For the 10th year, Winnipeg Mardi Gras will heat up the frigid winter during one unforgettable weekend, as thousands come together to experience authentic tastes, sights and sounds of New Orleans.
Winnipeg Mardi Gras happens at the RBC Convention Centre on February 13 and 14. The third floor is transformed into a dazzling party setting, where guests are made to feel like they are in another place far removed from freezing weather. It’s the next best thing to being in the ‘Big Easy’ for real.
Any good party must have great music, and Winnipeg Mardi Gras has this covered. Back by request is Dwayne Dopsie and The Zydeco Hellraisers, coming direct from New Orleans to energize and electrify the audience.
Named “America’s Hottest Accordion,” Dopsie hails from one of the most influential Zydeco families in the world. Although inspired by tradition, Dwayne plays a unique high-energy style of zydeco that defies stereotypes and blazes a distinct path. Dopsie and his unbelievably awesome band are guaranteed to keep you on your feet all night long.
You never know what you’re going to see at Winnipeg Mardi Gras – the roving Dixieland Band, aerial acrobatics, stilt walkers, showgirls, drag queens, and other odd and intriguing sights. The Lindsays are a dynamic duo who infuse sideshow with circus skills and burlesque to create a unique audience interaction experience. Their repertoire consists of roving characters, hula hoops, contortion, fire, hammer, nails, swords, and more.
The Undead Newlyweds are a couple who feature a uniquely themed juggling show that combines circus, theatre and dance. Audiences enjoy quick-witted comedy, fire manipulation, and classic vaudeville, while gazing upon a horrifyingly beautiful and terrifyingly twitchy bride.
One of the biggest temptations at Winnipeg Mardi Gras is the wide selection of authentic Louisiana cuisine, so make sure you bring your appetite. Pull up a seat at the delectable Food, Oyster and Wine Bar and indulge in specialty foods like freshly shucked oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp, and melt-in-your-mouth alligator fritters.
Also on the menu are southern favourites like Louisiana crab cakes, deep fried pickle spears, gumbo, sweet potato fries, and more. The Mardi Gras Sampler Platter gives you a taste of all the favourites with two delicious dips. New entrees this year are Louisiana Style Shrimp with Pasta, and Mardi Gras Chicken and Creole on New Orleans Black Eyed Pea Rice.
At the many vendors on Bourbon Street, you’ll find Mardi Gras masks, hats, beads, boas, jewelry, novelty items, and more. It’s the best place north of Louisiana to join a Mardi Gras Parade and put your own unique costume on display. You can also visit card readers, body painters, tattoo artists, and others.
Festivities get underway on Friday the 13th with Zombie Night. It’s sure to be the biggest zombie party to ever happen in Winnipeg. Attendees who come dressed in full Zombie costume and make-up can register at the Zombie Booth on the 2nd Floor, and get free admission for the evening. As well, all registered Zombies will be entered to win a special prize package.
On Saturday, February 14, Winnipeg Mardi Gras will be the largest ‘intimate’ Valentine’s celebration. Sweethearts are in for an exciting night of dining, dancing, and romancing. And if you don’t have a sweetheart, don’t worry. Singles are encouraged to come out and mingle, and will be offered a red heart to wear on their sleeve, signifying that they are looking to meet their own future Valentine.
Tickets for Winnipeg Mardi Gras are on sale now at Ticketmaster for $16 (plus taxes and agency fees). You must be 18 years of age or older to attend. For more information please visit winnipegmardigras.com.
This was a sponsored article by Winnipeg Mardi Gras.
