Let the Good Times Roll: Culpeper Downtown Carnival Returns with Mardi Gras Magic!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 23, 2026

Elizabeth Burns
Special Events Coordinator
Culpeper Renaissance, Inc.
540-825-4416
crievents@culpeperdowntown.com
www.culpeperdowntown.com

Let the Good Times Roll: Culpeper Downtown Carnival Returns with Mardi Gras Magic! 

Culpeper Downtown is gearing up for a spectacular transformation into a vibrant celebration of color, music, and community spirit as Culpeper Renaissance, Inc. presents the 2026 Culpeper Downtown Carnival on Saturday, February 21. Get ready to soak up the Mardi Gras magic right in the heart of historic downtown Culpeper! This family-friendly, all-day winter festival invites residents and visitors alike to embrace the festive spirit of Mardi Gras. With lively entertainment and local artistry, the Carnival promises to energize the first quarter for downtown merchants, drawing foot traffic and boosting small business sales.

New this Year: The Culpeper Downtown Carnival Royal Passport! 
Grab your Royal Passport at the Culpeper Visitors Center, any of the 54 participating businesses, or visit www.culpeperdowntown.com and embark on a quest to collect stars by engaging in merchant specials and activities. The more you participate, the greater your rewards. 5 stars: Chance to win a $25 gift card, 10 stars: Chance to win a $50 gift card and 15 or more stars: Chance to win a $75 gift card and a Culpeper Downtown Gift Basket!

A Day Filled with Mardi Gras Flair!
The streets will come alive with live art as local artists and crafters showcase their incredible talents throughout downtown. Plus, enjoy FREE shuttle rides to make your journey through the festivities as smooth as a New Orleans jazz tune! Don't miss this exciting lineup of FREE entertainment brought to you by Culpeper Renaissance, Inc.:

• Roaming Performances 11am–3pm: CRI volunteers will be spreading cheer with masks, beads, and event info while Virginia Renaissance Faire characters provide lively street entertainment!
• Wes Iseli Magic Show: 10:30am & 2pm at the State Theater, in partnership with the Windmore Center for the Arts.
• Madi Gras themed Chalk Art Activity at Culpeper Visitors Center from 10am-5pm.
• Caricature Art by Daniel Ryman: Capture the fun from 11am–4pm at Throwbacks Arcade.
• Danny’s Bouncy House: Perfect for the kiddos from 10am–3pm behind the LOVE sign.
• Southside Homewreckers: Live tunes from 11am–2pm on the Waters Place Porch.
• Sandy’s Face Painting: Transform yourself from 12pm–3pm at The Chaotic Collector.
• Olde Towne Carriage Rides: Experience the downtown charm from 12pm–4pm at the Depot, sponsored by Able Heating and Air (Reservations Required).
• Brennan’s Balloons: Fun balloon art from 12pm–3pm at Howdy’s Main Street Mercantile.
• Live Music from Jewell Tone Music: Feel the rhythm from 12pm–3pm at the corner of Davis St. & South East Street.
• SAFE Luxury Mardi Gras bingo 7pm (Ticketed Event)

Join the revelry—support local businesses, break out your Mardi Gras beads and best festive attire, and help Culpeper Downtown shine even brighter this winter! Thank you to our annual event sponsors: Amtrak and the Town of Culpeper. For more details and to download your Royal Passport, visit www.culpeperdowntown.com. Questions? Reach out to us at crievents@culpeperdowntown.com.

Let’s make this Carnival an unforgettable celebration—Laissez les bons temps rouler!