You found our list of the best Mardi Gras games, activities, and ideas for work.
Mardi Gras ideas are a collection of holiday and festive activities. Examples of activities include mask making, office parade floats, trivia games, and dress-up. The purpose of these games is to increase the fun factor at work.
These ideas are similar to office party ideas, team celebration ideas, and corporate events for teams.
This list includes:
- Virtual Mardi Gras ideas
- Mardi Gras activities
- Mardi Gras office party ideas
- Mardi Gras games for employees
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List of Mardi Gras games, activities, and ideas for work
Incorporating games and activities into the workplace helps employees relax and learn to function as a unit. The following are some Mardi Gras games for employees that break up the routine workday.
1. Office bead competition
All you need for this activity are beads and a large container. The first player gets the entire set of beads. Then, set a one-minute timer. Each player tosses one bead necklace at a time, trying to land it inside the container. Participants will continue until they run out of beads or time.
When the timer goes off, count how many necklaces are in the bucket and give players one point for each. The next player restarts the game, and the timer starts again. After every employee plays a round each, the individual with the most overall points wins!
An alternative is to hang a thick boa and toss the necklaces across the feather string. You can use a few beads this time to keep the weight manageable. Players receive one point for every necklace that hangs on the boa, and whoever scores the most points wins!
Check out more workplace competition ideas.
2. Mardi Gras Bingo
Before the game begins, get every participant to fill out a Bingo board with possible nighttime motifs. For example, blue beads, sparkly masks, carnival garb, finger appetizers, and Mardi Gras banners work well for the theme. The players can call out ”Bingo” if they find one of the pieces on the board and mark them off as the game progresses. Some of the board items include:
Alternatively, you can switch the event up by introducing a mingling activity. In this icebreaker Bingo activity, each team may note the experiences of the other team. As participants mingle and converse, have them tick off their squares until they have won a round of Bingo.
Check out this icebreaker Bingo board.
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3. King cake contest
Your team can indulge in the sweet spirit of Mardi Gras with a king cake contest! Participants can channel their inner bakers as they craft their own unique versions of the iconic king cake, a symbol of this festive season. From colorful decorations to delectable flavors, the contest showcases culinary creativity. Judges can enjoy the flavors and design of each cake before choosing a winner. With prizes for various categories, participants could earn the esteemed title of “King” or “Queen” of the celebration.
4. Float design contest
Teams can capture the magic of Mardi Gras parades right in their workspace with a float design contest. Teams can transform ordinary office supplies into mini parade floats! For instance, participants can use cardboard, markers, and other craft materials to craft whimsical scenes. Teams will have a designated timeframe to bring their visions to life into an exciting mini display. Judges or fellow coworkers can appreciate the craftsmanship and imaginative storytelling, making this a dynamic and collaborative activity.
5. Office decor contest
An office decor contest is a fun activity where the whole office can make their workspace look festive and colorful. Just like decorating a home for a special occasion, workers will decorate their work area with colorful banners, streamers, and Mardi Gras-themed decorations. You can use your creative ideas to make your workspace feel like a part of the Mardi Gras celebration. After the whole group is done decorating, there could be judges or a vote to see which work area looks the most exciting and in the Mardi Gras spirit. The folks with the most creative decorations might get some prizes or recognition for making the office feel more cheerful and lively!
6. Office parade
A parade for Mardi Gras activities in the workplace is a great way to promote your organization. In addition to connecting with the locals, it is a team building exercise since these events require careful planning. For the parade, you could choose a date that works best for most employees and fits within the office’s schedule, policies, and guidelines. Afterward, select a group of employees to organize the parade, and delegate tasks to each member.
You could consider incorporating external participation by creating floats or costumes for locals. If the parade is outside the office building, then ensure you have the right permits and insurance to cover any risks. Live music is a nice complement to food and drinks. On the parade day, set up a starting point, and have the parade proceed through the office space. After the parade, get feedback from participants and employees and use it to plan future events. The activity could even become a tradition!
7. Forbidden word bead game
This game is a variation of the Mardi Gras bead toss game. Participants get a list of forbidden words or phrases they cannot say during the game. Players must give away their beads if they fall short of the rules.
You could have a list of forbidden or general words or phrases that follow the Mardi Gras theme. The game encourages participants to be more mindful of their language and have fun with creative communication. The forbidden word bead game can also be an icebreaker encouraging socialization and interaction in the workspace.
8. Bead stringing
Stinging beads at the workplace may seem far-fetched, but it can be fun during Mardi Gras. For this game, each participant gets a string or cord to create unique designs or patterns with the beads. In the stringing game, the participant with the largest collection of beaded strings takes the title “King of Beads.”
Crowning one participant “King of Beads” is a playful way to recognize their efforts. However, this title could be a bonus approach to reward the completion of a challenge or competition. The title could also include phrases like “King of Beads for most imaginative costume” or “King of Beads for most beads.” It is worth stressing that the crown comes with good humor and due reverence.
You can tweak this laid-back activity by opting for specific craft designs. Unique bead sizes, shapes, and designs work best for bead stringing. While a pop of colors enhances creativity, craft exchanges between employees are great for encouraging a healthy workplace culture.
9. Potluck lunch with traditional Mardi Gras dishes
Hosting a potluck lunch in the workplace with traditional Mardi Gras dishes can be a fun and festive way to celebrate. Mardi Gras is synonymous with food, music, and colors. Therefore, consider organizing a potluck as a substitute for the lunch break.
You can set a date and send invitations to your coworkers informing them of the theme. To ensure maximum participation, have colleagues sign up to make traditional Mardi Gras dishes, such as jambalaya, gumbo, and red beans and rice. Team members may prepare a space for the potluck by setting up tables and chairs in the break room or cafeteria.
Alternatively, each employee can try one of each dish and talk about Mardi Gras stories or memories. Last, get a king cake for dessert or opt for a bake-off. A Mardi Gras potluck is hardly complete without a king cake!
10. Photo booth with props
Your conference room will be the perfect location for a photo booth. To set the mood, use Mardi Gras colors or decorations like streamers, balloons, and banners. You can hire a professional photographer or arrange a photo booth to take the pictures. The photos will look great as promotional materials for future events or as a wall-mounted photo collage. Other nice embellishments include colorful beads, masks, feather boas, and props.
11. Masquerade mask
A masquerade mask immediately comes to mind when thinking about Mardi Gras. The mask is one of Mardi Gras’ most recognizable symbols. You can get your team in action by setting up a mask-making station. Each employee should have blank masks, fabric, paint, sequins, feathers, and glue so they can express their imagination. Team members can work together to create their mask masterpieces, then continue to share their creations by wearing the costumes around the office. You can even turn the activity into a competition and hand out prizes for the best masks.
12. Mardi Gras decorations
Decorating an office space with Mardi Gras colors is an easy way to celebrate. Decor is a sure way to get the team together if you decide on a do-it-yourself project. Decorations and office supplies can be in the traditional Mardi Gras colors, purple, green, and gold.
You can also include creative items, like purple and green throw pillows in a seating area. A gold-framed mirror can be a subtle touch on the walls. Another option is to incorporate these colors into the office’s branding or marketing materials. Remote workers can also join the fun. You can have each team member create a theme color in the next group call.
Decorating an office space with Mardi Gras colors can be a fun and unique way to liven up the workspace and make it more inviting for employees and visitors.
13. Murder mystery
Murder mystery games can be set in various settings, but Mardi Gras is a perfect time to host a murder mystery party. In this context, this game is best for the office Mardi Gras parade or party. The players must solve the “murder” while participating in the Mardi Gras activities. The suspects could be a team of employees or local parade participants. Each clue relates to the Mardi Gras celebration, such as a mask or a set of beads. The Mardi Gras theme adds a fun and challenging element to the murder, as there are a lot of distractions.
Check out this list of team building murder mystery ideas.
14. Bead toss
The practice of bead-tossing is a centuries-old tradition, and it is an integral part of a Mardi Gras parade. During the parade, participants toss small gifts, called ”throws,” to folks lining the parade route. Thus, parade-goers can collect souvenirs. These throws could be Mardi Gras beads, decorated plastic cups, coins, or trinkets. The most sought-after throws are typically handmade, unique, or rare. Meanwhile, the krewe, a group of folks who organize and participate in Mardi Gras events, interacts with the crowd.
15. Scavenger hunt
A Mardi Gras scavenger hunt involves players searching for items or completing tasks. Individuals or teams may participate in the game. In the spirit of a Mardi Gras scavenger hunt, participants can expect to seek out celebratory items, such as traditional food items, Mardi Gras beads, floats, or costumes.
Fortunately, this game is ideal for teams looking for virtual Mardi Gras ideas. You can run the whole game with a website or app that lets players send in their results and compare them to those of other teams or players for a chance to win prizes.
The scavenger hunt could also involve digital components, such as posing for a picture on a virtual float, locating a digital mask, or finishing a digital job.
As an alternative, prepare a gold coin scavenger hunt. You can hide the coins in different locations and provide participants with clues or a map to help find them. After finding a coin, participants can turn it in for a prize or a point. The individual or team with the most coins or points at the end of the scavenger hunt is the winner.
Here is a guide to team scavenger hunts.
16. Dress-up days
Dress-up is among the most unique and colorful Mardi Gras office party ideas. To organize the event, choose a date that works for most employees and communicate the theme to encourage participation.
To make the event more colorful, select a dress code that aligns with the Mardi Gras theme, such as traditional colors or costumes. Then, decorate the office space with Mardi Gras colors and decorations.
You can take the activity a notch higher by arranging prizes for the best-dressed employees. Another way to spice up the event is to share pictures on the company’s internal communication channels or social media platforms. This option is an excellent way to break up the monotony of the workplace and create a memorable event for all.
17. Guess how many beads
Guess how many beads is a classic game. You can set up the game by filling a jar or container with a set number of Mardi Gras beads and displaying it for participants to guess how many beads are in the jar.
To play, each contestant must pay a small fee to guess the number of beads in the jar. Whoever guesses the correct number or comes closest to the correct number wins a prize. The prize can be a set of Mardi Gras beads, a gift certificate, or cash. The game is a fun and simple way to engage with colleagues and is also a great way to raise funds for organizations or charities.
Check out more guessing games.
18. Pass the beads
Pass the beads is a fun game that entails passing a necklace or string of beads through a group of players without breaking the chain. Participants of the game are usually in a circle. Each player in the circle will catch the beads with one hand before passing them to the next player using the same hand. You are out of the game if you lose your beads or if your chain breaks.
A heavy strand of beads is harder to pass quickly and adds an element of excitement and challenge to the game. You can also use music, and in this version, the participant holding the beads when the music stops is out of the game. Alternatively, depending on the rules, the player can perform a task or pay a penalty.
The game has different variations. Sometimes, the player holding the beads when the music stops has to perform a dance or a song or give away a certain amount of beads to the other players.
19. Jazz music
If you have the time and budget, then hosting a jazz music event in the office for Mardi Gras is a great idea. When looking for musicians, be sure to hire a jazz band that can play various traditional Mardi Gras music.
You can also use Shazam or other music streaming platforms for Mardi Gras songs. If you have a sizable remote team, then you can also live stream the event. Jazz music is a great background track for fun activities like a dance party, face painting, and other interactive games.
Conclusion
Mardi Gras is a fun and festive celebration in the office setting. With good organization and inclusivity, you can engage all your employees. You should aim for participation in the way that makes employees feel most comfortable. Celebrating Mardi Gras in the office can be a great way to boost morale, foster teamwork, and create a fun and festive atmosphere among coworkers.
Next, check out these lists of fun work social committee ideas and ways to foster company pride.
