The Northland Mardi Gras is packed full of entertainment for little ones and adults alike! From carnival rides and games, to food vendors, live music, parades, fireworks, an arts & crafts fair, sporting tournaments, special shows like magicians, lumberjacks or water skiers, The Northland Mardi Gras has you covered! Some offerings change year to year and some return year after year as Mardi Gras mainstays! The one constant year to year is the FUN!
Below, you can find information on many of the Entertainment options that are available at the Northland Mardi Gras! Please check the schedule page often for the most up to date information on our entire schedule of events!
If you are a fan of live music, the Northland Mardi Gras is the place for you! Every year the Mardi Gras features four days of live music ranging from local bands, regional acts and even nationally touring shows! Live music can be enjoyed with a beverage in the Northland Mardi Gras beer garden, operated by the Ladysmith Exhausted Roosters. Viewing areas for live music are also available outside of the beer garden, including occasional small shows along the midway and in the amphitheater as well. Check out the Northland Mardi Gras schedule for full details on musical acts appearing at this year’s event!
Friday, July 17 -Prehistoric Pets with J & R Aquatic Animal Rescue – 11:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.
Travel back in time with J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue for a prehistoric adventure! Discover the living descendants of ancient creatures and learn how reptiles, amphibians, and other amazing animals connect us to the age of dinosaurs.
What to Expect:
Live animals that share traits with prehistoric species
Hands-on learning and up-close encounters
Fun facts about evolution, adaptation, and survival
Great photo opportunities for the whole family
Catch a special kids show at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 17 at the Rusk County Community Library Lower Level!
Catch the family show at 6:00 p.m. Friday, July 17 at the Legacy Amphitheater at the Northland Mardi Gras Festival! Brought to you by Cedar Lodge!
Saturday, July 18 – Twin City Power Boat Association Races – Starting at 12:00 p.m.
The Twin City Power Boat Association is the largest OPC (Outboard Performance Craft) club in the country! If you attend one of our events you will witness some of the fastest racing on water in the country. Brought to you by Cumberland Federal Bank and City of Ladysmith!
Saturday, July 18 – Free Balloon Twisting on the Midway – 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Free Balloon Twisting on the Midway in Memorial Park by Kevin’s Juggling and Balloons! Stop by and get a unique balloon creation for your kids!
Sunday, July 19 – Twin City Power Boat Association Races – Starting at 2:00 p.m.
The Twin City Power Boat Association is the largest OPC (Outboard Performance Craft) club in the country! If you attend one of our events you will witness some of the fastest racing on water in the country.
Brought to you by Cumberland Federal Bank and City of Ladysmith!
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Hot Dogs, Burgers, Corn Dogs, Fries, Cheese Curds, Mini Donuts, Funnel Cakes, Cotton Candy, Specialty Sandwiches, Italian Food, Lemonade and more can be found at the Northland Mardi Gras! The feature food stand is the Northland Community Club stand, home of the famous Jaycee Burger! Christman Amusements food stands and independent food stands can be found throughout the festival grounds, all offering your favorite festival treats!
Interested in becoming a food vendor at the Northland Mardi Gras? Be sure to visit our Vendors/Sponsors page to learn more and submit an application!
Carnival Rides are provided and operated by Christman Amusements! Carnival Games are provided and operated by TCT Concessions! Both have been mainstays at the Northland Mardi Gras for decades and provide rides and games suited for all ages! Rides use a ticket system. 1 ticket per ride which can be purchased at the festival or purchased in advance at a discounted rate! Rides and carnival games operate Thursday-Sunday of the festival.