Things To Do On The Outer Banks For Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras on the Outer Banks: Coastal Celebrations with a Cajun Twist

The Outer Banks may be known for its sandy shores and maritime history, but when Mardi Gras rolls around, this beachside paradise transforms into a celebration of color, culture, and Cajun flavor. From jazz-infused dinners to lively parades and indulgent Fat Tuesday feasts, OBX restaurants and venues are bringing Bourbon Street to the coast in spectacular fashion.

Where to Celebrate Mardi Gras in the Outer Banks

📍 Ocean Boulevard Bistro & Martini Bar (Kitty Hawk)

For an upscale Mardi Gras dining experience, Ocean Boulevard Bistro is serving up a Fat Tuesday menu full of Cajun love. Guests can indulge in chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage gumbo, NC shrimp and smoked cheddar grits, and crispy fried oysters "Rockefeller". And don’t forget dessert—fried beignets with bananas foster make for the perfect finale.

📍 Lucky 12 Tavern (Nags Head)

A neighborhood favorite, Lucky 12 is throwing a two-day Mardi Gras celebration on March 3rd and 4th with a tapas-style menu featuring char-grilled oysters, fried green tomatoes with crawfish remoulade, and mini muffuletta sandwiches. With beads, festive decor, and drinks flowing, it’s a laid-back yet lively place to let the good times roll.

📍 Goombays Grille & Raw Bar (Kill Devil Hills)

Goombays is transforming into a Mardi Gras party hub on March 4th with an all-day event featuring crawfish boil dumplings, fried gator bites, boudin balls, and grilled oysters. Their specialty cocktails are also worth a visit, adding to the Bourbon Street ambiance with festive flavors.

📍 Blue Moon Beach Grill (Nags Head)

If you're looking for a mix of music and food, Blue Moon Beach Grill is hosting a Chef Reece’s Food & Cocktail Dinner to kick off the celebrations. Cajun-inspired specials will run all week, culminating with a performance by the OBX Jazzmen on Friday, bringing the spirit of New Orleans to the Outer Banks.

📍 Pirates Cove (Manteo)

For a Mardi Gras with a waterfront twist, Pirates Cove is hosting a full-scale Mardi Gras Parade and Ball on March 2nd. Expect floats, beads, and live music from Johnny Barbatos & The Lucky Doggs. And if you’re a fan of the classic Bushwacker cocktail, they’re taking it up a notch with options like the Flounder (a sneaky shot that sinks) and the Floater (a bold shot lounging on top).

Mardi Gras, OBX Style

While OBX may not have the towering floats of the French Quarter, its restaurants and venues bring the heart and soul of Mardi Gras to the coast.

Whether you’re indulging in Cajun flavors, dancing to live jazz, or sipping a hurricane cocktail with your toes in the sand, the Outer Banks proves that "Laissez les bons temps rouler" isn’t just for New Orleans.

So grab your beads, round up your krewe, and get ready for a Mardi Gras celebration—Outer Banks style!