AYPROS Asheville Mardi Gras Outpost at Bear's Smokehouse

TL;DR: Free Mardi Gras swag, drink specials, food specials, member punch card launch

Join AYPROS at Bear’s Smokehouse as we set up our Mardi Gras Outpost — a casual home base to gather before the parade and reconvene after the festivities roll through downtown.

We’ll kick things off at 2:00 PM with food, drinks, and Mardi Gras energy before heading out for the parade at 3:05. Afterward, swing back through Bear’s to keep the celebration going with the AYPROS crew.

We’ll have classic Mardi Gras beads and festive swag on hand, including doubloons, boas, sunglasses, face tattoos, and other fun extras while supplies last.

This event also marks the launch of our brand new free AYPROS member punch cards. Each event check-in earns you a punch, and once you hit 10 events, you’ll receive an extra drink ticket to use at a future Pub Club! Be there to get your first punch!

Bear’s will be running Mardi Gras-inspired food and drink specials throughout the day, including gumbo, beignets, and Hurricanes served in a souvenir cup.

There is no formal program or agenda for the afternoon. Come early, head out for the parade, come back afterward — or do all three. We’ll be checking people in throughout the event window.

Event Flow
2:00 PM – AYPROS Mardi Gras Outpost opens at Bear’s
3:05 PM – Mardi Gras Parade step-off
Post-Parade – Return to Bear’s to continue the celebration
Throughout the afternoon, you can:
• Pick up Mardi Gras swag and festive extras
• Enjoy food and drink specials from Bear’s
• Receive and punch your new AYPROS member punch card
• Spend time with fellow AYPROS before and after the parade
• Use Bear’s as a gathering point throughout the day to meet with fellow AYPROS

PARKING: There is free parking behind Bear's Smokehouse on Federal Alley.
City Parking Garages (Recommended Options)
The following garages are centrally located and typically the most reliable on parade day:
• Coxe Avenue Parking Garage
40 Coxe Avenue
• Biltmore Avenue / Aloft Hotel Garage
60 S. Lexington Avenue
Street Parking
Street parking is free on Sundays, but parking along the parade route is restricted and enforced. Yellow “No Parking” signs are posted starting Friday. Vehicles left in restricted areas on Sunday will be towed.
Road Closures
Several streets in the South Slope area may close around 10:00 AM, including parts of Banks Avenue, Buxton Avenue, and Coxe Avenue.
Helpful Tip
The City of Asheville App provides real-time parking availability and can be helpful on busy event days:
[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-asheville-app/id599045777 ](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-asheville-app/id599045777)

A Special Thanks
Thank you to Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ for hosting our Mardi Gras Outpost and welcoming the AYPROS community for the day.

Our Mission and the role of Arts & Entertainment
AYPROS connects young professionals, develops leaders, and builds community to attract and retain talent in Asheville. Our Arts & Entertainment programming celebrates Asheville’s culture, food, music, and creative traditions by encouraging engagement with the places and experiences that make Asheville vibrant and alive.

Events like this help foster a sense of place and belonging while supporting local venues and cultural moments that define Asheville.
We hope to see you there.

Warm regards,
AYPROS Leadership Team