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!

Daytime Mardi Gras Celebration with Bulltown Strutters and Cajammers
Sunday February 11, 2024 at the Durham Central Park Pavilion, Noon-5pm

Celebrate Mardi Gras early at this FREE all-ages, Sunday afternoon event.
Under the Durham Central Park Pavilion – come party New Orleans style – rain, snow, or sun.
Free crafting booths for kids & adults – shoe box floats & costuming + the Scrap Exchange.
Live music & dancing. Second line parades every hour.
Glass Jug Beer trailer with wine, beer and new this year – Hurricanes! Food trucks.
Come as you are, or form a Krewe of friends, family or workplace, pick a theme and come dressed up.
Bling up for downtown’s festive gathering at CCB plaza on Mardi Gras night!
Sponsored by Glass Jug Beer Lab, the Bulltown Strutters and the Cajammers.

SEEKING GROUPS who want to gather as a krewe – a traditional social group in New Orleans which picks a theme for their costumes, and walks the streets spreading good cheer, sometimes with lagniappes and throws, not just beads. Could be your neighbors, family, school classroom, church, workplace, etc.
Give us your details at the “Contact Us” tab so we can reserve you a booth space.

KREWES confirmed for 2024 so far
Krewe du Castor
League of the Tutu
Krewe of Mischief

SCHEDULE for Sunday February 11
Noon – Event begins, crafting booths open
1:00 short Second Line parade of Shoebox Floats, led by Bulltown Strutters brass band
1:10 Bulltown Strutters play on stage
2:00 big Second Line parade of Krewes and Shoebox Floats
2:30 Bulltown Strutters end
3:00 short Second Line parade of Shoebox Floats
3:15 Cajammers – Cajun dances & waltzes
4:00 big Second Line parade of Krewes and Shoebox Floats
5:00 Cajammers end

Mardi Gras Day – Tuesday, February 13, 2024

5:30pm Meet in your festive attire at the Bull, CCB Plaza, 201 Corcoran Street, Durham 27701
6:00 All musicians are welcome for a jam led by the Bulltown Strutters
6:30 Sidewalk Parade from CCB Plaza to Geer Street
7:00 Cajammers play to 8:15 at Blue Note Grill, 709 Washington Street, Durham 27701
8:00 Bulltown Strutters perform at Motorco, 723 Rigsbee Avenue, Durham 27701
8:00 New Orleans native Rhonda Robichaux & Meaux at The Pinhook 117 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701
8:40 to 10pm Mel Melton and the Wicked Mojos perform at Blue Note Grill, 709 Washington Street, Durham 27701
9:30pm Boom Unit Brass Band at The Pinhook 117 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701