Updated: September 14, 2026
Mardi Gras
Celebrate Mardi Gras in Manitou Springs!
Dress up, dress down and don’t forget to don your feathered masks while you enjoy all that Manitou Springs has to offer.
Whether you're establishing new family-friendly traditions or planning a fun date with your special someone, Mardi Gras is unforgettable excitement for all ages. Check out these activities during Carnivale Weekend in Manitou Springs, including a masquerade ball, a gumbo contest and a parade.
With the theme "All You Need Is Love," Carnivale Weekend 2026 will be a procession of thrilling festivities featuring colorful costumes, mouthwatering eats and high-spirited dancing.
Mardi Gras Events
CarniBall Masquerade 2026
Saturday, February 7, 2026
CarniBall is Manitou Masquerade at its finest! 2026’s theme is "All You Need is Love." Come dressed in your best masquerade costumes for drinks and Cajun-inspired food (gluten-free & vegan options will be available) and live music from Tribe, a silent auction and casino games. Plus, the 2026 Carnivale King, Queen and Court will be introduced.
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 6pm - 9pm
Location: Iron Springs Chateau, 444 Ruxton Avenue, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Cost: $75/ticket
Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Come celebrate 31 years of flavor with gumbo aficionados. Whether you're a seasoned gumbo maestro or just love savoring the deliciousness, join Manitou Springs to witness 20 talented gumbo chefs showcasing their best creations. For just 75¢ per sample, taste and vote for your favorite. Don't miss this opportunity to indulge in a gumbo extravaganza starting at 11am!
Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026
Time: Gumbo judging starts at 11am
Location: Soda Springs Park, 1016 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Cost: $0.75 for each gumbo sample
2026 Carnivale Community Parade
Saturday, February 14, 2026
It’s a tradition in Manitou Springs to march down Manitou Avenue and celebrate Mardi Gras in true fun and funky color that Manitou is known for! So grab your beads and costume up! The theme for 2026 Carnivale is "All You Need is Love". The more the merrier, so bring your family, your neighbors, your co-workers, your friends, everyone!
The awards ceremony will be held after the parade at the finish in Soda Springs Park for the best group/costumes.
Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026
Time: Parade lineup begins at 12pm. The parade begins at 1pm.
Location: The lineup meeting is at Memorial Park, 502 Manitou Ave. Parade ends at Soda Springs Park. Parking is available at the Hiawatha Gardens parking lot adjacent to Memorial Park.
Cost: Free
Transportation & Parking
Discover a variety of ways to reach Carnivale Weekend events, including biking and public transportation availability. Pike Ride is offering a discount code for cyclists during Carnivale festivities. Use the code BONTEMPSROULER on their website.
Eventgoers can park at Hiawatha Gardens in Memorial Park or at Fields Park. Parking is also offered at Manitou Springs High School from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with a $10 donation to the FCA and AT Clubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Carnivale in Manitou Springs?
Carnivale is Manitou Springs’s annual Mardi Gras-style celebration featuring a masquerade ball, gumbo cook-off and street parade with costumes and themed fun.
Are motorized vehicles allowed in the parade?
No motorized vehicles are permitted in the parade.
Can I bring my pet?
Pets on leashes are welcome at the parade, but consider crowd conditions for their comfort. Pets are not permitted in the pavilion at the Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off due to food and safety concerns.
Can beads or candy be thrown to the crowd?
Throwing items isn’t allowed for safety and environmental reasons, but you may hand items out by walking through the crowd.
Can I march in the parade?
Yes! There are puppets that need to be carried through the parade. If you're interested in carrying one of these historic puppets, please email manitoucarnivale@gmail.com.
What is gumbo?
Gumbo is a staple Cajun soup made with a roux or gumbo file (dried sassafras leaves). It typically includes a mix of meats and/or seafood, okra and bold seasonings, and is served over rice.
Why is there a gumbo cook-off?
Gumbo tasting in Manitou Springs is serious business. The cook-off is the early-morning kickoff to Carnivale Weekend, where professional and amateur chefs bring their best pots of gumbo to be judged and sampled by the public.
Is the cook-off just a competition, or can the public take part?
It’s both. Judges score the gumbo for awards, and attendees can purchase samples to taste and vote for their favorites.
