27 Mardi Gras Party Games For Adults
When I plan a Mardi Gras party, I want more than colorful decorations, good food, and music. I want guests to have plenty of reasons to get involved, laugh together, and keep the energy going throughout the celebration. That is why I like having a mix of quick games, creative contests, team challenges, and relaxed activities.
Mardi Gras is traditionally associated with the period leading up to Ash Wednesday, with celebrations especially famous in New Orleans. Beads, masks, parades, music, king cake, and bold purple, green, and gold decorations are all easy themes to bring into an adult party.
I can use these Mardi Gras party games for a large house party, a small gathering with friends, or even a casual game night. Most of them need inexpensive supplies, and many can be adjusted depending on the number of guests.
I’ve gathered 27 Mardi Gras party games that work well for adults, including bead-toss challenges, trivia, mask contests, karaoke, scavenger hunts, cupcake decorating, and team competitions. I like mixing active games with quieter options so everyone can find something enjoyable.
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For a larger party, I would set up several stations instead of making everyone play the same game at once. Simple prizes such as candy, Mardi Gras beads, gift cards, or themed party favors can also make the games more exciting without adding much expense.
Key Takeaways
- I like combining active, creative, guessing, and team games so the party does not feel repetitive.
- Many of these games can be prepared with basic craft supplies and inexpensive party decorations.
- I recommend setting clear rules and keeping rounds short when several adults are playing.
- Mardi Gras colors such as purple, green, and gold can easily be added to the game supplies.
- Small prizes can give guests an extra reason to participate without turning the party into a serious competition.
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27 Mardi Gras Party Games For Adults
1. Bead Toss Challenge
I can turn Mardi Gras beads into a simple tossing competition by placing buckets, bowls, hoops, or decorated containers at different distances. I assign each target a point value based on how difficult it is to reach.
Guests take turns tossing a set number of bead necklaces toward the targets. After everyone has played, I add the points and award a small prize to the highest scorer.
Pro Tip: I make the farther targets worth more points so guests have to choose between an easier shot and a bigger reward.
2. King Cake Relay
For this team game, I divide guests into small groups and give each team a plain cake or cake-shaped base along with Mardi Gras decorating supplies.
Each team works together to create a festive king cake. I can judge the finished creations for appearance, originality, and how well they fit the Mardi Gras theme.
I keep the decorating time short, around 10 to 15 minutes, so the game stays energetic.
3. Mardi Gras Bingo
I create bingo cards using Mardi Gras-related words and images such as masks, beads, music, floats, king cake, feathers, and colorful costumes.
Instead of traditional bingo markers, I can use spare beads, candy, or small themed tokens. I call out the items randomly until someone completes the required pattern.
This is one of my favorite choices when I want a game that does not require much physical activity.
4. Masquerade Mask Contest
I provide plain masks along with feathers, glitter, ribbon, paint, sequins, gems, and other craft materials.
After everyone finishes decorating, I hold a short mask parade around the room. Guests can vote in categories such as most creative, funniest, most colorful, or most dramatic.
I usually give several small prizes instead of having only one winner, which gives more guests a reason to participate.
5. Jester’s Hat Toss
I use large decorative jester hats or containers as tossing targets. Guests stand behind a marked line and try to land beanbags, soft balls, or rolled-up socks inside the targets.
I give each hat a different point value. The farther or smaller targets can earn more points.
This game works especially well when I have limited space because I can adjust the throwing distance for the room.
6. Bead Necklace Competition
I set out different types of beads, strings, charms, ribbons, and other decorative pieces. Each guest gets a set amount of time to create a Mardi Gras necklace.
When time is up, everyone displays their design. I can judge the necklaces based on creativity, color combination, originality, or overall appearance.
Pro Tip: I prepare the bead supplies in separate containers before guests arrive. It makes cleanup easier and keeps the activity moving.
7. Carnival Games Booth
I can create a small indoor carnival using several simple stations. Ring toss, cup toss, target throwing, and other traditional carnival-style games are easy to give a Mardi Gras makeover.
I decorate each station with purple, green, and gold accents and give guests tickets or points when they complete a challenge.
At the end, guests can exchange their tickets for inexpensive prizes.
8. Mardi Gras Trivia
I prepare questions about Mardi Gras traditions, New Orleans celebrations, king cake, masks, music, parades, and related cultural facts.
I divide guests into teams or let everyone answer individually. Each correct answer earns one point, and I keep the questions moving at a steady pace.
For a better mix, I include both easy questions and a few harder ones so the game works for people with different levels of Mardi Gras knowledge.
9. Dance-Off
I create a playlist of upbeat songs and give each participant a short amount of time to show off their best moves.
Instead of judging only one person, I can divide guests into pairs or small groups and have them perform in rounds. Guests can vote for categories such as funniest performance or most energetic routine.
I keep the judging lighthearted because the goal is entertainment rather than serious competition.
10. Mardi Gras Charades
I write Mardi Gras-related words, activities, foods, and characters on slips of paper. Guests take turns choosing a slip and acting out the word without speaking.
The other players try to guess the answer before the timer runs out. I can play individually or divide everyone into teams.
For larger groups, I use a one-minute limit for each turn to keep everyone involved.
11. Float Decoration Contest
I give guests cardboard, paper, craft sticks, markers, glitter, ribbon, stickers, and other inexpensive supplies.
Each person or team creates a miniature Mardi Gras parade float. Once everyone finishes, I display the creations and let guests vote on categories such as most creative, funniest, or best theme.
I like this activity because guests have something to look at and talk about even after the contest ends.
12. Mystery Bead Hunt
Before the party begins, I hide several special bead necklaces around the room. I can use different colors, charms, or unique designs to make certain beads more valuable.
Guests search for the hidden beads during a set time. Anyone who finds a special one can receive a prize.
Pro Tip: I avoid hiding anything near fragile decorations, electrical equipment, or areas where guests could trip.
13. Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler Dice Game
I create a homemade dice game where each number corresponds to a Mardi Gras challenge.
For example, one number might mean telling a joke, another could require a short dance, and another could ask the player to answer a Mardi Gras trivia question.
I write the challenges on a visible board so everyone knows what each roll means. This makes the game easy to explain and repeat.
14. Mardi Gras Pictionary
I prepare a list of Mardi Gras words and phrases before the party. Players take turns drawing one of the words while their teammates try to guess it.
I use a whiteboard, large paper pad, or even a small chalkboard. A timer keeps each round quick.
The team with the most correct guesses after several rounds wins.
Also read: 22 Fun Christmas Pajama Party Ideas For Adults
15. DIY Mask Decorating
I set up a craft table with plain masks, markers, paint, feathers, sequins, ribbons, gems, and other decorations.
Guests create their own masks and can wear them during the rest of the party. I can also turn the activity into a contest by letting everyone vote for their favorite designs.
This works particularly well near the beginning of the party because guests can craft while talking and enjoying drinks or appetizers.
16. King Cake Baby Hunt
I hide a small toy baby somewhere in the party area and give guests a set amount of time to find it.
The tradition connects to the small plastic baby commonly associated with king cake, although I would use a separate toy for the game rather than placing an unfamiliar object inside food.
The person who finds the hidden baby receives a prize or gets a special party title for the evening.
17. Mardi Gras Karaoke
I set up a karaoke area with a mixture of upbeat party songs and well-known favorites.
Guests can sing individually, perform as pairs, or form groups. I can make the activity more fun by adding categories such as best group performance, funniest performance, or best audience participation.
I keep the microphone available throughout the party so people can join whenever they feel comfortable.
18. Gumball Guessing Game
I fill a clear jar with gumballs and ask guests to estimate how many are inside.
Each person writes down one guess before I reveal the actual number. The person with the closest estimate wins the jar or a separate prize.
I count the gumballs beforehand and keep the number hidden until the game ends.
19. Mardi Gras Scavenger Hunt
I prepare a list of Mardi Gras-themed objects for guests to find around the party space.
I can make the hunt more interesting by using clues rather than simply naming each object. For example, guests might receive a riddle that leads them to a mask, bead necklace, or decorative item.
For a large group, I divide guests into teams and give everyone the same list.
20. Carnival Mask Photo Booth
I create a simple photo booth using a colorful backdrop and Mardi Gras props such as masks, beads, hats, boas, and oversized glasses.
Guests can take individual pictures, group photos, or funny themed poses throughout the evening.
I recommend placing the booth somewhere that does not block the food table or main party area so people can use it without creating a crowd.
21. Mardi Gras Musical Chairs
I give the classic musical chairs game a Mardi Gras twist by playing festive music and decorating the chairs with colorful ribbons or beads.
Guests walk around the chairs while the music plays. When the music stops, everyone finds a seat, and I remove one chair before starting the next round.
The final person remaining with a seat wins.
22. Junk in the Trunk
For this silly party challenge, I attach a small box or container around a player’s waist and fill it with lightweight objects.
Players have to shake, move, and dance until they get the objects out without using their hands.
I use lightweight, harmless items such as small plastic balls or soft party favors. The first player to empty the container wins the round.
Pro Tip: I use a secure but comfortable strap and leave enough space around the players so nobody bumps into furniture.
23. Pin the Beads on the Jester
I make a large jester poster and prepare paper beads or other lightweight pieces that can be attached to it.
One guest at a time is blindfolded, gently spun around, and asked to place their bead as close as possible to the target.
I can make the game easier for adults who do not want to be spun by simply skipping that part and having them walk directly to the poster.
24. Bead Toss Relay
I divide guests into teams and place containers at several distances.
Each player gets a turn tossing beads into the containers before returning to the starting point and tagging the next teammate.
I can score the game by total successful throws or by setting a fixed number of rounds. This makes it easy to adapt for different group sizes.
25. Mardi Gras Cupcake Decorating
I set out plain cupcakes with frosting, sprinkles, edible decorations, and Mardi Gras-inspired colors.
Guests decorate their own cupcakes and then display them for judging. I can award prizes for the most creative design, best color combination, or funniest cupcake.
This doubles as an activity and dessert, which means I do not need to plan a separate treat for the game.
26. Gumbo Cook-Off
If my guests enjoy cooking, I can turn the party into a friendly gumbo tasting event.
Each participant or team prepares a gumbo recipe and brings enough for everyone to sample. I set out small tasting portions and let guests vote using simple scorecards.
Because food allergies and dietary restrictions can vary, I label the ingredients clearly and ask guests about important food restrictions before serving.
27. Mardi Gras Memory Lane
I create a display with Mardi Gras photos, decorations, souvenirs, or other memories from previous celebrations.
Guests can take turns sharing a favorite Mardi Gras story, explaining a photo, or answering questions about the memories on display.
I like using this as a slower activity later in the evening because it gives everyone a chance to relax and talk after the more energetic games.
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FAQ’s
What are some easy Mardi Gras party games for adults?
I recommend Mardi Gras bingo, trivia, bead toss, charades, and musical chairs because they are simple to explain and require minimal preparation.
What supplies do I need for Mardi Gras party games?
I can use basic supplies such as Mardi Gras beads, masks, balloons, paper, markers, cups, craft materials, and small prizes for most games.
How many Mardi Gras games should I plan for a party?
I usually choose about 4 to 6 games for one party. This gives guests enough variety without making the celebration feel too structured.
Conclusion
When I plan a Mardi Gras party, I find that the best games are the ones that make it easy for guests to participate without needing complicated instructions or expensive equipment. A combination of trivia, crafts, physical challenges, music, food activities, and team games gives everyone several ways to join in.
I can also choose just five or six activities instead of trying to play all 27. For a smaller gathering, I would mix one creative game, one active challenge, one group game, and one food-related activity. That keeps the evening varied without making the party feel over-scheduled.
With colorful decorations, a good playlist, simple prizes, and a few well-planned games, I can create a Mardi Gras celebration that feels lively, social, and memorable.
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