Asheville Hosts Mardi Gras Parade Despite Rainy Weather

Annual celebration brings colorful floats and festive flair to downtown streets

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Despite rainy conditions, the annual Mardi Gras parade marched through downtown Asheville, North Carolina on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The parade featured vibrant floats and costumed participants celebrating the holiday with the theme "Life is a Carnival."

Why it matters

Asheville's Mardi Gras parade is a longstanding community tradition that brings together local nonprofit groups, businesses, and residents to celebrate the holiday. The parade helps drive foot traffic and economic activity in the downtown area, while also fostering a sense of community spirit.

The details

The Mardi Gras parade in Asheville is organized by the nonprofit Asheville Mardi Gras group, which welcomes new members throughout the year to participate in the parade and other events. This year's parade featured floats and costumed participants from the Krewe LaLa crew, an open group that marches in the parade annually.

  • The Mardi Gras parade took place on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Asheville Mardi Gras

A nonprofit organization that organizes the annual Mardi Gras parade and other events in Asheville, North Carolina.

Krewe LaLa

An open crew that participates in the Asheville Mardi Gras parade each year, welcoming new members to join.

Jessica Coffield

A member of the Krewe LaLa crew who spoke to News 13 about the parade and the Asheville Mardi Gras organization.

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What they’re saying

“Our crew, Krewe LaLa, is an open crew, so we welcome new members throughout the year. Asheville Mardi Gras is a nonprofit organization and we have multiple events throughout the year. So, I encourage people to join and find out more on the website. Because it's not just the parade.”

— Jessica Coffield, Krewe LaLa member (News 13)

The takeaway

Despite the rainy weather, Asheville's Mardi Gras parade continues to be a beloved annual tradition that brings the community together to celebrate with colorful floats, costumes, and a shared sense of festive spirit.