To help support our mission of “passionately promoting art for all,” the Carnegie presented the area’s first Mardi Gras-style celebration in 2012. Named “Carnegie Carnival,” charter members created a season that spans from Carnival Petition in October to Twelfth Night in January, culminating with the Carnegie Carnival parades held on the Saturday before Fat Tuesday. This celebration has grown and expanded each year and now starts with Decatur’s only half marathon, the Carnival Frolic, and ends with a nighttime parade that can proudly hold its own with Mardi Gras parades that have been held elsewhere for centuries.
We host free workshops, events and exhibitions for our city and the greater community, all while promoting creativity, family fun and downtown revitalization. The Carnegie also gives back to our community in big ways, including sharing the proceeds of Carnegie Carnival with a number of community philanthropic partners. The money raised by Carnegie Carnival funds programs that ensure accessibility to art… for all.
Get more details on all of the Carnegie Carnival events, start a crewe & vote for Carnival royalty!