Austin brings its own spirited twist to Mardi Gras, blending New Orleans ties with our signature Texas energy. While seasonal specials and celebrations happen throughout the month, the festivities officially culminate on Fat Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Whether you’re looking to enjoy authentic Cajun cuisine, listen to the electric energy of a live zydeco band or partake in the holiday’s quintessential sweet treat, King Cake, here is how to let the good times roll in Austin.
Courtesy of Lil' Easy.
Where to Eat Cajun Food in Austin
Evangeline Cafe
Evangeline Cafe is legendary among Austin locals for its authentic Cajun cooking in an unpretentious, welcoming atmosphere. You’ll find live music here almost every night of the week while you dig into house specialties like the Gold Band Creole and Stuffed Pork Chop.
French Quarter Grille
For a relaxed, family-friendly dinner in North Austin, French Quarter Grille serves up robust cajun flavors in a welcoming atmosphere. Their menu is packed with traditional favorites, but the crawfish étouffée and their signature Cajun-spiced steaks are standout choices.
Lil’ Easy
For a patio-centric option where the strong drinks rival the tasty Cajun bites, check out Lil’ Easy. Pair a Lil’ Easy Hurricane with crispy fried boudin balls, cracklins, or a bowl of red beans and rice. Located in the popular East Cesar Chavez neighborhood, start or end your night out here.
Uptown Sports Club
Opened by Aaron Franklin of Austin’s iconic Franklin Barbecue, Uptown Sports Club channels old French Quarter social club energy that feels both trendy and timeless. It’s a must-visit for hearty meat-filled po’boys and rich gumbos.
Vic & Al’s
Tucked away on Manor Road, this warm wood-paneled eatery keeps things exciting with a menu that rotates daily to highlight the freshest ingredients available. Stop in and discover the day’s unique specials like blackened catfish, hearty gumbo or new twists on Cajun classics.
Where to Get King Cake In Austin
In charge of bringing the King Cake to this year’s celebration? We’ve got you covered with a roundup of the local bakeries baking it best. But, be sure to order online ahead of time, as these popular treats sell out fast!
Abby Jane Bakeshop
Located just outside of Austin, Abby Jane elevates this festive classic with their own stone-milled, organic flour and dye-free, homemade sprinkles. Choose from the traditional flavor or a decadent pecan praline King Cake.
Pre-order online.
Easy Tiger
Served with a rich cinnamon filling and topped with light icing, Easy Tiger puts a fun twist on their King Cakes by hiding a tiny plastic tiger inside rather than the traditional baby.
Pre-order online.
Lil' Easy
If you are already heading here for food, don't leave without dessert. Swing by Lil’ Easy to pick up a traditional New Orleans-style cinnamon cream cheese King Cake.
Pre-order online.
Stuffed Cajun Meat Market
The brightly colored cakes at this North Austin staple are slathered in cream cheese icing and topped with traditional purple, green, and yellow sprinkles. Custom filling options include Bavarian Cream, Cherry, and Strawberry.
Pre-order online.
Sugar Mama's Bakeshop
Opt for the traditional cinnamon cream cheese cake, or switch it up with Sugar Mama’s specialty fillings, like praline pecan or raspberry cream cheese.
Pre-order online.
Courtesy of Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden.
Mardi Gras Events in Austin
From lively second line parades and crawfish boils to authentic live zydeco bands and beads galore, there’s plenty of festive Mardi Gras celebrations to be had in the days leading up to and after Fat Tuesday.
2/7/26
Charles Thibodeaux & the Austin Cajun Aces
Ani's Day and Night
Kick off Mardi Gras season with a live Cajun band at Ani's Day & Night.
2/17/26
Fat Tuesday Crawfish Boil
The League Kitchen and Tavern
Head to the Hill Country Galleria for a crawfish boil to celebrate Mardi Gras season. From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., enjoy flavorful boiled crawfish and $5 hurricanes while listening to a live DJ on the patio.
2/17/26
Fat Tuesday Celebration
Parkside
Start your evening with a live jazz band at Marlow, before the band leads a second line down to Parkside for a final performance to close out the night. While there, dine on Parkside's special NOLA-inspired menu featuring themed cocktails, oysters, king cake and more at Parkside.
2/20/26 - 2/22/26
Pardi Gras Blowout
Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden
Banger's is bringing Bourbon Street to Rainey Street in Downtown Austin. Take part in three days of packed Mardi Gras celebrations featuring live music from brass bands and zydeco tunes daily, New Orleans-inspired bites, bourbon barrel beer releases and more.
Ready to keep the good times rolling beyond Fat Tuesday? Check out our full lineup of February and March events and find a few to add to your Austin itinerary.
