Glittering beads, over-the-top costumes, southern food and jazz tunes—you’re invited to Mardi Gras at Glenwood Caverns in Glenwood Springs on Saturday, February 18!
Laissez les bon temps roulez! In English, let the good times roll! It’s a common phrase you’ll hear again and again in New Orleans for the big fete known as Mardi Gras. While a long way from the deep south, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs is celebrating Cajun style! Mardi Gras festivities take place on Saturday, February 18 from 12, Noon to 8 p.m. with a full day of fun, complete with music, dancing, masquerading and more!
A Brief History of Mardi Gras
Also known as Carnival season, Mardi Gras has become a next-level, pre-Lenten party once celebrated throughout the world in predominantly Roman Catholic cultures. Its roots also date back to pre-Christian Italy. However, the gala has since gone global. Mardi Gras or “Fat Tuesday” is the last day of the Carnival celebration. Over time, it has grown into a season of celebration welcoming one and all to the party.
What Dat Sound?
To set the mood for the all-day party, local band ZINZIN will be performing on the Plaza Main Stage from 4 to 7:30 p.m. The high-energy band gets the good times rollin’ with a mix of fiddle, accordion, dobra, guitar, bass and percussion instruments. Cajun two-steps and waltzes get crowds on their feet. For good measure, the group also adds in other Louisiana styles of music including Zydeco and southern blues. Eclectic, acoustic and soul-satisfying, ZINZIN brings the party to the mountaintop theme park; you just be sure to bring your dancing boots because you won’t want to sit this one out!
Mardi Gras Costumes, Cajun Food & Fun
All day long, enjoy Cajun food and drink specials at mountaintop dining venues including the Lookout Grille and Smokehouse. In addition to feasting, the park has activities planned throughout the day for both adults and kids.
- Tarot Card Readings from 1 to 7 p.m.
- Face Painting from 1 to 4 p.m.
- Costume Contests from 5 to 6 p.m. with prizes for Best Kids’ Costume, Most Creative Costume, Most Festive Costume, Funniest Costume and Best Couple’s Costume.
- Gold Coin Treasure Hunt from 12 to 5 p.m.
Mardi Gras Festivities Included with Park Admission
There are no extra fees to attend Mardi Gras at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, admission to the event is covered by your park entrance ticket. For the best value, the Funday ticket is the way to go, enabling you to ride the Glenwood Gondola, enjoy unlimited rides on the Alpine Coaster, participate in family-friendly attractions such as laser tag and the 4-D theater, as well and go on cave tours. Two other ticketing options are also available. Gondola and Caves is ideal for those wanting to see the underground sights on tours of King’s Row and Historic Fairy Caves. Alternatively, the Gondola ticket provides access to the mountaintop for dining, views and entertainment.
Laissez les bon temps roulez at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Parks! Make plans to visit for Mardi Gras and beyond!
