Parade, po’ boys and a block party: Mardi Gras returns to Yountville
Yountville will turn its north-end corridor into a full-scale street celebration on Saturday, Feb. 7, when the town hosts the second annual Mardi Gras Parade and Block Party, blending traditional New Orleans-style pageantry, food and live music into a family-friendly afternoon event.
The afternoon begins with a parade at 1 p.m. that will travel north along Washington Street from California Drive to Madison Street. After the parade concludes, the celebration will continue with a block party in NoYo until 4 p.m., featuring live music, food vendors, children’s activities and to-go beverages from participating tasting rooms and bars.
The Gumbo Band will headline the event, providing live music throughout the afternoon, while tasty Mardi Gras fare such as po’ boys, gumbo and crepes will be available for purchase.
“This event is all about community, culture and having a great time together,” said Samantha Holland, Yountville’s Parks and Recreation director.
The Mardi Gras celebration also marks the second major community event held within Yountville’s new entertainment zone, an area designed to support walkable street festivals and allow patrons to responsibly enjoy open containers from approved businesses.
Yountville Mayor Margie Mohler said the event reflects both the town’s character and its evolving approach to public gatherings.
“Mardi Gras brings a burst of color, energy and joyful celebration that aligns beautifully with Yountville’s character,” Mohler said. “It’s a chance for our community to come together in a spirited, welcoming way while highlighting the creativity, hospitality and small-town charm we’re known for.”
Mohler said last year’s Halloween celebration provided early insight into how the entertainment zone (which she referenced as “The Zone”) could function, while Mardi Gras represents its first fully programmed, high-energy debut.
“Think of this as the official public debut of a fully programmed event in the Zone,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to demonstrate how the area can safely and seamlessly transform into an exciting hub for community gatherings.”
Town Manager Brad Raulston said the decision to move Yountville’s annual parade from October to February was driven by both safety and economic considerations. For decades a parade and celebration called Yountville Days was held in the Fall.
“Two years ago, it was over 100 degrees, and we had employees and others suffer from heat exhaustion,” Raulston said, adding that October street closures also conflicted with peak tourism season for local hotels and restaurants.
With Yountville’s anniversary of incorporation falling on Feb. 4, the town opted to shift its annual Yountville Days celebration to February, a slower period of time for Washington Street businesses.
Raulston said that at the Feb. 3 Town Council meeting, the official Yountville flag would be raised in front of Town Hall for the month and February would now be proclaimed as the official Yountville Days.
The entertainment zone is already in effect for eligible Washington Street businesses that have opted into the program, Raulston said, with additional outreach planned in coordination with the Yountville Chamber of Commerce.
“We expect attendees to responsibly stroll down Washington Street with open containers and have partnered with the Sheriff’s Office to ensure this is done properly,” he said.
This year’s parade features 28 entries, Holland said, including professional floats, a zydeco band, horses and participants from local businesses and community groups. The judging and announcers’ station will be located in front of the Yountville Community Center.
New this year is the expanded block-party footprint, with Washington Street closed from Pedroni to Madison streets from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. to accommodate setup and festivities.
Organizers will also recognize longtime residents Jay and Judith Caldwell as the 2026 Mardi Gras Parade King and Queen. The Caldwells have deep roots in Yountville, with decades of service and involvement in the community.
“They are proud longtime residents, and their love for Yountville and deep community roots are why they were chosen this year,” Holland said.
Parade announcers will include Parks and Recreation Advisory Commissioner Theresa Bremer and local business owner Arik Housley. Parade judges include Billie Hewitt, Fred Espinoza and a VIP guest judge.
The event is open to all ages, and leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome, organizers said.
With sunny weather expected, Holland advised attendees to arrive early to find parking and secure a good viewing spot. She encouraged guests to walk or use the free Yountville Bee Bus, which can be requested by calling 707-312-1509 and will shuttle riders between Yountville Park and the event area.
“We’re very excited to be offering this event for the second year,” Holland said. “Yountville is a special community, and these types of events allow us to gather and celebrate what makes us so special — the people.”
“I’m excited to welcome everyone back into the Zone. Mardi Gras is more than just a celebration, it’s a preview of how Yountville can continue bringing people together in fresh, engaging ways,” the mayor concluded.
The Mardi Gras Parade and Block Party is free and open to the public. More information is available at yountvillemardigras.com or by calling 707-944-8712.
