Walking into The Lakefront™ in Little Elm, Texas, may give you a sense of déjà vu. You see smiling faces and hear the unmistakable sounds of a party—horns, music, laughter. It’s February, and something feels distinctly familiar. Then it hits you: you’re stepping into The Big Easy in Little Elm, a Mardi Gras celebration that mirrors the authentic festival in New Orleans but with a Texan twist.
What is The Big Easy in Little Elm?
Every year, locals and visitors gather at The Lakefront™ for a unique Mardi Gras experience known as The Big Easy in Little Elm. Its name is a playful nod to the famous New Orleans nickname, turning this Texas locale into a Mardi Gras haven, giving attendees a taste of southern hospitality mixed with spirited fun.
Shedding light on what it’s all about—The Big Easy in Little Elm is an annual event that injects a dash of Mardi Gras festivities into Little Elm Park in Lakefront. Immerse yourself in the palpable energy as activities include a Mardi Gras-themed 5K walk/run, a kids’ fun run, a crawfish boil, a King Cake eating contest, live music, and a chance to witness breathtaking hot air balloon viewing.
Activities to Look Forward To
If you’re attending The Big Easy in Little Elm, there’s no shortage of fun activities to look forward to. Here are the prime contenders:
Crawfish Boil and King Cake Eating Contest
Experience authentic southern cuisine right at The Lakefront™. The crawfish boil is a traditional Louisiana staple that brings the community together over good food. For the brave souls, there’s also a King Cake eating contest. Rest assured, there are also food trucks serving diverse offerings.
Mardi Gras-Themed 5K Walk and Kids’ Fun Run
Sports enthusiasts can look forward to a Mardi Gras-themed 5K walk/run through picturesque trails. For the young ones, there’s a dedicated kids’ fun run to enjoy. Don’t hesitate to show your festive spirit—awards are waiting for the best-dressed participants!
Live Music and Fireworks
Nothing quite sets the mood like live music. Local and regional bands perform throughout the event, ensuring there’s always a lively tune in the air. As for the finale, a spectacular display of fireworks over the lake never disappoints.
Plan Your Visit
The 12th edition of The Big Easy in Little Elm is scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 5 to 9 p.m. Planning your visit to The Lakefront™ during this time means immersing yourself in a community celebration enriched with the spirit of Mardi Gras.
Attending the event also gives you the perfect opportunity to explore the other attractions that The Lakefront at Little Elm™ offers. The splendid Little Elm Beach, bustling Boat Ramp, enticing Cottonwood Creek Marina, and the variety of parks and trails are indeed enticing. The Lakefront™, affectionately known as the district that never sleeps, offers a myriad of activities day and night, turning any visit into a memorable adventure.
The Lakefront at Little Elm™: A Community Hub
More than just Mardi Gras, The Lakefront at Little Elm™ serves as a community hub where lifelong memories are made. Event after event, The Lakefront™ successfully hosts gatherings that bring together locals and visitors in the spirit of community and resilience.
Much like the city of Little Elm itself, The Lakefront™ reflects the theme of growth, diversity, and vibrancy. Events such as The Big Easy in Little Elm help promote the city’s vision of a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving community where everyone belongs.
There’s a reason why The Lakefront™ is referred to as the go-to place for life experiences. It’s not just about one event; it’s about the spirit of community that permeates every activity. And there’s no better time to be part of that spirit than during The Big Easy in Little Elm!
So mark your calendars for February 28, 2026. Put on your festive gear, grab your beaded necklaces, and get ready to let the good times roll! Because at The Lakefront at Little Elm™, it’s always Mardi Gras season.