Life of the Mardi

Updated January 2, 2026

Carnival Season has started, and we have your roadmap to exciting events to enjoy this Mardi Gras in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. From excitement at your favorite Midwest casino to delicious NOLA-inspired dishes throughout the city, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Let us take you on a stroll down Milwaukee’s Bourbon Street this Carnival Season and show you that you can find a taste of New Orleans in Wisconsin.

Before we get started, here are some interesting facts about Mardi Gras.

• Mardi Gras officially starts on January 6 with what is known as Epiphany or the Twelfth Night and extends until Fat Tuesday, which is the day before Ash Wednesday, February 17.
• The period from January 6 to February 17 is known as Carnival Season.
• “Mardi Gras” translates to Fat Tuesday, which traditionally is the final day of feasting before the fasting of Lent.
• The three main colors of Mardi Gras are purple, symbolizing justice; green, symbolizing faith; and gold, symbolizing power.
• Each year, the city of New Orleans chooses the King of the Carnival to receive the symbolic keys to the city.
• The official dessert of Mardi Gras is the King Cake, which is a brioche-like cake with a baby hidden inside, and whoever finds the baby will have good luck in the coming year.

While Milwaukee may participate in the celebration on a different level than New Orleans, there are plenty of local events and festivities to enjoy. That is, if you know what’s happening and where to find it. Allow us to guide you to Carnival this year in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mardi Gras may mean Fat Tuesday to most. However, the festivities begin the weeks leading up to it. We will showcase events throughout the city that will offer a new perspective on what it means to celebrate Mardi Gras.

Laissez les bons temps rouler – Let the good times roll!

Start your Carnival Season at Potawatomi Casino Hotel with a delicious Mardi Gras inspired drink special. The Hurricane will be available throughout the casino starting January 6 until February 17.  With multiple bar’s and entertainment throughout the property, Potawatomi Casino Hotel should be your top spot for entertainment, dancing, and dining.

Entertainment

• With over 5,000 slot machines, more than 62 table games featuring eight live table game types, a private poker room, and two smoking sections, we offer endless entertainment and gaming options.
• Join us on February 17 to play the Mardi Gras Kiosk game, where you can win reward play and let the good times roll! Visit our promotions page for more information.

Dancing

• Bar 360 can be found inside the Dreamcatcher Casino, with an elevated view of the casino floor. Enjoy smooth jazz on Wednesday nights from 5-8 p.m. or dance along to a live DJ every Friday night.
• ElevenHundred Bar & Lounge is located on the second level, and every Saturday night the vibe is hot!  Dance all night on the dance floor just steps from your favorite table games and slot machines.

Dining

• Enjoy a variety of dining options from fine dining at Dream Dance Steakhouse, to authentic Asian cuisine at RuYi, and even handcrafted rock & roll-inspired dishes at Rock & Brews, all in one place.

Whatever your vibe, there’s no shortage of excitement and delicious drinks available here at Potawatomi Casino Hotel.

Sweeten Your Tooth

The Wisconsin Bakers Association is partnering with the Polish Center of Wisconsin to bring the Pączki Party and Mardi Gras Dessert Tasting Experience back to Milwaukee for another year! Enjoy a variety of desserts from traditional pączki to decadent king cakes on Saturday, February 1, starting at 10 a.m. This event is fun for the whole family, featuring live accordion music by Jimmy Locke, photo opportunities, coloring contests, and a raffle benefiting the Wisconsin Bakers Foundation. There will also be door prizes, and each attendee will receive a complimentary admission ticket to the 2026 Polish Fest. For those 21+, a cash bar will be available, featuring a special pączki pairing. This event is sure to sell out quickly, so be sure to get your tickets soon!

Milwaukee’s Unofficial NOLA Headquarters

Maxie’s, at 6732 W. Fairview Ave., has been one of Milwaukee’s favorite places to celebrate Mardi Gras. Enjoy the excitement of the carnival season and take your taste buds on a journey. Maxie’s Mardi Gras menu will be available for six days, starting Thursday, February 12, through Tuesday, February 17. Maxie’s is going full New Orleans mode with an entirely NOLA-inspired menu, festive cocktails, and all the Mardi Gras vibes you can handle. The Mardi Gras menu includes favorites such as Jambalaya, Gumbo, Boudin Balls, King Cake, and more. They will have beads, masks, and the energy of Bourbon Street, including a live stream of Bourbon Street in Louisiana. Enjoy live music from the heated party tents starting at 5 pm. Doors open at 3 pm on Fat Tuesday, so arrive early for the best seats! There are no reservations available for the party tents; however, reservations for table seating are strongly recommended and can be made online or over the phone.

Make Wishes Come True

Wishmakers of Wisconsin is celebrating its 4^th annual Cheers For Wishes fundraising event! Make-A-Wish Wisconsin will host a Mardi Gras-themed event at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel in downtown Milwaukee on February 20. Enjoy an evening of live music from the Extra Crispy Brass Band, a silent auction, live artists, New Orleans appetizer stations, King Cake, casino tables, festive masks and beads, interactive entertainment, and more! Tickets are available for a discounted price until February 1.

Ticket prices include two drink tickets, appetizer stations, 21+ admission, and Mardi Gras beads. This event will take place from 7 to 10:30 p.m. on Friday, February 20. Dress to impress in your favorite cocktail attire. Show off your favorite sparkly outfits or wear the colors of Mardi Gras – purple, green, and gold. But don’t forget your masquerade mask!

Milwaukee may not have the French Quarter… However, we do have plenty of celebrations and delicious Cajun dishes available. Whether you are spending a day at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, celebrating at Maxie’s, or enjoying a charity benefit, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Carnival Season in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

How are you celebrating Mardi Gras? Let us know on Facebook, Instagram, or X.

Potawatomi Casino Hotel is an entertainment destination for you to enjoy and have fun. However, if your gaming habits are causing negative effects on your life outside of the casino or beyond the app, you’re in the right place for support. If you or someone you know has problems gambling, please use our online resources to find help.