SoMardi Gras 2026!
SoMardi Gras VIP Pre-Party
Friday, February 20, 2026
6 – 9 p.m.
16th SoMardi Gras Parade and Street Festival
Saturday, February 21, 2026
10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
New Orleans-style parade at noon – Route 22nd to 12th on Main
Street festival with live music, dozens of small businesses, vendors, restaurants, food trucks and a kid zone!
13th Annual Beard and Mustache Contest
WHAT TO EXPECT
Food & Vendors
🧔✨ What’s It About?
This event is all about celebrating creativity, self-expression, and the camaraderie of facial hair enthusiasts. Whether you’re competing or just cheering from the sidelines, it’s a day filled with community spirit and unforgettable moments.
📅 When: February 21st, 2026
📍 Where: The Bernice Garden
🏆 Categories:
Best Natural Beard Under 6”
Best Natural Beard Over 6”
Best Groomed Beard
Best Mustache
Most Original Beard
Best Partial Beard
Best DIY Crafted Beard (Women & Kids!)
Pre-register for the beard contest!
13th BEARD and Mustache CONTEST
With around 50 street vendors and food trucks, SoMardi Gras offers a wide selection of food and products. All food will be made by local vendors, supporting small businesses and neighbors.
SoMardi Gras Hotel Block Available
Need a place to stay? Book your spot in our block of rooms at the AC Hotel Little Rock, and you’ll get two tickets to the pre-party included! It's the perfect way to stay close to all the action and start the weekend off with a bang.
Get Involved
SoMardi Gras wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support from our volunteers, vendors, and sponsors. If you’re looking to contribute to this special event, there are many ways to get involved.
Coming Soon - Register as a Vendor
Showcase your products and join the fun! As a vendor at SoMardi Gras, you'll be part of a lively and energetic event, attracting a diverse crowd. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to connect with thousands of attendees.
Sponsor Now
Make a lasting impact and become a sponsor for SoMardi Gras 2026. Whether you're a small business or a big brand, sponsorship offers unique opportunities to engage with a dynamic audience while supporting a great cause.
Coming Soon - Register Your Float
Get creative and join the parade with a float that fits the disco theme! Whether it’s funky, fabulous, or funky fabulous, your float will be a standout feature of the parade, and a chance to showcase your team’s spirit.
Coming soon - Register as a Volunteer
Want to be part of the action? Volunteers are the heartbeat of SoMardi Gras.
Help us create a memorable experience for everyone. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere while making a difference in the community.
