photo by: Mike Yoder

Musicians cross the intersection at 10th and Massachusetts streets during the 2025 Lawrence Mardi Gras parade Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

The annual Mardi Gras festivities are returning to downtown Lawrence next month with a midday parade, live brass music and plenty of food and festivities.

The 2026 Lawrence Mardi Gras Parade will start at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 17, in front of Lucia, 1016 Massachusetts St., and participants will follow the music of the River City Brass Band to Free State Brewery, 636 Massachusetts St., for a few songs and beer.

Then, the parade will go back to Terrebonne Po’Boys, 845 Massachusetts St., for more music, food and fun. People participating in the parade are invited to bring an instrument if they have one.

Prior to the parade, Terrebonne will also be hosting its annual “Fat Tuesday Party.” The cafe will be opening its doors on Feb. 17 at 8 a.m. to serve beignets, biscuits & gravy, and chicory coffee. Terrebonne will also have drink and food specials along with mini king cakes all day. It will switch to lunch service at 11 a.m.

To kick off the Mardi Gras festivities, there will be a Masquerade Ball event on Friday, Feb. 13, at Lucia.

The event will feature music from SUNU and River City Brass Band along with special NOLA treats from Terrebonne. The doors will open at 7 p.m. with the show beginning at 8 p.m. Entry to the event costs $10.