2026 Mardi Gras in Columbus: King Cakes and Fat Tuesday meals

While Columbus isn’t “known” for Mardi Gras celebrations, that doesn’t mean YOU can’t celebrate in your own way! 

The celebration of Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday marks the end of the Carnival season and the last night of excess before the Lenten season. Originally adopted from French immigrants, it’s a legal state holiday in Louisiana, but celebrated all over the US.

We’re gathering a list of Mardi Gras specials and events around Columbus, with lots of way to celebrate at home. Grab your beads and a King Cake, and celebrate New Orleans-style at home on Tuesday, February 17, 2026!

King Cakes Baking with Our Cupcakery

Monday, February 16, 2026 at noon. Pair up with a baking buddy and learn how to make the traditional desserts for Carnival Season, including the traditional French version, and the New Orleans-style of King Cake. Details here.

King Cakes at Tremont Goodie Shop

Order to your made-from-scratch King Cake from Tremont Goodie Shop. All contain a plastic baby and filling of your choice.

They are iced with a light lemon frosting and sprinkled with festive purple, green and gold sugar. They also feature Mardi Gras beads on top for decoration. Each King Cake serves 10-12.

Available fillings (choose one or two):
Cinnamon (traditional), Raspberry, Lemon, Cream Cheese, Blueberry, Cherry, Strawberry and Apricot.

Place your orders 48 hours in advance; see Facebook page for details. 614-488-8777. 2116 Tremont Ctr Upper Arlington, OH 43221

Resch’s King Cake and Paczki

Order King Cake, Beignets, and Paczki from Resch’s!

Beignets are back! Sweet, pillowy clouds of fried dough emerge from Resch’s Bakery’s kitchen throughout Mardi Gras season. 

King Cake available in 3 Flavors: 1. Pecan Praline 2. Cinnamon Or 3. Plain with a 24-hour notice.

Call or stop in to order; pre-payment is required. (614) 237-7421. Open Mon-Fri 8-5 Sat 8-2:30. Details on website and Facebook. 4061 E Livingston Ave Columbus, OH 43227

King Cake from Fully Gluten Free Bakehouse

Certified GLUTEN-FREE facility. Gluten-free and missing King Cake? You can celebrate with a GF King Cake by Gluten-Free from the Dipped in Delaware. Not only has she found a way to make (tasty) gluten-free yeast doughnuts, long johns, and other goodies we kissed goodbye a long time ago – she conquered the King Cake and Paczkis too!

Order online. These are available for shipping. See more in Facebook group about the availability of pickup in bakery.

While I haven’t tried the king cake yet, I will vouch for all of the other gf goodies! (Tip: take a cooler if you are driving from very far, because you’re going to want to buy some of the many frozen goodies to stash in your freezer at home). 

256 South Sandusky St., Delaware, OH, 740-990-0229

Fat Tuesday Donut and Cinnamon Roll Sale with Knights of Columbus Delaware Council 1056

Celebrate Fat Tuesday with Donuts and Cinnamon Rolls from Buehler’s Grocery Store Bakery in Ashland Ohio. Details here. 

Order BEFORE Feb 11th at 7PM.
Pickup will be Sunday March 2 from 8am – 1 pm
Proceeds will benefit the St Mary Church Renovation Fund!

Looking for more Paczki?

Pączki are a specialty pastry made on Fat Tuesday as a Catholic day of celebration before the Lenten season, and the last day to indulge in foods before the traditional 40-day period of fasting before Easter.

There are several places you can find Paczki in Columbus- find the awesome list from Breakfast with Nick (after all, he’s an expert at this type of thing!)

Find other fun events for adults, including date ideas!

TBA for 2026

La Chatelaine Mardi Gras Dinner Party Box

Order a complete carry-out dinner from La Chatelaine for Fat Tuesday! Get a Mardi Gras Dinner Party Box for just $55 per person!

Dinner includes: 

• Cup of Crawfish Bisque (gf) & a couple of cooked whole Crawfish on the side
• La Chatelaine Jambalaya sous-vide (shrimp, house-made kielbasa sausage, Ohio chicken thigh, cajun seasonings, onions, celery, garlic, bell peppers, tomato) not too spicy & served with Creole rice
• La Chatelaine Hurricane Rum Punch (bottled on site + made fresh) *alcohol
• Individual King’s Cake. Made with our very own puff pastry & almond paste. Watch out for that porcelain charm!

The entire dinner is gluten-free except the King’s Cake. Mask, beads, and trinkets are provided with each dinner. Dinner will come with heating instructions.

Pickup is March 4 for all 3 locations: Dublin, Upper Arlington, and Worthington. Call, stop by a location, or place an online order. See website or Facebook page.

Order your King’s Cake now! They are $25, and serve 6-8 people.