Family Gras Celebrates 10th Anniversary With Big Names

Mardi Gras is the perfect family event! No, we’re not kidding.

Besides the parades in Uptown, which are family friendly, there is an event specifically for those looking to introduce younger ones to Mardi Gras festivities: Family Gras.

Family Gras is a celebration of carnival and family, with free outdoor concerts and activities that last an entire weekend. This year, the 10th annual celebration will take place February 17- 19 in Metarie on the neutral ground of Veterans Memorial Hwy across the street from Lakeside Shopping Center. 

The city has built an $860,000 Mardi Gras Plaza on the Veterans Memorial neutral ground for the festival.  The plaza is paved and decorative, and even features circles of grass around the pavement that are perfect for families who would like to picnic.

This year’s lineup includes internationally acclaimed pop girl firm Fifth Harmony, singer-songwriter Lee Brice, The Cowsills, The Association, Creole String Beans, Imagination Movers, Big Sam's Funky Nation and along with others!

Past have included Cowboy Mouth, Amanda Shaw, former Journey member Steve Augeri, former members of the Electric Light Orchestra, Courtney Cole, Blood Sweat & Tears, Wilson Phillips and Montgomery Gentry. Local and regional artists set up in the Art Market, where you can buy their work throughout the whole festival.

If you don’t want to pack a picnic, then don’t worry.  Flambeau Food Court vendors will be there cooking up Louisiana favorites, like jambalaya, crawfish pasta, muffulettas, pizza and gator-on-a-stick. There will also be local goodies like bread pudding and king cake.

For more information on Family Gras, read this. If you go this year, share your photos with us on our Facebook page!