The 2025 Pensacola Mardi Gras season promises to be bigger and more vibrant than ever before. This year’s lineup is packed with some of the most highly anticipated events of the season, including the return of the 2nd Annual Pensacola Mardi Gras Mambo on January 11 at the Pensacola Bay Center.
The Pensacola Mardi Gras Foundation, Inc. (PMG) is thrilled to announce that the 2025 Pensacola Mardi Gras Mambo will be headlined by none other than Lil Jon and Yung Joc, delivering iconic party anthems and high-energy performances at the year’s biggest Mardi Gras celebration.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Lil Jon and Yung Joc to the stage this year. Their energy aligns perfectly with the excitement and tradition of Mardi Gras, promising an unforgettable night for everyone,” Pensacola Mardi Gras President Danny Zimmern said. “This event isn’t just about music— it’s a party with a concert centered around Mardi Gras.”
The night’s festivities will kick off with a trio of beloved Mardi Gras music acts who know how to get a party started. The DeLuna Brass Band will set the tone with traditional Mardi Gras street jazz, weaving through the Bay Center in spirited second line processionals that everyone—from Mardi Gras Krewe royalty to first-timers—is invited to join.
Next, The New Orleans Ramblers will take the stage with their signature New Orleans jazz-style show, serving as a lively tribute to classic Mardi Gras anthems that celebrate the history of the iconic celebration. Mr. Big and the Rhythm Sisters will then take the stage as they keep the energy soaring with a lineup of timeless hits that are sure to have you dancing along.
As the night heats up, Yung Joc will take the stage to deliver a set filled with his celebrated hits, including the 2006 classic It’s Goin’ Down, which earned Hip-Hop Track of the Year at the BET Hip Hop Awards, along with fan favorites like Get Like Me and I Know You See It. His performance is set to bring both nostalgia and nonstop energy to the Mambo.
The evening culminates with a powerhouse performance by Grammy award winning musician Lil Jon. Known for his rhythmic hits and party anthems that electrify parades, sports contests and dance floors worldwide—like Get Low, Turn Down for What and Shots—Lil Jon’s infectious energy and crowdcommanding stage presence will bring the crowd to their feet, providing an unforgettable end to the Mardi Gras Mambo.
Lil Jon himself will also join Pensacola’s Krewe Royalty on stage to help introduce them as contestants for King and Queen Priscus 2026, the mythical rulers of Pensacola’s Mardi Gras season.
The event will also feature a full-service bar and tasty Mardi Gras-themed foods for everyone to enjoy. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their Krewe attire to join in the revelry.
This one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration is produced by the Pensacola Mardi Gras Foundation, Inc., with support from a grant provided by Pensacola’s Tourist Development Council and the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners.
“The Pensacola Mardi Gras Mambo at the Pensacola Bay Center has become an exciting addition to the Pensacola Mardi Gras season, bringing together music, community and the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras,” Zimmern explained. “It’s a celebration that showcases what truly makes Pensacola unique.”
Guests of all ages are invited to come experience a full evening of Mardi Gras spirit, music and tradition. The doors will open at 6 pm on January 11, with the Mambo kicking off at 6:30 pm. Ticket prices start at $35 and range to $155 for VIP.
VIP party tickets, special reserved floor seating, reserved seats and general admission tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, or at the Bay Center Box Office located at 201 E. Gregory St. in Pensacola.
“Each year, we aim to raise the bar for the Mambo. It’s exciting to see how it continues to grow and bring more people into the celebration while also supporting our local economy. It’s a night you won’t want to miss,” Zimmern said.
For tickets and event details, visit bit.ly/pmgmambo.
For more information and updates on the 2025 Pensacola Mardi Gras Season, visit pensacolamardigras.com, or follow PMG on Facebook and Instagram.