DECATUR– Get ready to let the good times roll as the Carnegie Carnival brings Mardi Gras magic to “The River City” on March 1, 2025! Hosted by the Carnegie Visual Arts Center, this vibrant celebration is packed with fun activities for all ages, delicious food, live music, and a parade you won’t want to miss—all in support of the arts.
Kick Off the Day with the Carnival Frolic 13.1 & 5K
The festivities begin bright and early with the Carnival Frolic 13.1-mile race and 5K, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Runners will explore Decatur’s beautiful historic districts, the Tennessee River, and Point Mallard Park on this USATF-certified course. Prefer a shorter race or team effort? Opt for the relay or the 5K! All participants receive a collectible medal, t-shirt, swag bag, and a chance to win cash prizes.
Location: Founders Park, 905 Canal St NE, Decatur, AL
Registration: $40-$85 at runsignup.com
Carnival Street Eats at Casa Grande Park (11:00 a.m.)
Fuel up at the Carnival Street Eats food truck court located at Casa Grande Park between Grant and Johnston Streets. Enjoy delicious bites from Effie D’s, Sandman Sandmiches, Camellia Coffee Company, and Briks & Embers.
Carnegie Creation Station (11:30 a.m.-2:30 pm)
Head to the Morgan County-Decatur Farmers Market for free art projects for kids offered by the Carnegie Visual Arts Center and Kiwanis of Decatur.
CASA Carnival Prince and Princess Parade: 12:00 p.m. starting at Founders Park and ending at the Farmer’s Market. The Prince and Princess Coronation will take place at the Princess Theatre immediately following the parade.
Location: Morgan County-Decatur Farmers Market, 211 1st Ave SE; Princess Theatre, 112 2nd Ave NE
Live Mardi Gras Music and Family Fun at The Brick Deli (Starting at 12:00 p.m.)
Relax and enjoy an afternoon of live music and great food at The Brick Deli, featuring an all-day lineup of performances:
- 12:00 p.m. – Matt Leder Quintet
- 2:00 p.m. – Nitrate City
- 4:00 p.m. – Blagburn
- 8:00 p.m. – Alabama Heathens
At the Brick Deli, 112 East Moulton Street, Decatur, AL. Admission is free; food and drinks available for purchase.
Canine Carnival Parade & Costume Contest (registration begins at 12:00 p.m./Parade at 2:30)
Dress up your pup and join the fun at the Canine Carnival Parade! Registration starts at 12:00 p.m., with costume winners announced at 2:00 p.m. and the parade kicking off at 2:30 p.m.
Location: Alabama Center for the Arts (ACA) Lawn, 133 2nd Ave NE
Registration Fees: $15-$25
FREE Princess & The Frog Movie (3:00-5:00 p.m.)
The Carnegie Visual Arts Center presents a free showing of the Princess & The Frog. This fairy tale set in Jazz Age-era New Orleans during Mardi Gras is fun for the whole family.
Location: Princess Theatre, 112 2nd Ave NE
Main Parade and Coronation Celebration (6:00 p.m.)
The grand finale begins at 6:00 p.m. as fabulous floats, pirate ships, and costumed crews parade down Bank Street and 2nd Avenue. Stick around for the official Coronation of the 2025 King and Queen XIV at the historic Princess Theatre immediately following the parade.
This year’s Candidates are:
- King Candidates: Melek Davis, Taylor Martin
- Queen Candidates: Nancy Case, Cheyanne Sanchez
- Prince Candidates: Harris Penley (Decatur High), Jackson Stephens (Priceville High), Parker Smith (Austin High), Trea Griffith (Hartselle High)
- Princess Candidates: Lulu Underwood (Decatur High), Addison Graham (Priceville High), Abbie Bragwell (Austin High), Ella Talavera (Hartselle High)
- Sir BOW BOW Candidates: Governor Wiley, Hector the English mastiff, Prince Parker
- Lady Barks-a-Lot Candidates: Juju Bee Belcher, Stella Michelini.
Vote and donate for your favorite candidate at carnegiecarnival.org.
All Proceeds Benefit the Carnegie Visual Arts Center, CASA of North Alabama and Decatur Animal Services. Every dollar raised during the Carnegie Carnival season of celebration supports these non-profits that are committed to making our community a better place..
Media Release/Danielle Gibson, President & CEO/Decatur Morgan County Tourism, Inc.
