Who says you have to go to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras? Durham has celebrated for years in our own way. On this page you can find this year’s activities. Come join us!

New Orleans, the Bull City, the Bulltown Strutters and Mardi Gras Spirit

The day in May of 2010 when a half dozen Durhamites gathered to learn “When the Saints Go Marching In” marked the beginning of the band that later became the Bulltown Strutters. Some had not touched their horns since high school, others came from performing other styles of music. What nobody realized was how we could spark the musical joy of a New Orleans Mardi Gras by playing that one song. The Triangle region of North Carolina soon embraced our community brass band because we brought a party spirit every time we played. And like it or not, that spirit was the spirit of Mardi Gras. Not the drunken chaos that happens on Bourbon Street, but the family-friendly joy that emphasizes creativity, gathering in your neighborhood, hopefully led in an impromptu second line parade down the street by a brass band.

And so, every year, we look forward to our favorite holiday, Mardi Gras Day. We have become the unofficial source of information about how Durham celebrates Mardi Gras. Here is a mostly chronological list of events. Please help us keep this list accurate and refreshed –  send us details of what you or your group is doing and we’ll post it here.

Laissez les Bull temps rouler!

Mardi Gras Day – Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Bling up for downtown’s festive gathering at CCB plaza on Mardi Gras night!

5:00pm: Jam and pre-game at The Glass Jug Downtown, 545 Foster St,. Durham
6:00pm: Meet in your festive attire at the Bull, CCB Plaza, 201 Corcoran Street, Durham 27701
All musicians are welcome for a jam led by the Bulltown Strutters
6:30pm: Sidewalk Stroll with music from CCB Plaza to Geer Street.
Live updates on our facebook event page.

7:00pm The Cajammers, long time friends of the Bulltown Strutters, will be playing at Blue Note Grill including a dance lesson and lots of traditional cajun waltzes and two-steps
7:00pm Shamu Garcon performs at Motorco, 723 Rigsbee Avenue, Durham 27701
8:00pm Bulltown Strutters perform at Motorco, 723 Rigsbee Avenue, Durham 27701