Bastrop is taking part in a cultural exchange to celebrate the Cajun heritage of Louisiana town Evangeline Parish at the 2024 Courir de Mardi Gras event Feb. 1-3. Courir de Mardi Gras, Louisiana French for “Fat Tuesday Run,” will include live music performances, a gumbo cookoff and a Mardi Gras parade.

Festivities for this new event will kick off with live performances from Jean-Pierre & The Zydeco Angels and Sister Sue at Farm Street Opry. Purchase tickets in advance to attend the Feb. 2 Taste of Mardi Gras Ball.

The fist ever Bastrop gumbo cookoff hosted by Bastrop County Cares will take place downtown the morning of Feb. 3. All proceeds from the event benefit the BCC Nourish Coalition. Tasting wristbands can be purchased at the event for $10.

Take to the streets for the Mardi Gras parade at 10 a.m.

Kid-friendly activities, such as Kids Chicken Chase and a Music Instrument Petting Zoo, will take place throughout the day on Saturday, Feb. 3.


Thursday, Feb. 1
  • 7 p.m., “A Cajun Country” Opry at the Convention Center
Friday, Feb. 2
  • 7 p.m., A Taste of Mardi Gras Ball at the Convention Center
Saturday, Feb. 3
  • 7 a.m., Gumbo cookoff
  • 8 a.m.-1 p.m., KVPI-FM live broadcast
  • 10 a.m., Mardi Gras Parade
  • 10 a.m., Music Main Stage at Main and Pine streets
  • Noon-4 p.m., children’s activities