Are you ready for Mardi Gras in Columbia, SC? We have all the things you need to know to plan your celebration – from where to get King Cakes in Columbia, to family-friendly events, and some special events for the adults. Get Ready for Mardi Gras: Columbia, SC!
History of Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is a French term translated literally to Fat Tuesday. It’s a celebration of the last day of feasting before the fasting of Lent begins. The origins date back to the 17th and 18th centuries to the French House of the Bourbons. Over time, it evolved from a celebration of “Boeuf Gras” (fatted calf) to more elegant high society balls, and then from 1781 the Mardi Gras “carnival” was introduced and later came to include parades, eventually floats and then throws, which were first recorded in 1870.
Having had the pleasure of living in Baton Rouge, Louisiana for about 6 years, our family was able to experience Mardi Gras parades throughout late January and early February. It was surprising to me that Mardi Gras is actually an entire season of parades, not just the Fat Tuesday Parade through downtown NOLA.
Believe it or not, most parades generally aren’t the wild experience many imagine them to be. The way kids’ (and adults’) faces light up as they catch the beads, candy, cups, footballs, and other random throws is so much fun. While we have never been to THE Mardi Gras parade, we’ve enjoyed many others as a family.
Mardi Gras in NOLA
Similar to the way that schools here celebrate Halloween with a parade of students dressed in costume, Louisiana schools celebrate Mardi Gras with students dressed as coordinated “Krewes” – each with their own theme. They parade around the school with decorated wagons, tossing candy and other throws to parents and siblings. Those were some of my fondest memories of our time spent in Louisiana.
Mardi Gras fully encompasses the general culture and vibe of New Orleans: laid back, fun, and friendly with a passion for food, music, and art. It is unlike any other celebration on earth!
If you ever get the chance to visit during Mardi Gras, I highly recommend it. Most of the parades are very family-friendly and occur all over the state, all different days and times. The food is unparalleled and it will be a blast, guaranteed.
Where to Celebrate Mardi Gras in Columbia
Fortunately, Columbia has some festive things going on so you can save the gas money and celebrate close to home this year.
Family-Friendly Mardi Gras Events in Columbia
15th Annual Mardi Gras Columbia Festival
This fun, family-friendly event is sponsored by Louisiana’s own Abita Brewing Company. It will take place on Saturday, March 1st at City Roots Urban Farm.
Mardi Gras Parade in Columbia, SC: The parade will kick off the festivities at 11 am down Jim Hamilton Boulevard and is free and open to the public.
The festival will be free for kids 12 and under and only $10 for admission otherwise. There will be live music, food trucks, local vendors, and of course beer from Abita Brewing Company. Bring beads, cash, and your dancing shoes. Prepare to have a great day. Let’s Geaux!
15th Annual Mardi Gras Columbia Festival
Let the Good Times Roll
Steel Hands Brewing is hosting an all day Mardi Gras Event on March 1st in Cayce. Everything begins at 11:00 am and is FREE! Come join a day of fun!
Steel Hands Brewing Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras Madness
Dress up in costumes and masks! Be ready to catch some beads and celebrate! This event takes place at The Woody on Main. Saturday, March 1st from 6:00 pm – 2 am
Mardi Gras Extravaganza
Mardi-Gras for Adults
Mardi Gras Party at the Village Cafe
The party will feature Mardi Gras-inspired drinks and Classic “N’awlins” dishes plus more NOLA fun.
Mardi Gras Party at The Village Cafe
Mardi Gras Party
Enjoy a fun adult night out with live music! March 29th starting at 6:00 pm
Mardi Gras Party hosted by About Tyme Entertainment
What’s a King Cake?
Believed to have originated in France around the 12th Century, the King Cake is a Roman Catholic tradition that celebrates the Epiphany, the coming of the Three Wise Men. Observed on January 6th and ending on Mardi Gras Eve it is also known as Kings Day and marks the end of the Christmas Season and the beginning of Carnival.
Have you ever had King Cake before? If not, now is the time to try and see what all the hype is about. Not only are they pretty, they are even more delicious than they look. Traditionally, the cake is made with a cinnamon-flavored dough, topped with icing or sugar (or both) ,and decorated with royal shades of green, gold and purple.
Think a wreath-shaped cinnamon roll – but better and ranging from pastry-like to less sweet bread-like consistency. The wreath shape symbolizes a king’s crown. Almond, cream cheese, praline, chocolate, and fruit are also popular fillings in Louisiana, but if you look hard enough you can find Nutella, goat cheese and even bacon-topped King Cakes.
Another thing that sets the King Cake apart as special? The fève, or little trinket you may luck out and find inside. The tradition that began as a bean and is now typically a plastic baby, symbolizes the hiding of Baby Jesus from King Herod’s troops. Whoever finds the baby in their slice is King or Queen for the day and responsible for hosting the next celebration or providing the King Cake for it.
Where to Get King Cakes in Columbia, SC?
Traveling to Louisana would be quite a trip to pick up a King Cake. Though some NOLA bakeries will ship them, there are plenty of bakeries serving up King Cake right here in Columbia.
Luzianna Purchase Charcuterie, Art & Po Boys is a Cajun & Creole Restaurant known for its authentic Cajun Creole dishes. They are selling the famous Gambino’s King Cake delivered fresh from NOLA. Cypress Corner is nestled inside and features unique gifts and art, complete with Mardi Gras-themed items. Geaux see them this Carnival Season.
Address: 7011 St. Andrews Road C2, Irmo
Hours: Saturday 10 am – 1 pm, Tuesday – Friday 11 am – 2:30 pm.
VooDoo Kitchen Catering is offering Traditional King Cake, Mini King Cake (regular or cream cheese icing), King Cake in Jar (option to add fruit filling), King Cake Bread Pudding Boudin King Cake (Boudin is sausage made with pork and rice) with a variety of options. A 50% deposit is required upon ordering. Call or text 843.991.7339 to place your order. All Mardi Gras items include a baby and Mardi Gras bead.
Address: Holly Hill, SC
Sweet Pea’s Ice Cream & Cafe is baking King Cakes using the traditional cinnamon sugar filling but they are happy to make variations upon request. King Cakes are available to order and require 48 hours advance notice. Be sure to check out all the other delicious chocolate-covered treats, Cocoa Bombs, and pies available before you place your order. King Cake will likely be one of the many things you add to your cart.
Address: 412 McNulty Street, Suite B, Blythewood
Hours: Monday – Thursday 1 – 7 pm, Friday & Saturday 1 – 8 pm, Sunday 2 – 6 pm.
Sour and Salt Bakery is offering 4 King Cake Variations; Cream Cheese and Cinnamon , Chocolate, Apple Cream Chees and Rasberry Cream Cheese. Orders typically require 48 hours’ notice and are availble in 3 sizes. Plan on snagging some unique bagels, like spinach and feta or roasted carrot with smoked paprika and habanero, or a slice of Biscoff cheesecake or baklava when picking up your King Cake order.
Address: 2761 Rosewood Drive
Hours: Monday Closed, Tuesday – Friday 8 am – 6 pm, Saturday & Sunday 8 am – 2 pm.
Lowe’s Foods, Publix & Whole Foods carry King Cakes as well. And if you’re looking for a truly authentic King Cake, Kroger carries Gambinos King Cake which is made in NOLA and popular among those originally from Louisiana.
Find lots more events in Columbia, SC on our KA COLA Events Calendar.
Looking for more Mardi-Gras? Check out the Mardi-Gras Celebrations Near Greenville, SC.
