Ellicottville Mardi Gras Parade 2026: Winter Carnival Weekend Returns March 14–15

Mar 11

If you notice feathers, beads, brass music, and a suspicious number of purple, green, and gold outfits around town this weekend, don’t be alarmed - it simply means Mardi Gras and Winter Carnival Weekend have arrived in Ellicottville.

The annual celebration returns March 14-15th, bringing together the village’s signature mix of creativity, winter sports, and ALL the fun. From the iconic parade down Washington Street to on-snow celebrations at Holiday Valley and HoliMont, the weekend has become one of the most anticipated late-season events for both locals and visitors.

“The parade really brings everyone together,” said Barb Pump, Executive Director of the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce. “Businesses, community groups, and friends all put their own spin on Mardi Gras themes. Every year the floats and costumes get more creative.”

The highlight of the weekend is the Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday evening, stepping off at 6:30pm from Katy’s Café and traveling down Washington Street to the Gazebo at Town Hall. While many groups have already registered, Pump says last-minute participants are still welcome - even on parade day. Anyone interested can sign up at Katy’s Café before the lineup begins.

Several returning favorites are expected to appear in this year’s parade. Villaggio will once again bring the high-energy sounds of The Brass Machine rolling through the village with live music, while Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino and presenting sponsor, Labatt, will also join the festivities. Holiday Valley Ski Patrol is also expected to return, pushing grocery carts through the parade route and collecting canned goods and monetary donations for local food banks - a playful but meaningful tradition that has become a crowd favorite.

This year’s celebration will also crown two familiar faces in the village as Mardi Gras royalty. Tom Zerbian and Cassie Arena, both of Mill Street Sports Pub, have been named the 2026 King and Queen of Mardi Gras. Known for their longtime involvement in Ellicottville’s hospitality scene, the pair will help lead the parade festivities and bring their own dose of Mardi Gras spirit to the weekend celebration.

Leading the parade alongside the royal court will be none other than Punxsutawney Phil, the world’s most famous groundhog. Phil has been predicting the arrival of spring each February 2nd at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania since the late 1800s. Over the decades, he has become a national celebrity and pop culture icon - and for one weekend in Ellicottville, he’ll trade weather predictions for Mardi Gras celebration. “We’re excited to have Phil join us,” Pump said. “It adds a fun and unexpected twist to an already lively event.”

While the parade draws big crowds downtown, the celebration continues on the mountain at Holiday Valley with the resort’s annual Winter Carnival. One of the most popular stops is the Snowbar at Yodeler, hosted by Holiday Valley’s snowmaking team. The event brings skiers and riders together for music, drinks, and mountain camaraderie, while also raising money for several local charities.

Another highlight is the ever-entertaining Dummy Downhill, where teams send homemade “dummies” strapped to skis flying down the slope in a gravity-powered spectacle that rewards both creativity and comedic crashes.

Visitors can also swing by Ratchet Hatchet downtown on Saturday afternoon from 3:00-5:00pm, where Labatt will be offering beer samples as part of the weekend’s festivities.

Between the parade, live music, skiing, and colorful costumes throughout the village, the weekend offers something for everyone. “It’s a really fun time to be in Ellicottville,” Pump said. “People come out, dress up, enjoy the parade, and celebrate together. It’s one of those events that truly captures the spirit of this community.”