1. Check out Mardi Gras Weekend on Barracks Row
Starting at 6 pm on Friday, Feb. 9th, at the historic 8th Street Barracks Row and continuing through the weekend until 10 pm on Mardi Gras Tuesday, February 13. The event will be completely free to attend and focus on highlighting local small businesses, so while there will not be vendors at the event, many of the shops and restaurants along Barracks Row will be participating in the New Orleans-style fun! There are even Sidewalk Parades scheduled throughout the weekend:
- Friday, Feb 9th at 6:00 pm – Second Line Band
- Saturday, Feb 10th at 2:00 pm – Mardi Gras Parade
- Saturday, Fed 10th at 7:00 pm – LED Light Mardi Gras Parade
There are no tickets necessary to check out the festivities, so be sure to swing by if you have the time!
Location: 8th Street Barracks Row
2. Join the Mardi Gras Extravaganza at Pearl Dive Oyster Palace, Black Jack, and Tilt Sidebar!
Start celebrating Mardi Gras early with festivities that kick off Friday, Feb. 9th at Pearl Dive Oyster Palace, Black Jack, and Tilt Sidebar! Festivities begin on Friday evening with specialty craft cocktails celebrating Mardi Gras and tasty treats that you’ll typically find down in New Orleans. The following evening, Saturday, the fun is kicked up a notch with a grand masquerade-themed ball complete with masks, live music, and even face painting! Fortunately for you, on Sunday you can get some rest as there’s no party scheduled but on Monday, Feb. 12th, there is a specialty industry night planned to celebrate those who work in the hospitality industry, which will include a complimentary family meal and specialist cocktails for the occasion! Finally, on Fat Tuesday itself, you’ll be able to celebrate Mardi Gras in style at both Black Jack and Tilt Sidebar, which will have more specialty drinks and live entertainment!
Location: 1612 14th St NW
3. Mardi Gras at The Wharf
On Saturday, February 10th, from 3 pm to 7 pm, participate in a full parade and party dedicated to celebrating Mardi Gras, the parade will go down Wharf Street starting near Blair Alley and ending at Parker Row. The festivities will include live music, food, drinks, parade floats, and even a Kids Zone.
4. The 2nd Annual Bourbon to U Street – Mardi Gras Bar Crawl
For the second year in a row, the Bourbon to U Street bar crawl is back on Saturday, February 10th, starting at 2 pm and hitting seven different spots before ending at 10 pm. Tickets are currently set at $10 to reserve your spot now but are expected to jump to around $20 when the date of the event comes up. Included in the bar crawl tickets are hours of exclusive specials on drinks and food, Mardi Gras beads, and even masquerade ball masks to wear!
5. Music, beads, and more during Mardi Gras at Wunder Garten
Enjoy some Mardi Gras-inspired cocktails, throw beads, play beer pong, dance to quality music, and more this Fat Tuesday on February 13th! The party starts at 6 pm and continues into the night until closing at around 11 pm while attendance is free, you’ll want to reserve your spot in advance on their website to ensure you have no trouble getting in once the party starts.
Location: 1101 First Street NE