Mardi Gras Happenings: Things to Do, Celebrate, & Party

By Arielle Weg

Whether it's New Orleans-style jazz, Cajun bites, sipping Hurricanes, Ramos Gin Fizzes or Sazeracs or the parties that get you going, we've got a round-up of Mardi Gras that will make you feel like you are on Bourbon Street.

Bayou will celebrate Mardi Gras with a day full of New Orleans celebrations. Dine on their enclosed patio for lunch while the Capitol Hillbillies play acoustic Cajun music. And the fun continues on into the evening, Chef Rusty Homan has crafted an all-you-can eat spread with live music from Magnolia Blue and more. 

The Inaugural Mardi Gras Extravaganza is coming to Dock 5 at Union Market for an evening of 20+ D.C. Southern-inspired restaurants, mixologists, bars, and breweries for a night to remember. Enjoy tastes from participants Bayou Bakery, Acadiana, Cotton & Reed, Jack Rose Dining Saloon and more while dancing the night away with live music from down south. Proceeds will benefit DC Central Kitchen and the Saint Bernard Project. 

Celebrate Mardi Gras with Black Jack and TILT Side Bar for four days of specials and festivities. Kick off the celebration with a Mardi Gras party Saturday night and get your hangover cure at a Mardi Gras-themed funk brunch Sunday afternoon. Wash down the Creole-inspired feast with drink specials like Irish Coffee Slushies, Jello shots and Mardi Gras specialty cocktails throughout the celebration and dance the night away with D.C. local band, Black Masala. Then head on over Monday night for special cocktail concoctions and for the triumphant Fat Tuesday party with SWAGFUNK band, happy hour all night long and cocktail specials. Oh my.

On Tuesday, Feb. 28, the Mid-Atlantic's biggest Mardi Gras parade, The Clarendon-Courthouse Mardi Gras Parade will get started at 7:00 p.m. After you've checked that out, head over to the Clarendon Ballroom for the 2017 Mardi Gras Ball; an evening of dancing, live music, Louisiana gumbo, and plenty to drink. A portion of the evening's proceeds will be donated to nonprofit partners. If you're looking to celebrate a little unconventionally, you can sign up for the Jester Jaunt fun run. This one mile race includes beads, admission to the Ball and a drink token.