ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Asheville Mardi Gras parade will bring beads and merriment to the South Slope district of downtown Asheville this weekend. Street closures should be expected for most of Sunday afternoon.

What to expect at the 2026 Asheville Mardi Gras parade

Line up for Mardi Gras marchers and floats will begin at noon, Sunday, Feb. 15, on Southside Avenue. At 3:05 p.m., the parade will begin on the southern end of Coxe Avenue, wrapping around Buxton Avenue and Banks Avenue before wrapping up on the northern end of Coxe Avenue.

(Courtesy: City of Asheville) The 2026 Asheville Mardi Gras parade route.

To accommodate for the parade, the following streets will be closed to motorists from noon to 6 p.m.:

  • Southside Avenue between Biltmore Avenue and Short Coxe Avenue
  • Coxe Avenue between Hilliard Avenue and Southside Avenue
  • Collier Avenue between Banks Avenue and Millard Avenue
  • S. Church Street & S. Lexington Avenue between Banks Avenue and Southside Avenue
  • Banks Avenue
  • Buxton Avenue
  • Millard Avenue

Street parking will be closed on Sunday along the parade route. Towing will be enforced.

Find real-time availability in Asheville parking garages here.

There will be several Mardi Gras celebrations during and after the parade on the South Slope. Asheville Mardi Gras will host an after party, “The Queen’s Ball,” from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at the Wicked Weed Funkatorium.

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