Known more for its parties, parades, and raucous celebrations than its religious roots, this year’s Mardi Gras festival began on January 6 and winds down with Fat Tuesday celebrations on February 25. Although New Orleans is the epicenter of all things Carnival, finding an exciting place to enjoy this high-energy holiday is easy.
Whether you’re prepared for in-your-face beads, lively music, sit-down Cajun cuisine, or celebrating with your beloved pet, here are a few ways to immerse yourself in Mardi Gras festivities leading up to Fat Tuesday, even if you can’t make it to the French Quarter this year.
Valerie – New York City
This sleek, art deco restaurant and bar serves as a unique venue for Mardi Gras celebrations. From February 24th to the 28th, indulge in special menus highlighting some of the best of New Orleans cuisine. The bi-level haunt evokes the golden age of New York. Grab a seat at the bar or one of the fuchsia booths, and enjoy dishes like etouffee with shrimp and kimchi or crispy popcorn shrimp po’ boy paired with pickled green tomato and chili tartar sauce. Wash it down with classic cocktails, such as the Sazerac or Brandy Crusta, featuring Champagne Cognac, curacao, maraschino liqueur, lemon, and a dash of angostura bitters.
Houndstooth Saloon – Chicago
This Wrigleyville bar is pulling no punches in its Mardi Gras celebrations. Starting on February 4 and lasting 21 days, revel in plenty of music, food, drinks, and fun at the French Korner pop-up, featuring a special menu of Cajun specialties. Don’t miss the Gumbo Ya-Ya, or the Chicago Creole Dog, which combines Chicago-style sausage with crawfish chili. Treat yourself to house-made beignets for a sweet finish.
Moreover, sip on classic cocktails like the Hurricane, along with Bourbon Street favorites such as the Hand Grande, which includes vodka, gin, rum, and melon liqueur, as well as the vibrant Voo Doo Punch Bowl, made with watermelon vodka, green Jell-O, and coconut Red Bull. Expect a diverse lineup of entertainment, from burlesque shows to mask-making parties and a Masquerade Ball, culminating in a Fat Tuesday celebration featuring live jazz and blues music.
Broxton Brewery & Public House – Los Angeles
In the core of LA’s Westwood community, The Broxton serves up craft brews and gastropub delights in a welcoming atmosphere. Mark your calendar for Fat Tuesday; a six-course, beer-forward dinner awaits you on February 25. Relish the flavors of fried alligator, seafood and sausage etouffee, alongside numerous vegan options like pickled okra, corn and tomato Panzanella. Each of the six courses is thoughtfully paired with craft beer, or you can opt for the Bottomless Brews option to fully embrace the Mardi Gras spirit.
Acme Feed & Seed
Experience Mardi Gras the Nashville way, beginning with a Big Easy Brunch at noon on February 25. Alongside a menu featuring Cajun-inspired foods and drink specials, live music acts will entertain throughout the day. Hill Country Devil opens the festivities with Americana, followed by the Admiral Phunk Brass Band and late-night burlesque performances by Madam Cooper and the Electric Cowgirls. Indulge in brunch options such as shrimp & grits with Creole tomato sauce, or classic fried green tomatoes with housemade pimento cheese and bacon marmalade, as festivities last into the evening.
Austin Beer Garden Brewing Company
This Texas brewpub invites you to bring your furry friend to its 5th annual Mardi Gras Dog Parade on February 22. The all-day event features a best-dressed pooch contest and aims to raise funds for Pug Rescue Austin, along with adoptable dogs present for those feeling generous. Enjoy the lively atmosphere with Second Line marching bands and live music, while savoring a special menu loaded with gumbo, andouille, King Cake, and the potent 9.5% ABV Cherry Cherry Boom Boom on tap.
Bud Light Grand Parade – St Louis
If Bourbon Street isn’t part of your travel plans this year, a consolation prize awaits in the Soulard section of St Louis on February 22. It’s well-known that Budweiser doesn’t hold back when it comes to celebrations, and this event is the largest Fat Tuesday parade outside of the Big Easy.
The theme for this year is “The Blues,” encompassing everything from music to maritime elements. The parade kicks off at Busch Stadium and concludes at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery. Join the festivities and enjoy nearly 100 floats while catching some of the over 10,000,000 strands of beads tossed to revelers. Opportunities for special experiences can be found here, including options to ride a float or attend the Blues Alumni party. The parade begins at 11 am, promising a lively atmosphere and unforgettable memories.
