The 30th Annual Ojai Naughty Gras: Leap into your Fantasy

Ojai Celebrates 30 Years of Mardi Gras

On Saturday, February 29, 2020, the Ojai Mardi Gras returns to the Ojai Woman’s Club in downtown Ojai to celebrate their 30th Annual Masquerade Ball. 

The theme this year is "Naughty Gras...Leap into your Fantasy".

Ojai's Mardi Gras celebration continues to be one of the biggest, west of the Mississippi. Each year hundreds of costumed revelers come to celebrate and enjoy world class entertainment just like in New Orleans. Come dance to the sizzling music with R&B, Funk, Cajun & Zydeco rhythms performed by The Ojai Mardi Gras Band. This year the band features Patricia Avis, Connie Early, Ron Seba, Jimmy Calire, George Friedenthal, Maitland Ward, Burton Lang and special guests. 

Party goers will witness the Coronation of the King & Queen, Traditional Tossing of the Beads, and a Costume Contest. Take it all in as your eyes delight to the art installations and festive decorations by the Mardi Gras Art Fools directed by Lucy Roadarmel.

30 years ago, Lyle Matthews hosted the first public Mardi Gras party in Ojai. Lyle had moved to Ojai from New Orleans just two years earlier and she brought the joy of Mardi Gras with her. She knew she was sick from breast cancer and said, "I don't know how long I will be here with you, but please keep the spirit of this party alive". Sadly a week after that party, Lyle passed away, but every year since her friends have kept the party alive in her honor. 

This year The Ojai Mardi Gras will be collecting donations for Ojai Cares to help care for local Cancer Patients in Ojai.

Sponsored by Ojai Cares and the Ojai Concert Series. 

For $25 advance tickets: www.ojaiconcertseries.com or pick them up at Studio Sauvageau or Cardinali Bros. Music. The door price will be $30

Ojai Mardi Gras Hotline (805) 646-7843