Breckenridge brings Mardi Gras to the mountains

It’s like New Orleans with a side of snow and an extended weekend of skiing.

If you can’t be swilling hurricanes and slinging beads on Bourbon Street, why not celebrate Mardi Gras and the Carnival season in Breckenridge? Bonus: It’s President’s Day Weekend, allowing skiers to tack on an extra day to play for Monday’s holiday. Many will make it a four-day weekend, staying for Fat Tuesday. Book lodging here.

Breckenridge’s Mardi Gras tradition began around 15 years ago when New Orleans locals decided to skip the overwhelming crowds and head for the mountains during Mardi Gras, bringing the beloved holiday’s traditions to Breckenridge.

Grab some friends, some beads, an Abita and your Cajun dancin’ shoes and join the festivities. 

The Party Lineup:

Saturday, February 18 – Bacchus Ball
Breckenridge Mardi Gras gets rolling on Saturday with the annual Bacchus Ball from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. in the Breckenridge Ballroom at Beaver Run Resort. The masquerade party includes dancing, drinks, N’awlins-style cuisine and the crowning of the Rex and Queen.  Colorado soul singer Hazel Miller will perform.

Tickets are $55 each or $100 per couple and can be purchased at the Breckenridge Welcome Center, 203 S. Main St. or by calling 970-453-5055.

Tuesday, February 21 – Cajun Buffet
Head to Spencer’s Peak 9/Beaver Run slopeside restaurant for a lunch buffet of gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya and fried catfish from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; no reservations needed.

Tuesday, February 21 – Fat Tuesday Parade
The only Mardi Gras parade in Summit County, this family-friendly procession down Main Street begins at 4:30 p.m. Don a party mask, catch trinkets and beads and watch the wildly decorated floats and revelers cruise by. Enter the parade at GoBreck.com.

After the parade, hit one of downtown’s bars and restaurants. Drink specials, live music and more will be on tap.

Around Summit County:

• The Lost Cajun in Frisco has King Cakes fresh baked from Gambino’s Bakery in New Orleans.
• Keystone’s River Run will host the River Run Rocks Gumbo Cook Off on Tuesday, Feb. 21 in a search for the best gumbo in Summit. No entry fee required. Call 970-423-8992.

Click here for full details on Breck’s Mardi Gras celebrations.

In between parties, make time for a Breckenridge ski date with your sweetie.

– Lisa Pogue

Photos courtesy GoBreck.com / Carl Scofield

One Response

1. Douglas Johnson

   Where's the fun stuff that isn't Swiss family lame?

   On February 13, 2015 at 1:32 pm · Log in to Reply