While New Orleans may be the principal location for a Mardi Gras celebration, Southern California also offers plenty of fun experiences.
Mardi Gras, which marks the end of the pre-Lenten season and in French means Fat Tuesday, lands on Tuesday, March 4 this year. The name Fat Tuesday stems from the custom of “using all the fats in the home before Lent in preparation for fasting and abstinence.” We’ve compiled a list of celebrations that include family-friendly craft workshops and dance parties, pet dress-up contests, live entertainment and plenty of New Orleans-based food to help with any FOMO.
Here are seven ways to celebrate Mardi Gras.
Bella Terra Kids Club
Join the Bella Terra Kids Club for a free kids’ Mardi Gras dance party, parade and crafts workshop. The event will be held at the Green near the movie theater. The Kids Club has hosted several holiday events, including their most recent Valentine’s Day celebration, which included the cookie crawl in Long Beach and the cookie decorating workshop in Huntington Beach, where a Minnie Mouse actor appeared and participated in the dance party. The Kids Club social media clips show sizable crowds, so RSVP by 8 p.m. the evening before the event to ensure you receive craft supplies. Sunscreen and protective hats are recommended.
Where: 7777 Edinger Ave. Huntington Beach.
When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Monday, March 3.
Admission: Free, but to ensure enough craft supplies are available for everyone, organizers ask attendees to register the night before at eventbrite.com.
Castle Park
Riverside’s Castle Park is celebrating Mardi Gras with weekend events full of photo ops, live entertainment and tasty food. Guests can pose with Duke the Dragon, who will be dressed in his finest attire as King Duke and in the iconic Mardi Gras purple, gold and green color schemes. Live music will feature the upbeat sounds of New Orleans, with energetic new dance numbers and the return of the Bayou Sliders. Guests can also taste this year’s delicious Mardi Gras flavors with New Orleans-inspired dishes like the crispy popcorn shrimp po’ boys, shrimp & grits, gumbo, sheet pan shrimp boil, and dessert options like bananas foster sundaes, beignets and themed funnel cakes.
Where: 3500 Polk St, Riverside.
When: 1-8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 1-10 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Admission: $24.99-$44.99 at castlepark.com.
The Original Farmer’s Market
The Original Farmer’s Market in Los Angeles is hosting several events for Mardi Gras, including a “mutti” pet parade and costume contest where you can dress up your pooch to compete for the best-dressed king and queen in small, medium and large categories. Other celebrations include live entertainment from a brass band, a beignet and gumbo pop-up tent, and other vendors selling New Orleans fare.
Where: 6333 W 3rd St., Los Angeles.
When: Noon-7 p.m. Saturday, March 1 and Noon- 8 p.m. Sunday, March 2.
Admission: Free.
Truly LA Mardi Gras
Truly LA is throwing an all-day Mardi Gras celebration featuring live DJs spinning throughout the evening, food and drink specials, and plenty of festive beads. The event runs for nine hours, giving guests plenty of time to enjoy the lively atmosphere. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick drink or planning to stay for the night, this party will have a little of everything to enjoy.
Where: 216 South Alameda Street, Los Angeles.
When: 2 p.m.-11 p.m. Tuesday, March 4.
Admission: Free. RSVP at Eventbrite.com.
SEE ALSO: Recipe: Here’s how to make a King Cake for your Mardi Gras celebration
Vegan Mardi Gras
Celebrate Mardi Gras and nine years of events with Vegan Mardi Gras at Common Space Brewery and Tasting Room. This all-ages, dog-friendly festival features over 30 local vendors offering delicious vegan food, craft beer, and themed dishes. A live jazz band from New Orleans will set the festive mood from 2-4 p.m., and the two most spirited attendees will be crowned Mardi Gras royalty. Instead of traditional beads, sustainable throws will be tossed throughout the event.
Where: Common Space Brewery and Tasting Room, 3411 W. El Segundo Blvd., Hawthorne.
When: Noon-5 p.m. Saturday, March 1.
Admission: Free. More information at Eventbrite.com.
Mardi Gras with The Damn Well Please Organ Trio and Friends
Harvelle’s in Santa Monica is bringing the spirit of New Orleans to the West Coast with a high-energy Mardi Gras celebration featuring The Damn Well Please Organ Trio and special guests. Expect a night of jazz, blues, funk, rock, and swamp music, along with festive traditions like King Cake, beads, masks, and classic cocktails like Hurricanes and Shark Attacks. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the show kicks off at 9:30 p.m. Guests must be 21 and over, and there is a two-drink minimum.
Where: Harvelle’s, 1432 4th Street, Santa Monica.
When: 8 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 4.
Admission: $7 presale online, $10 at the door. Online ticket sales close at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the door after 8 p.m. Information at Eventbrite.com.
R&Brunch: Mardi Gras Edition
Shannon’s At The Top is bringing New Orleans vibes to Long Beach with a festive R&Brunch Mardi Gras takeover. Guests are encouraged to dress in purple, green, and gold, grab some beads, and enjoy a high-energy brunch and day party. Brunch for general admission ticket holders is served downstairs at The Carvery from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., while those with table reservations can enjoy their meal upstairs. The event features DJs, dancing, and themed cocktails, with table reservations requiring a food and beverage minimum.
Where: Shannon’s At The Top, 201 Pine Ave., Long Beach.
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, March 2.
Admission: General admission starts at $10 for early bird tickets and $20 after. Table reservations range from $60-$100 with a food and beverage minimum. Tickets available at Eventbrite.com.