ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville Mardi Gras is prepared to party as the schedule is set for the 2026 Mardi Gras parade. This year, the celebration will kick off on Sunday, Feb. 15 in the South Slope district of downtown Asheville.

The Asheville Mardi Gras parade will begin at 3:05 p.m., followed by an after-party, “The Queen’s Ball,” from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at the Wicked Weed Funkatorium.

Laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll!

This year, the party theme is “Life is a Carnival,” featuring “dazzling costumes, lively music and the joyful traditions of Carnival — bringing a taste of New Orleans straight to the mountains,” Asheville Mardi Gras wrote in a press release.

The parade and “The Queen’s Ball” afterparty will both be free and open to the public.

“This celebration is about community, creativity and joy,” said a representative of Asheville Mardi Gras in the release. “We’re thrilled to invite locals and visitors alike to come out, dress up and celebrate Mardi Gras Asheville-style.”

Find more details at www.ashevillemardigras.org.