Cowboy Mardi Gras will return to Bandera Feb. 5–7, blending Cajun and zydeco traditions with the town’s western heritage through three days of live music, parades, food competitions and community events.
“Cowboy Mardi Gras is more than just a party; it’s where the bayou meets the ranch,” said Carita Jundt, executive director of the Bandera County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It’s a celebration of two rich cultures that both value community, great music, and even better food.”
The annual celebration combines elements of Louisiana Mardi Gras with the culture of the Texas Hill Country in what organizers describe as a family- friendly festival across multiple downtown venues.
Activities include concerts, a gumbo cook-off, arts and crafts vendors and a parade through Main Street.
The largest music lineup will take place at 11th Street Cowboy Bar, where performances are scheduled throughout the weekend.
Headliners include Grammy winner Wayne Toups, along with Zydeco Blanco, Charles Thibodeaux and the Austin Cajun Aces, Jordan Thibodeaux, Chubby Carrier, CJ Chenier, George Dearborne & Branded, Brian Black and Randy Brown.
Music at the venue begins Thursday, Feb. 5, with Zydeco Blanco and Brian Black; continues Friday, Feb. 6, with Charles Thibodeaux and the Austin Cajun Aces, Toups and Brown; and concludes Saturday, Feb. 7, with Jordan Thibodeaux, Carrier, Chenier and George Dearborne & Branded. Tickets for the 11th Street Cowboy Bar shows start at $15 for single-day admission, with weekend passes priced at $80.
The Cowboy Mardi Gras Parade is scheduled for noon Saturday along Main Street, featuring floats, horses, cowboys and cowgirls. Participants may apply to join the parade.
Other events include a gumbo cook-off on 11th Street, an arts and crafts show on the Bandera County Courthouse lawn from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and a market at Bandera City Park.
Additional live music and themed celebrations are planned at venues across town, including Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar, Kickback Korner, Red Horse Saloon, Wildhorse Saloon, Bandera Brewery, Texas Salt Co., First National Ice Haus, Ace Wine Room and The Longhorn at Way Back Texas.
A full schedule and ticket information are available at cowboymardigrasbandera. com.
Known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” Bandera historically served as a staging area for 19th-century cattle drives and today remains a destination for rodeos, dude ranches and live Texas music.
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