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Saturday

The Grand Parade will once again make its way down MAIN ST. toward the waterfront! This allows us to better accommodate the thousands of revelers who attend the Parade.

There is a FREE shuttle to get people downtown! Click here for the schedule!

At 3pm, The Grand Parade begins to wind its way down Main St. to Battery St.! Line up early to get your prime viewing spot so you can see the regalia and catch the beads, moonpies and Lake Champlain chocolates as they fly from the floats!

Families with children under 10 years are welcome to catch the parade from the Little Jambalaya Viewing Zone, located on Main St., between South Champlain St. and Battery St. For those with disabilities, there will be a special viewing zone at the intersection of Church and Main.

While you're waiting for the parade to begin, here are some other great activities to keep you occupied while on the Church Street Marketplace:

  • 12pm – 1:15pm:
    Mardi Gras Pre-Party begins! Sambatucada warms up the crowd with their unique Afro-Brazillian beats in front of City Hall.
  • 12pm - 3pm:
    Buy Mardi Gras beads at these local businesses.
  • 12pm - 3pm and 4-5pm:
    Get your FREE photo taken at the Magic Hat Photo Booth in front of HOMEPORT on Church St.
  • 12:30-2:30pm:
    Bindlestiff Family Cirkus performers entertain along Church St.
  • 1:15:
    The King & Queen of Mardi Gras Costume Contest, hosted by Tim Kavanagh, takes place on the top block of Church St.! This is a solo contest for Kings & Queens, you won't be judged as a couple. The winners will be chosen by the crowd, and will each receive a pair of tickets anywhere JetBlue flies and will lead the Magic Hat Mardi Gras Parade! **If you want to be a part of the contest, join us at the stage at the top block of Church St. no later than 1pm!**
  • 1:30-2:30:
    FunkWagon performs on the top block of Church St.
  • 2:00 – 2:30pm:
    Sambatucada warms up the crowd with their unique Afro-Brazilian beats in front of City Hall.
  • 3:00pm:
    The Grand Parade begins to roll down Main St., from South Winooski to Battery St.!
  • After the Parade:
    The Mardi Gras Parade Post-Party begins as soon as the last float has been filed away. Mosey on back to Church St. and catch a 90-minute solo set from Zach Deputy on the top block. When you're ready to warm up a bit, hit the purveyors of potables and foodstuffs around the Church Street Marketplace and fill up on New Orleans cuisine, Magic Hat beer and friendly folly with folks from all over the world.

Magic Hat and the City of Burlington remind all who are attending to Stop Before You're Stupid. The Magic Hat Mardi Gras Parade is a family event, so please drink responsibly and watch out for the kiddies.

We are proud to have H.O.P.E. Works (formerly theWomen's Rape Crisis Center) as our beneficiary for the Magic Hat Mardi Gras. H.O.P.E. Works is committed to serving our community through the continued provision of services and through advocating for meaningful change in Vermont State law and society. To learn more, visit H.O.P.E. Works.