Mardi Gras takes over Downtown NPR this Saturday, March 1st with a full day of festivities! From the morning art festival to evening revelry with brass bands, showgirls, and stilt walkers, this event brings New Orleans spirit to the heart of West Pasco. Not to mention the second line parade, bar crawl, and countless specialty vendors throughout downtown.
This is your FULL GUIDE on EVERYTHING going on at Mardi Gras 2025 – Downtown New Port Richey!
– Remember to verify event details before heading out, as times and details may change.
– If you’d like to be included or if you have suggestions for future posts, we’d love to hear from you! – [email protected]
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Quick Planning Timeline
Planning your Mardi Gras adventure in New Port Richey is simple with our comprehensive timeline. From morning art appreciation to evening parades and contests, this schedule highlights key events throughout the day, ensuring you won’t miss any of the excitement. Whether you’re attending for a few hours or making a full day of celebration, this timeline helps you maximize your Mardi Gras experience in Downtown New Port Richey.
| Time | Activity | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 AM – 4 PM | Art Festival | Main Street & Sims Park | Theme: “Spotlight On” |
| All Day | Ticket Stop! | Sullivan’s Boulevard Lounge | Win tickets |
| Noon – 8 PM | Lottery Tickets & Doubloons Hunt | Fitzgerald’s Irish Tavern | Win gift cards |
| 3 PM | Brews & Stews Jambalaya Cook-Off | Emerald Coast Brewing | Free to attend |
| 3 PM – 7 PM | Mardi Gras Golf Cart Poker Run | Multiple locations | $10 buy-in |
| 3 PM – 7 PM | Live Music: Trey Vanwig | Bourbon on Main | |
| 4 PM – 4:30 PM | Chalk Artist Awards Ceremony | The Hacienda Hotel | $500+ in cash prizes |
| 5 PM | Carnival Festivities Begin | Nebraska Avenue | |
| 6 PM | Second Line March Kickoff | Starting at Sims Park | Led by Krewe of Chasco |
| 6 PM | Seafood Boil | Steamworks Pub | Wristband required |
| 7 PM | Dos Equis Bar Crawl Begins | Multiple locations | |
| 7 PM | Poker Run Winners Announced | Emerald Coast Brewing | |
| 7 PM – 9 PM | Live Broadcast with Hits 106 | Nebraska Avenue | |
| 7 PM – 10 PM | Live Music: LyriSmith | Dented Keg | |
| 9 PM | Costume Contest | The Kangaroo | |
| 9 PM – 12:30 AM | Live Music: Proper Wednesday | The Social | |
| 9 PM – 1 AM | Live Music: LC & The Driver | Bourbon on Main |
List of Mardi Gras Events
10:00 AM: Art Festival (Main Street & Sims Park)
ALL DAY: Ticket Stop! (Sullivan’s Boulevard Lounge)
12:00 PM: Lottery Tickets & Doubloons Hunt! (Fitzgerald’s Irish Tavern)
3:00 PM: Brews & Stews Jambalaya Cook-Off (Emerald Coast Brewing)
3:00 PM: Mardi Gras Golf Cart Poker Run (Multiple locations)
3:00 PM: Live Music: Trey Vanwig (Bourbon on Main)
4:00 PM: Chalk Artist Awards Ceremony (The Hacienda Hotel)
5:00 PM: Carnival Festivities Begin (Nebraska Avenue)
6:00 PM: Second Line March Kickoff (Starting at Sims Park)
6:00 PM: Seafood Boil (Steamworks Pub)
7:00 PM: Dos Equis Bar Crawl Begins (Multiple locations)
7:00 PM: Poker Run Winners Announced (Emerald Coast Brewing)
7:00 PM: Live Broadcast with Hits 106 (Nebraska Avenue)
7:00 PM: Live Music: LyriSmith (Dented Keg)
9:00 PM: Costume Contest (The Kangaroo)
9:00 PM: Live Music: Proper Wednesday (The Social)
9:00 PM: Live Music: LC & The Driver (Bourbon on Main)
Events Details – Mardi Gras New Port Richey
Art Festival @ Main Street & Sims Park
Time: 10 AM – 4 PM
Location: Main Street & Sims Park, New Port Richey
Downtown’s premiere chalk art festival gets a Mardi Gras makeover with this year’s “Spotlight On” theme celebrating the evolution of entertainment. Artists will transform city sidewalks with colorful interpretations of everything from silent films to Broadway productions, while artisan vendors, street performers, and a special Kids Chalk Zone round out the fun. Grab some People’s Choice Coins to vote for your favorites in the People’s Choice Awards, with over $500 in cash prizes being awarded at 4 PM at The Hacienda Hotel.
- Free to attend
- Theme: “Spotlight On” – depicting evolution of entertainment
- People’s Choice Award voting available (purchase coins)
- $500+ in cash prizes for artists
- Features sidewalk chalk art, artisan vendors, street performers, face painters, caricaturists
- Community & Kids Chalk Zone in Sims Park
- Awards Ceremony: 4-4:30 PM at The Hacienda Hotel (5621 Main St)
Ticket Stop! @ Sullivan’s Boulevard Lounge
Time: All Day (Raffle drawn @ 9:30 PM)
Location: 6210 Grand Blvd, New Port Richey, FL 34652
TICKET STOP ALERT! Laissez les bon temps rouler at this day-long Mardi Gras bash where the prizes are as hot as the celebrations. Stop by anytime to enter for a chance to win tickets to Reggae Rise Up Music Festival or a Family 4-Pack to the Bay Area Renaissance Festival, with winners pulled live at 9:30 PM. Perfect opportunity to score some epic experiences while soaking up the NOLA vibes right here in New Port Richey.
- Two major prizes up for grabs:
- Pair of tickets to Reggae Rise Up Music Festival
- Family 4-Pack to the Bay Area Renaissance Festival
- Winners will be drawn live at 9:30 PM
Lottery Tickets & Doubloons Hunt @ Fitzgerald’s Irish Tavern
Time: All Day
Location: 5811 Nebraska Ave, New Port Richey, FL 34652
Get ready to feast and sip in style at Fitzgerald’s Irish Tavern @ the Crossing on Railroad Square! The first 52 fabulous guests will score a scratch-off Mardi Gras lottery card. Four lucky lottery winners will each pocket a $25 gift card—cha-ching! The first 300 lucky souls will snag a spicy Creole spice packet to jazz up their taste buds. Sip on our dazzling Signature Mardi Gras cocktails served in a light-up plastic glass you can take home (because who doesn’t want a glowing party souvenir?) And guess what? Every food purchase comes with a shiny Doubloon (yes, a real Mardi Gras coin)! Plus, keep your eyes peeled around Railroad Square for even more hidden Doubloons. The coin collector with the most bling by 8 PM will strut away with a $50 gift card! Let the good times roll!
- First 52 guests receive Mardi Gras scratch-off lottery cards
- Four lottery winners will each receive a $25 gift card
- First 300 guests get Creole spice packets
- Signature Mardi Gras cocktails served in take-home light-up glasses
- Every food purchase comes with a Mardi Gras Doubloon
- Additional Doubloons hidden throughout Railroad Square
- Person who collects the most Doubloons by 8 PM wins a $50 gift card
Brews & Stews Jambalaya Cook-Off @ Emerald Coast Brewing
Time: 3 PM
Location: 5731 Main St, New Port Richey, FL 34652
Spice up your afternoon with a taste of the Big Easy as local cooks battle it out for jambalaya supremacy. Wash down those flavorful samples with Emerald Coast’s seasonal King Cake Brown Ale while you check out the golf cart decorations and adorably dressed pups in the Best Dressed Pup Parade. Celebrity judges including @floridabrewstravelers will be crowning winners in multiple categories from Best Jambalaya to Fan Favorite Mardi Gras Pup.
- Free to attend
- Contest categories: Judges’ Choice Best Jambalaya, Fan Favorite Jambalaya, Best Decorated Setup, Best Golf Cart Decor, Fan Favorite Mardi Gras Pup
- Features jambalaya tastings, seasonal King Cake Brown Ale, golf cart decor competition
- Best Dressed Pup Parade with free pup cups for all contestants
- Celebrity judges including @floridabrewstravelers
Mardi Gras Golf Cart Poker Run
Time: 3 PM – 7 PM
Location: Start/End at Emerald Coast Brewing Company – 5731 Main St, New Port Richey, FL 34652
Cruise through downtown in style while supporting a good cause with this $10 buy-in poker run benefiting The Runaways Animal Rescue. Visit all six participating locations—including Emerald Coast, Dented Keg, Dirty Mullet, Nauti Oar, Infusion Brewing, and TJ’s Bar—to draw your cards and build your winning hand. Winners announced at 7 PM with prizes including a Sound Bar for best poker hand and a $500 gift card for best decorated cart.
- Host: Hidden Creek Golf Carts
- Beneficiary: The Runaways Animal Rescue (all proceeds)
- $10 buy-in per poker hand/game card
- All proceeds benefit The Runaways Animal Rescue
- Must visit all 6 participating locations to qualify
- Starting/ending point: Emerald Coast Brewing Company
- Participating venues: Emerald Coast Brewing, Dented Keg Ale House, Dirty Mullet, Nauti Oar, Infusion Brewing, TJ’s Bar
- Winners announced at 7 PM
- Prizes: Sound Bar for best poker hand, $500 gift card for best decorated cart
- Hosted by Hidden Creek Golf Carts
Chalk Artist Awards Ceremony
Time: 4 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: The Hacienda Hotel (5621 Main St.)
The culmination of the day’s art festival where chalk artists are recognized for their creative interpretations of the “Spotlight On” theme. The ceremony will distribute over $500 in cash prizes to winning artists based on judging and the People’s Choice Award voting system.
- Prizes: Over $500 in cash prizes
- Voting System: People’s Choice Award voting through purchase of coins
Carnival on Nebraska Avenue
Time: 5 PM – 10 PM
Location: Nebraska Avenue
Nebraska Avenue transforms into a slice of Bourbon Street with games, entertainment, and plenty of Big Easy vibes. Catch The Jazz Phools brass band, snag a photo with professional showgirls, marvel at stilt walkers and LED hoop performers, or get your fortune told by Tarot Fellow. The first 25 kids score a free custom stuffed animal courtesy of Dang Good on Main, making this the perfect family-friendly Mardi Gras experience.
- Free to attend
- Entertainment includes: The Jazz Phools (6 PM – 10 PM), Professional Showgirls Photo Ops (6 PM – 8 PM), Stilt Walkers & LED Hoop Circus (7 PM – 9 PM)
- Activities: Face Painting by Painted Cheeks (6 PM – 10 PM), Tarot Reading by Tarot Fellow (5 PM – 8 PM), Carnival Games for Kids
- Vendors: Sammy’s Surf Shop (Mardi Gras apparel), The Butcher Block (Sauces, spices, light-up toys)
- Special: Free custom stuffed animal from Mobile Bear and Stuff for first 25 kids (Courtesy of Dang Good on Main)
Second Line March @ Sims Park
Time: 6 PM
Location: Grand Blvd &, Bank St, New Port Richey, FL 34652
Time to go full Mardi Gras by enjoying the traditional Second Line parade, kicking off from Sims Park and winding its way to Nebraska Avenue. The Krewe of Chasco leads this colorful procession featuring stilt walkers, showgirls, LED light circus performers, and authentic New Orleans jazz from The Jazz Phools brass band. Grab all your energy and join the celebration—no experience necessary, just bring your dancing spirit.
- Free to participate
- Starting point: Sims Park
- Route: From Sims Park to stage on Nebraska Avenue
- Led by Krewe of Chasco
- Features stilt walkers, showgirls, LED light circus performers
- Live music by The Jazz Phools brass band playing authentic New Orleans jazz and swing
Seafood Boil @ Steamworks Pub
Time: 6 PM
Location: 5781 Nebraska Ave, New Port Richey, FL 34652
Nothing says New Orleans quite like a traditional crawfish boil, and Steamworks is bringing that authentic flavor to downtown. Dive into a heaping portion of crawfish with all the classic fixings—think corn, potatoes, and spices that’ll have you reaching for another cold drink. Just make sure you’ve got your wristband to partake in this Cajun feast.
- Traditional crawfish boil with corn, potatoes, and fixings
- Wristband required for participation
- Authentic Cajun-style preparation
Dos Equis Mardi Crawl
Time: 7 PM
Location: Nebraska Ave, Downtown New Port Richey (multiple locations)
Downtown’s bars and breweries are turning up the Mardi Gras magic with this epic 5 venue bar crawl sponsored by Dos Equis. Pick up your passport at any participating spot, then collect beads, keychains, t-shirts, and koozies as you make your way through downtown’s crazy nightlife scene. Don’t miss your chance to win the Dos Equis Big Easy Prize pack loaded with goodies perfect for your next party!
- The Social NPR – 5650 Main St, New Port Richey, FL 34652
- Fitzgerald’s Irish Tavern – 5811 Nebraska Ave, New Port Richey, FL 34652
- SteamWorks Pub NPR – 5781 Nebraska Ave, New Port Richey, FL 34652
- The Kangaroo – 5748 Main St, New Port Richey, FL 34652
- Bourbon On Main – 6307 Grand Blvd, New Port Richey, FL 34652
- Free to participate
- Registration: Pick up passport at any participating location
- Free giveaways: Limited edition Dos Equis party favors, beads, keychains, t-shirts, koozies
- Free tastings from Dos Equis street team (located on Nebraska Ave.)
- Prize drawing: Register to win Dos Equis Big Easy Prize pack (metal cooler, beach towels, pool floats, beads, key chains, t-shirts, and more)
Live Broadcast with Hits 106
Time: 7 PM – 9 PM
Location: Nebraska Avenue, New Port Richey
The Hits 106 crew will be setting up shop right in the heart of the action, spinning tunes and capturing all the Mardi Gras magic live on air. Stop by to request your favorite party anthems, grab some station swag, or just enjoy the extra energy these radio pros bring to an already electric atmosphere.
Costume Contest @ The Kangaroo
Time: 9 PM – 10 PM
Location: 5748 Main Street, New Port Richey, FL 34652
Break out your most flamboyant purples, greens, and golds for this festive Mardi Gras costume competition. Show up dressed to impress and you could walk away with specialty beads and some seriously cool prizes that’ll make your friends jealous. The perfect excuse to go all-out with that elaborate mask you’ve been saving for a special occasion.
- Dress in festive Mardi Gras attire
- Prizes: Specialty beads and amazing prizes
Human Slot Machine with The Florida Stallions
Time: All Day
The Florida Stallions are bringing a unique twist to the New Port Richey Mardi Gras with their Human Slot Machine – a fun, interactive way to win while supporting the team. Try your luck with 2 spins for $5 or 5 spins for $10 for a chance to win $10, $25, or $50 gift cards. Gather your crew and join in on this creative fundraiser that perfectly captures the festive Mardi Gras spirit.
- Pricing: 2 spins for $5 or 5 spins for $10
- Prizes: $10, $25, or $50 gift cards
- Fundraiser to support the Florida Stallions
Mardi Gras Participating Venues
Time: All Day
Your passport to fun is here! Collect beads and enjoy party favors special menu items and more at participating locations:
- The Social NPR
- Fitzgerald’s Irish Tavern
- Steamworks Pub
- The Kangaroo
- Bourbon on Main
- Dang Good on Main
- Melt’d
- Little Corona’s Cigar Lounge
- Get Hooked Grill
- Hello Sweetz
- Made on Central
- Gone Juicing
- Ordinance One
- Sip on Grand
- Cotee River Brewing
- Emerald Coast Brewing Company
- The Nauti Oar
- Dented Keg Ale Works
- The Dirty Mullet
- BackDraughts Wood Fired Pizza
- TJ’s Bar
- Axe Hole NPR
- The Village Pub
- Sullivan’s Boulevard Lounge
- Infusion Brewing Co.
- Ottaway’s Ice Cream Parlor
Featured Venues & Specials – Mardi Gras New Port Richey
BOURBON ON MAIN
6307 Grand Blvd, New Port Richey, FL 34652
- Live Music: Trey Vanwig (3:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
- Live Music: LC & The Driver (9:00 PM – 1:00 AM)
- $10 Hurricanes in souvenir cup
- New Orleans Menu: Chargrilled Oysters, Poboys, Jambalaya, Gumbo, Beignets
- FREE BEADS while supplies last
THE SOCIAL
5650 Main St, New Port Richey, FL 34652
- FREE Masks for the first 200 people
- Live Music: Proper Wednesday (9:00 PM – 12:30 AM)
- Rooftop acoustic performances
- Jambalaya and Cajun Catfish & Fries
- Signature Drinks: Yards of Hurricanes, Hand Grenades
- New Orleans-themed photo backdrop
EMERALD COAST BREWING COMPANY
5731 Main St, New Port Richey, FL 34652
- Jambalaya Cook-Off host (3:00 PM)
- Seasonal King Cake Brown Ale
- Best Dressed Pup Parade
- Starting/ending point for Golf Cart Poker Run
- Poker Run Winners Announcement (7:00 PM)
DENTED KEG ALE WORKS
5500 Main St, New Port Richey, FL 34652
- Live Music: LyriSmith (7-10PM)
King Cake Cream Ale ($1 off each pint) - Light-up bead necklaces with their logo
- Complimentary King Cake (while supplies last)
- First trolley stop from parking garage
STEAMWORKS PUB
5781 Nebraska Ave, New Port Richey, FL 34652
- Traditional Seafood Boil (6:00 PM)
- Crawfish, corn, potatoes, and fixings
- Wristband required
THE KANGAROO
5748 Main St, New Port Richey, FL 34652
- Costume Contest @ 9 PM
- Dress in festive Mardi Gras attire
- Prizes: Specialty beads and amazing prizes
- Dance the night away on the dance floor
- Hang out on the back patio and enjoy the festivities on Nebraska Ave
FITZGERALDS IRISH TAVERN
5811 Nebraska Ave, New Port Richey, FL 34652
Get ready to feast and sip in style at Fitzgerald’s Irish Tavern @ the Crossing on Railroad Square!
- The first 52 fabulous guests will score a scratch-off Mardi Gras lottery card
- Four lucky lottery winners will each pocket a $25 gift card—cha-ching!
- The first 300 lucky souls will snag a spicy Creole spice packet to jazz up their taste buds
- Sip on our dazzling Signature Mardi Gras cocktails served in a light-up plastic glass you can take home (because who doesn’t want a glowing party souvenir?)
- Every food purchase comes with a shiny Doubloon (yes, a real Mardi Gras coin)!
- Keep your eyes peeled around Railroad Square for even more hidden Doubloons
- The coin collector with the most bling by 8 PM will strut away with a $50 gift card!
SULLIVAN’S BOULEVARD LOUNGE
6210 Grand Blvd, New Port Richey, FL 34652
- TICKET STOP ALERT!
- Two major prizes up for grabs:
- Pair of tickets to Reggae Rise Up Music Festival
- Family 4-Pack to the Bay Area Renaissance Festival
- Winners will be drawn live at 9:30 PM
GRAND BAKERY
- Fresh authentic NOLA baked goods all day
Family Friendly Events – Mardi Gras New Port Richey
The little ones deserve their own Mardi Gras magic with a lineup of kid-approved fun throughout downtown. Hit the Community & Kids Chalk Zone at Sims Park (10 AM – 4 PM), strut your four-legged friend in the Best Dressed Pup Parade at Emerald Coast Brewing (complete with free pup cups), or get transformed with Face Painting by Painted Cheeks (6 PM – 10 PM). Don’t miss the carnival games on Nebraska Avenue, and early birds take note – the first 25 kids score a free custom stuffed animal courtesy of Dang Good on Main. Also, the Human Slot Machine supporting the local Florida Stallions team!
- Community & Kids Chalk Zone at Sims Park (10 AM – 4 PM)
- Best Dressed Pup Parade at Emerald Coast Brewing with free pup cups
- Face Painting by Painted Cheeks (6 PM – 10 PM)
- Carnival Games on Nebraska Avenue
- Free custom stuffed animal for the first 25 kids (courtesy of Dang Good on Main)
- Visit the Human Slot Machine and support the local Florida Stallions team!
- Visit the 25+ participating venues for Mardi Gras swag!
Adult Events – Mardi Gras New Port Richey
Dos Equis Mardi Crawl (7 PM onwards)
- The Social NPR – 5650 Main St, New Port Richey, FL 34652
- Fitzgerald’s Irish Tavern – 5811 Nebraska Ave, New Port Richey, FL 34652
- SteamWorks Pub NPR – 5781 Nebraska Ave, New Port Richey, FL 34652
- The Kangaroo – 5748 Main St, New Port Richey, FL 34652
- Bourbon On Main – 6307 Grand Blvd, New Port Richey, FL 34652
- Limited edition Dos Equis party favors
- Beads, keychains, t-shirts, and koozies
- Free tastings from the Dos Equis street team (only on Nebraska Ave.)
- A chance to win the Big Easy Prize pack
Costume Contest @ The Kangaroo
- Time: 9:00 PM
- Dress in festive Mardi Gras attire
- Prizes: Specialty beads and amazing prizes
Live Music Highlights
- Trey Vanwig (3 PM – 7 PM at Bourbon on Main)
- The Jazz Phools (6 PM – 10 PM on Nebraska Avenue)
- Proper Wednesday (9 PM – 12:30 AM at The Social)
- LC & The Driver (9 PM – 1 AM at Bourbon on Main)
- LyriSmith (7PM – 10PM at Dented Keg)
Specialty Drinks
- Yards of Hurricanes and Hand Grenades (The Social)
- $10 Hurricanes in souvenir cups (Bourbon on Main)
- King Cake Cream Ale (Dented Keg Ale Works)
- Sip dazzling Signature Mardi Gras cocktails served in a light-up plastic glass you can take home (Fitzgerald’s Irish Tavern)
Transportation & Parking – Mardi Gras New Port Richey
Recommended Parking:
- Main Street parking garage (most convenient)
- 6218 US-19, New Port Richey, FL 34652
Getting Around:
- City DART shuttle service from the parking garage
- Trolley service throughout the festival area
- First stop: Dented Keg Ale Works
Tips for a Great Mardi Gras Experience
- Plan Your Day: Use this guide to map out which activities you want to attend.
- For Families: The morning and afternoon activities are most family-friendly, with the evening gradually transitioning to more adult-oriented entertainment.
- Dress Festively: Wear Mardi Gras colors (purple, green, and gold) to get in the spirit!
- Bring Cash: Some vendors may be cash-only.
- Arrive Early: The Art Festival begins at 10 AM, and early arrival ensures the best parking.
- Purchase People’s Choice Award Coins: Use these to vote for your favorite chalk artists.
- Don’t Miss the Second Line March: It’s the heart of Mardi Gras tradition.
- Stay Hydrated: Florida sun can be intense, even in March.
- Pace Yourself: With activities spanning from morning until past midnight, plan accordingly.
- Bring Your Dog in Costume: Dress your pup in Mardi Gras attire for the Best Dressed Pup Parade.
- Plan Your Bar Crawl Route: Map out your bar crawl in advance.
- Look for Dos Equis Street Team: Find them for free tastings and giveaways on Nebraska Ave.
About Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras (French for “Fat Tuesday”) is traditionally the last day of feasting before Lent begins. While the actual Mardi Gras day falls in February, New Port Richey’s celebration captures the festive spirit with traditional elements like:
- Second Line parades (a New Orleans tradition where revelers follow a brass band)
- Purple, green, and gold colors (representing justice, faith, and power)
- King Cake (a sweet pastry with a hidden trinket inside)
- Jazz music and Cajun/Creole cuisine
EVENT SPONSORS
- Title Sponsor: Sinkhole Titan and Foundation Repair Specialist
- Media Partner: Hits 106 (Live Broadcast on Nebraska Avenue from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
- Advocate Health Advisors
- Alltimate Print
- Florida Legacy Roofing
- Roman Plumbing and Air
- Rivers Edge Health
- Tripeak Roofing
- Krewe of Chasco
- Scooters Coffee
- Hidden Creek Golf Carts
- The Florida Room
- Mowry Hospitality Group
- Sullivans Boulevard Lounge
