Walt’s Top 3 Must-Do’s During the Beaufort, NC Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras in Beaufort isn’t just a themed weekend — it’s a full-on celebration of food, music, and coastal community energy. If you’re going to do it right, here are my top three non-negotiables.

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1️⃣ The Cajun Cook-Off – Come Hungry

The Cajun Cook-Off is the heartbeat of Beaufort’s Mardi Gras.

You’ll find local chefs and home cooks going head-to-head with:

• Gumbo – rich, roux-based, loaded with sausage, shrimp, or chicken

• Jambalaya – smoky, spiced rice packed with bold Cajun flavor

• King Cake – colorful, cinnamon-swirled, sugar-topped perfection

Buy a ticket. That’s step one.

Step two? Eat strategically.

This isn’t a “grab one bowl and leave” situation. Walk the tents. Compare spice levels. Debate roux thickness. Decide who nailed the balance of heat and depth. The king cake competition alone is worth showing up for — some stick to tradition, others get creative.

If you want the full Mardi Gras experience in Beaufort, this is where you start.

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2️⃣ Beignets at Beaufort Grocery – Non-Negotiable

You cannot talk about Mardi Gras without talking about beignets.

And when it comes to Beaufort, Beaufort Grocery delivers.

Their beignets are:

• Fresh

• Hot

• Generously covered in powdered sugar

• Crisp on the outside, soft and airy inside

Pro tip: Don’t wear black.

They’re simple, classic, and done right. Pair one with coffee, step outside into the historic waterfront air, and you’ll understand why this stop makes the list.

It’s not flashy. It’s just excellent execution.

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3️⃣ Live Music at Backstreet Pub – The Real Deal

Mardi Gras without music isn’t Mardi Gras.

At Backstreet Pub, you’ll hear authentic New Orleans–style carnival music — brass, rhythm, soul, and energy.

Think:

• Trumpets and trombones

• Saxophone riffs

• That second-line groove that makes it impossible to stand still

It’s intimate. It’s loud. It’s packed. And that’s exactly how it should be.

You’re not just listening — you’re part of it.

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Final Take

If you hit:

• The Cajun Cook-Off

• A plate of beignets at Beaufort Grocery

• Live music at Backstreet Pub

You’ve done Beaufort Mardi Gras right.

Food. Music. Community.

That’s the formula.