere with bags ready for throws, and the streets come alive with color and sound. Keep an eye out—the Grand Marshal announcement is still coming, and you never know who might be leading the way this year.
Mardi Gras Pop-Up at the Arkansas Convention Center
If you’re looking for a place to really lean into Mardi Gras, the pop-up at the Arkansas Convention Center is one you won’t want to skip. It’s open now through the end of Mardi Gras, with festive decorations already up, a bar that keeps the good times going from 5–10 pm on weekdays and 5 pm–12 am on Fridays and weekends, and a Mardi Gras–themed menu to round it all out.
Where to Eat Like It’s Mardi Gras
You do not have to travel far for big Mardi Gras flavor. A few spots on the Arkansas side are cooking up gumbo, etouffee, and other specials that bring a little Louisiana spirit to Texarkana.
Lagniappe
Start your food hunt here. Lagniappe is already known for bold, Louisiana-style flavor, and during Mardi Gras they turn it up a little more. The gumbo is rich, the portions are solid, and if they have specials each night you will want to try them.
Fat Jack’s Oyster and Sports Bar
Crawfish lovers should definitely mark their calendars for this one. On the 17th, Fat Jack’s is celebrating Fat Tuesday with crawfish and plenty of drinks to keep the evening lively. It’s the kind of night that’s best enjoyed with friends, good food, and no rush to leave.
Pop’s Place
You can get Cajun favorites year-round at Pop’s Place, which also happens to have one of the coolest patios in town. Get a taste of Mardi Gras with Pop’s gumbo, Cajun boiled shrimp and crab legs, crawfish grits, and more.
And while you’re out, don’t forget to wander into a few local bars around town. Several are leaning into their own take on Mardi Gras, bringing a little Louisiana flavor into the night and making it feel like a celebration no matter where you land.
Where to Get King Cake in Texarkana, Arkansas
The celebration won’t be complete without king cake. Grab one before they disappear at:
- Lagniappe often offers king cake by the slice or as part of their Mardi Gras specials.
- Albertsons Bakery has full traditional king cakes, complete with the classic icing and bright Mardi Gras colors.
Mardi Gras in Texarkana is the kind of day that sticks with you. The music, the food, the people, and the way the Arkansas side comes alive all come together in the best way. Mark your calendar, grab your crew, and check out our places to stay!
