Dance down Mississippi Ave with the Mysti Krewe of Nimbus at Portland’s Mardi Gras Parade – a free family-friendly community celebration. Enjoy the bright lights of circus acts, costumed performers, dance troupes, marching bands, brass bands, flambeaux, Mardi Gras royalty and more as they go streaming by.

This year the Grand Marshall leading the parade is Portland favorite: Poison Waters!

Watch from the sidelines and catch some beads, or a hand-decorated mini-umbrella throw from Krewe members. Then follow the parade in the Second Line down to Cook Avenue for after parade fun. It’s a celebration of Portland community with some Louisiana flair.

Bring the family to the Kid’s Costume Pageant at Luke’s Frame Shop on Albina before the parade. The pageant starts at 5:45 p.m., and folks can join the parade as it rolls by at 7 p.m.

Local businesses have Mardi Gras specials throughout the day. Look for local venues showcasing musical acts, https://portlandmardigras.com/portland-mardi-gras-2025/.