Nevada City Celebrates Annual Mardi Gras with Parade, Street Fair, and Live Music

Nevada City's beloved Mardi Gras celebration returns today as part of the Presidents' Day weekend festivities. The event, which has become a cornerstone of the community calendar for over 20 years, runs from noon to 4 p.m. with activities throughout historic downtown.

According to Nevada City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lynn Skrukrud, the Mardi Gras Parade is expected to feature around 30 entries this year, with the parade beginning at 2 p.m. The street fair will run concurrently, offering handmade crafts, Mardi Gras-themed food and drinks, and merchandise vendors.

Live music will be a highlight of the celebration. The Earles of Newtown will perform from the observation deck at Broad and Pine Streets, just above the Chocolate Shoppe, providing entertainment for parade-goers and street fair visitors alike.

The event's origins trace back further than many realize. Skrukrud noted that Mardi Gras was originally known as "Joe Cain Day" before the Chamber of Commerce took over organizing the event in 2003, transforming it into the vibrant community celebration it is today.

Attendees are encouraged to dress in traditional Mardi Gras colors—purple, gold, and green—to embrace the festive spirit. The event offers opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy local performances, sample local cuisine, and support local vendors and artisans, all while celebrating community spirit in Gold Country's most historic downtown.

With an emphasis on family-friendly fun and downtown engagement, Nevada City's Mardi Gras serves as a seasonal highlight that brings the community together and showcases the vitality of downtown Nevada City.