(MANITOU SPRINGS) — Grab your beads and don your masks, as the 32nd Annual Manitou Springs Carnivale will bring the revelry of Mardi Gras to the streets on Saturday, March 1, with the theme “Cirque du Manitou.”
Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off and Carnivale parade
The day will start with the Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off at Soda Springs Park, where over 15 chefs will compete for first place. Tastings starting at 11 a.m. and going through 12:30 p.m. $1.50 cash will get participants two tastings of gumbo.
The parade will start at 1 p.m. at Memorial Park, 502 Manitou Avenue, and will continue west toward Soda Springs Park at 1070 Manitou Ave. Visitors can watch from anywhere along the route.
Marching in the parade is free but requires an RSVP. The lineup for the parade begins at noon at Memorial Park. Leashed pets may be included in registered krewes, but no vehicles will be allowed. Anyone 18 years and older interested in donning a puppet for the parade should email [email protected]
Road closures and detours
Manitou Avenue will be closed from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., with traffic rerouted through the following routes:
Westbound traffic will detour onto Old Mans Trail, leading to El Paso Boulevard and Lover’s Lane.
Eastbound traffic from Ruxton Avenue will detour onto Osage Avenue.
Both detour routes are narrow residential streets, and large trucks will be redirected onto Manitou Avenue or US-24.
Parking and shuttles
Parking will be available at 10 Old Man’s Trail and at the Manitou Springs High School and Middle School. Shuttle service will be provided from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Manitou Avenue, from Fields Park to Hiawatha Gardens. There will also be pickups at existing Metro Route 36 stops. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead for parking.
Parking Options:
Hiawatha Gardens Parking Lot (10 Old Mans Trail)
Check real-time parking availability and costs before heading into town: ManitouSpringsGov.com/parking
Manitou Springs High School & Middle School (415 El Monte Place)
Cost: $10
Proceeds benefit the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and Athletic Training programs.
Alternative Transportation Options – Ditch the Car!
PikeRide E-Bikes:
Pick up an e-bike from any PikeRide hub and ride into Manitou Springs.
Drop off bikes at any bicycle rack, including near Soda Springs Park.
More info: PikeRide.org
Bus & Shuttle Services:
#3 Metro Bus – Runs all day, with a stop at Memorial Park.
Rocky Mountain Ride (#36 Shuttle Route) – Circulates every 20 minutes from Fields Park through Downtown Manitou Springs, with the last shuttle at 4:00 p.m.
Manitou Springs High School Shuttle – Drops off at Hiawatha Gardens in Memorial Park, with the last shuttle at 4:00 p.m.
#33 Free Manitou Shuttle – Will NOT operate from noon to 2:00 p.m. due to the parade.
Visit Mountain Metro Manitou Springs Shuttle Webpage for maps and details of the listed bus/shuttle routes.
Carnivale activities throughout the day
Check the list below for all Carnivale activities in Manitou Springs on Saturday, March 1:
11 a.m., Soda Springs Park, Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off: Taste flavors from over 15 chefs as they vie for first place! 75 cent tastings!
1 p.m., Downtown Manitou Springs, 32nd Annual Carnivale Parade (free): Come on out, dress up, join the revelers, and catch great throws or join with your krewe for FREE!
2 p.m. -4 p.m., Downtown Manitou Springs, After Parties (free): Stay after the parade for fun and revelry at local businesses including Kinfolks, Townhouse Lounge, and Manitou Brewing Company!
12 p.m. – 11 p.m., Armadillo Ranch: Live music from Tribe & California Vibes. Hurricane, Gumbo & Cajun Fries Specials!
2:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort: After Party DJ, followed by Ben Guzman & His Old Time Band. Gumbo, too!
