'Mardi Gras in Manitou' Creative Retreat
An Authentic Carnivale Experience
Thursday, February 27th — Sunday, March 2nd, 2025
with Jamar Duvol Pierre
Creole Visual Artist and Chef
New Orleans, LA, USA
Retreat Location:
Onaledge House
at Smokebrush Farm
336 El Paso Boulevard
Manitou Springs, CO, USA
Mardi Gras Comes Alive in this Unforgettable Retreat Full of Creativity, Connection, and Celebration!
Join Smokebrush Foundation for the Arts for our upcoming ‘Mardi Gras in Manitou’ Creative Retreat, a FOUR DAY celebration of Louisiana-inspired art, cuisine, and community — right here in Manitou Springs!
Hosted by acclaimed visual artist and chef Jamar Duvol Pierre, this one-of-a-kind retreat invites you and your partner—whether a lover, friend, sibling, or family member—to immerse yourselves in the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras!
This unique retreat offers plenty of opportunities for creativity, expression, and relaxation.
Craft your Mardi Gras mask and celebrate in style as we journey into downtown Manitou Springs for the annual Mardi Gras Carnivale Parade!
Gather in community day and night for expertly prepared jambalaya, gumbo, and seafood dinners accompanied by live music and JP’s captivating storytelling.
Relax in double-occupancy suite accommodations for FOUR-NIGHTS at the historic Onaledge House, offering a serene and relaxing retreat after each exciting day.
Between retreat festivities, unwind with your partner with yoga sessions, peaceful guided nature walks through the tranquil beauty of Smokebrush Farm. Conclude your unforgettable weekend with a farm-fresh Creole-style brunch, leaving with cherished memories and a touch of Mardi Gras magic to carry in your hearts.
Dive into the colorful spirit and timeless traditions of Mardi Gras!
Join J. Pierre for authentic celebration of Louisiana-inspired art, cuisine, and community!
Jamar brings his unique blend of artistic talent and culinary expertise to every moment! From guiding you through hands-on workshops like mask-making and beadwork to crafting authentic Creole meals bursting with bold flavors, JP ensures each experience is infused with the heart and soul of New Orleans.
As a storyteller, musician, and cultural ambassador, he creates an atmosphere where creativity flourishes, connections deepen, and the true spirit of Mardi Gras comes alive.
Wear your newly-crafted Mardi Gras masks and join your fellow retreat guests for an exciting day trip to the annual Mardi Gras Carnivale Parade!
Be part of a Manitou Springs tradition as you revel in the vibrant colors and joyous atmosphere of this beloved community event.
Celebrate the artistry and traditions of Mardi Gras at this unique retreat!
Explore your creativity in hands-on workshops, indulge in authentic Creole cuisine made by JP and the Smokebrush Farm team, and relax in the historic charm of the Onaledge House. Live music, yoga, cultural events, and joyous festivities await
Between festivities, unwind with peaceful nature walks through the tranquil beauty of Smokebrush Farm. Experience morning yoga, or join in on a guided tour to learn about our commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.
stay at the historic
Onaledge House in Manitou Springs
at Smokebrush Farm
336 El Paso Boulevard, Manitou Springs, CO
Historic mountain estates thoughtfully transformed into an expansive retreat and urban farm destination—a haven for wellness and connection. Nestled in the majestic Rocky Mountain foothills near the healing mineral waters of Manitou Springs, this serene environment is designed to be a peaceful space for deepening your practice.
'Mardi Gras in Manitou' Creative Retreat
An Authentic Carnivale Experience
Thursday, February 27th — Sunday, March 2nd, 2025
with Jamar Duvol Pierre
Creole Visual Artist and Chef
New Orleans, LA, USA
Retreat Location:
Onaledge House
at Smokebrush Farm
336 El Paso Boulevard
Manitou Springs, CO, USA
Pricing:
• Early Bird (by January 15th, 2025): $1800 ($900/guest) plus service fees/taxes
includes double-occupancy suite, seven meals, and retreat amenities FOR TWO
• After January 15th, 2025: $2000 ($1,000/guest) plus service fees/taxes
includes double-occupancy suite, seven meals, and retreat amenities FOR TWO
Full retreat payment deadline: February 15th, 2025
Contact smokebrushevents@gmail.com with any questions
Included with Ticket Purchase
Three-Night Stay for Two
Enjoy a cozy double-occupancy suite with your partner at the charming and historic Onaledge House. Relax in vintage elegance and take in the breathtaking views of Smokebrush Farm. This retreat is open to all types of couples—not just romantic partners. Whether you’re lifelong friends, siblings, or family members, all are invited to share in this unique and joyful experience.
Seven Delicious Meals
Savor the rich flavors of Louisiana with meals crafted by Jamar Duvol Pierre prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients straight from Smokebrush Farm: Every meal is a communal experience to connect with your companion and other retreat participants:
- Thursday: Welcome jambalaya dinner
- Friday: Continental breakfast, lunch, seafood supper
- Saturday: Continental breakfast, gumbo dinner
- Sunday: Farewell brunch
Note: Saturday lunch is not included.
Creative Workshops
Collaborate with your partner to design and paint Mardi Gras masks in our guided workshop.
Creative immersion sessions blending art, storytelling, and cultural traditions, led by Jamar Duvol Pierre, a New Orleans artist and chef.
Manitou Springs Mardi Gras Carnivale Parade
Join your companion and fellow retreat participants as we journey into downtown Manitou Springs for the annual Mardi Gras Carnivale Parade! Wear your newly-crafted masks and get ready to party, nawlins style! Learn more at the official website https://manitousprings.org/carnivale-parade/
Rest and Relaxation
Start your mornings with optional yoga sessions, perfect for guests to center their minds and bodies before the day’s activities.
Enjoy tranquil moments with your partner in the serene surroundings of surrounding Smokebrush Farm.
Evening Celebrations
Relax in style at the historic Onaledge House, where live music, captivating storytelling, and Louisiana-inspired dinners come together to create an unforgettable evening. Experience the Creole culinary artistry of Jamar Duvol Pierre and savor a perfect setting for relaxation and reflection.
Farm Tour
Explore Smokebrush Farm’s sustainable agricultural practices on a guided tour.
Optional Add-Ons
- Tarot Readings: $30/session
- Massage Therapy: $100 for 60 minutes | $140 for 90 minutes
Step into the heart of Mardi Gras traditions and festivities!
This retreat offers hands-on creative workshops, mouthwatering Creole dishes lovingly prepared by JP and the Smokebrush Farm team, and a cozy stay at the historic Onaledge House. Immerse yourself in live music, yoga sessions, cultural activities, and joyful celebrations.
Retreat Itinerary
Day 1: Thursday — Arrival & Jambalaya Welcome Dinner
- Check-In
Settle into your accommodations and soak in the historic charm of Onaledge House. - Welcome Dinner & Storytelling Session
Honoring the flavors of Louisiana, enjoy a hearty jambalaya dinner prepared by Jamar, as he shares stories that explore the history, meaning, and cultural magic of Mardi Gras traditions.
Day 2: Friday — Art, Relaxation, and Seafood Feast
- Morning Yoga
Start your day with an optional yoga session to center your mind and body. - Continental Breakfast
Enjoy light New Orleans fare, menu by Louisiana’s-own JP - Mask Painting Workshop
Guided by Jamar, design and paint your own Mardi Gras mask masterpiece—a creative expression to wear for this weekend’s festivities. - Lunch
Catered lunch served amidst the natural beauty of Smokebrush Farm. - Smokebrush Farm Tour
Explore the beauty of sustainable farming as you tour the expansive fields, greenhouses, and orchards. Bring your boots and discover what makes this terraced agricultural landscape truly unique. - Seafood Supper
Savor a delicious seafood feast crafted with traditional Gulf Coast flavors, brought to life by Jamar’s culinary artistry. Creativity continues as we resume our painting & craft making projects as we prepare for Saturday’s parade and celebrations.
Day 3: Saturday — Mardi Gras Celebration Day!
- Morning Yoga
Start your day with an optional yoga session to center your mind and body. - Continental Breakfast
It’s officially Mardi Gras Day! Join us for a farm-fresh continental breakfast. - Free Time Options
Relax at the Onaledge House, schedule a tarot reading, or explore downtown Manitou Springs as we prepare for the day’s festivities. - Daytime Parade
Journey into downtown Manitou Springs and join the annual Manitou Carnivale Parade, where it’s tradition to march down the avenue to celebrate Mardi Gras in true fun and funky color that Manitou is known for! Wear your newly-crafted masks and dress in costume to truly get in the spirit of the holiday! - Gumbo Dinner & Musical Performance
Indulge in a soulful gumbo supper crafted by host Jamar and the Smokebrush Kitchen crew. Enjoy and evening of live music, dancing, and the joy of Mardi Gras spirit in the cozy, historic setting of Onaledge.
Day 4: Sunday — Farewell
- Morning Yoga
Start your day with an optional yoga session to center your mind and body. - Farewell Brunch
Share a final meal with your retreat group as you reflect on the art, stories, and connections made. - Check-Out
Depart with new memories, creative works, and the spirit of Mardi Gras in your heart.
Retreat Highlights
- Creative Forces: A unique conceptual collaboration between the Smokebrush Foundation for the Arts and Jamar Duvol Pierre. Experience a relaxing retreat rooted in art, culture, and community.
- Led by Jamar Duvol Pierre: Learn from a New Orleans native whose passion for Creole art, storytelling, and cuisine transforms every moment into a creative celebration.
- Art Workshops: From mask painting to hands-on crafting, unleash your creativity and take home tangible pieces of your Mardi Gras journey.
- Authentic Cuisine: Enjoy authentic Creole dishes such as jambalaya, gumbo, seafood feasts, and more—all thoughtfully prepared to honor Louisiana traditions. Savor the rich flavors enhanced by farm-fresh ingredients and produce sourced directly from Smokebrush Farm.
- Yoga Practice: Start each day with a grounding yoga class led by a rotating roster of Smokebrush yogis. Each session is thoughtfully designed to center your mind and body, helping you ease into the retreat and set a positive tone for a day filled with creativity, relaxation, and connection.
- Experience the Historic Onaledge House: Spend your retreat in an enchanting Manitou Springs estate full of historical vintage charm, artistic details, and cozy gathering spaces
- Smokebrush Farm Connection: Explore the land with a guided tour, where you’ll learn about sustainable farming practices and the vital role they play in preserving the environment. Embrace the deep connection between nature and food as you stroll through terraced fields, greenhouses, and orchards, discovering the unique properties of this agricultural wonder.
During this retreat, indulge in Louisiana-style meals crafted with fresh, locally grown Colorado ingredients, merging the best of both regions’ culinary traditions. Each dish celebrates the bounty of the earth, highlighting the flavors of seasonally grown produce and thoughtfully prepared dishes that reflect a shared commitment to sustainability and the art of cooking with local ingredients.
- Cultural Immersion: Celebrate an authentic Mardi Gras holiday right here in Colorado with your host, JP. Hailing from New Orleans, JP will bring the spirit of Mardi Gras to life through captivating storytelling, live music, exciting games, and his expert guide to the vibrant energy of the Manitou Springs Carnivale Parade. He’ll set the perfect tone for your weekend’s festivities, creating a truly unforgettable and unique retreat experience.
- Trusted Traditions: Your weekend’s innovative arts experience is hosted by the Smokebrush Foundation for the Arts, a pioneer in producing and presenting creative experiences that inspire curiosity and collaboration since 1992. This weekend will be filled with opportunities to create, explore, and ignite your creativity because Smokebrush is dedicated to fostering artistic expression and community engagement in a vibrant, supportive environment.