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Gumbo Social Presents: Bayview Mardi Gras Celebration 2026

Updated: 7 hours ago

Mardi Gras is Coming to Third Street


San Francisco, California: Beads, brass, dancing, and Bayview pride are taking over Third Street. Community members are invited to join a Bayview Mardi Gras Celebration, a free, family-friendly street event inspired by New Orleans second-line traditions and grounded in the spirit of the neighborhood.


The event brings neighbors, families, and visitors together for live music, local food, and an outdoor celebration that highlights Bayview culture, creativity, and small businesses. The Bayview Mardi Gras Celebration 2026 is made possible with support from our sponsors and partners: Civic Joy Fund, NCLF, the Bayview Merchants Association, and the African American Arts & Culture District.


Serving free gumbo samples at national gumbo week

Photo credit: Don Bowden


“We’ve been celebrating Mardi Gras at Gumbo Social since 2018. For us, it’s about bringing people together through a celebration that’s not only deeply rooted in New Orleans culture, but in American culture as a whole. Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, is for everyone. It’s a time to celebrate, rejoice, and rejuvenate through music, dance, food, drink, and the second line. It’s an opportunity to connect with community, friends, and family, and for me, it’s a moment of gratitude. I’m always looking for a good excuse to throw a party. This is about community, culture, history, and honoring the traditions that came before us. Like one of my favorite bands, Rebirth Brass Band, says, ‘Do what you want!’ Come enjoy and celebrate.”
—Dontaye Ball, Chef-Owner of Gumbo Social

Gumbo Social is crowded with visitors for national gumbo week

Photo credit: Don Bowden


Live Music


The Gumbo Band will lead the celebration with rhythms and energy that keep the crowd moving throughout the day.


Food and Drink for Purchase


Local kitchens will be on site serving favorite Bayview flavors, including:


What to Expect


  • Live music and dancing

  • Outdoor street-party atmosphere

  • Family-friendly activities

  • A gathering that uplifts Bayview merchants and neighbors


Guests enjoy bites at National Gumbo Week

Photo credit: Don Bowden


This is a free, community-powered event designed to uplift Bayview merchants and neighbors. Whether you’ve lived here for decades or you’re discovering the neighborhood for the first time, come celebrate Mardi Gras with us!



Event Sponsors and Partners





Key Details


Date: Tuesday, February 17

Time: 11 AM – 5 PM PST

Location: Parking Lot at Gumbo Social

Address: 5176 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA


Admission: Free community event


Live Music:

The Gumbo Band


Food Vendors:

Gumbo Social • Let’s Eat BBQ • Pop’s Creole • Smoke Soul Kitchen


Event Type:

Outdoor, family-friendly street celebration inspired by New Orleans second-line traditions and Bayview community culture.


Chef Dontaye Ball does a cooking demo for National Gumbo Week

Photo credit: Don Bowden


Small bites of free gumbo for National Gumbo Week

Photo credit: Don Bowden


Chef Dontaye ball chats with guests during National Gumbo Week

Photo credit: Don Bowden


Where to Get More Info About Bayview Mardi Gras Celebration 2026



Follow @gumbosocial on Instagram for event updates or sign up for our email list.


Read more about Chef Dontaye Ball here. Get the Gumbo Social press kit here. Send interview requests to hello@gumbosocial.com.


PRESS


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Cortez, Mario. " 'Our time to shine': There's a wave of new restaurants in this S.F. neighborhood." San Francisco Chronicle, 23, May 2025, https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/restaurants/article/bayview-restaurant-food-san-francisco-20327182.php


Davis, Chelsea. "A Food Lover’s Guide To Bayview, One Of San Francisco’s Most Underrated Neighborhoods." Forbes, 19, October 2024, https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/2024/best-san-francisco-restaurants/


Jackson, Robbie. “Gumbo Social is stirring up some conversations on 3rd Street.” San Francisco BayView, 26, April 2024, https://sfbayview.com/2024/04/gumbo-social-is-stirring-up-some-conversations-on-3rd-street/


Duffett, Becky. “It’s Finally Gumbo Go Time in San Francisco.” Eater San Francisco, 1 Feb 2024, https://sf.eater.com/2024/2/1/24057522/gumbo-social-san-francisco-dontaye-ball


Kassin, Kate. "The 12 Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings of 2023." Bon Appetit, 19 January 2023, https://www.bonappetit.com/story/2023-anticipated-restaurant-openings


The Kelly Clarkson Show. “Single Dad Starts Successful Gumbo Restaurant Amid Pandemic.” YouTube, 22 June 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvLjBf7CUWM&t=54s

 
 
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