Who needs to go to Bourbon Street when Bourbon Street can come to you? Mardi Gras (aka Fat Tuesday)—the green, gold and purple holiday where king cakes reign supreme—is March 4, and whether you’d like to snag some sweets for home or party hard at a local venue, we’ve rounded up several ways to celebrate in and near Arlington.
Caboose Commons
Beats & Beads Mardi Gras Party
Bourbon Street takes over Clarendon Ballroom on Feb. 28, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. for a 21-and-up celebration with all the fixin’s: beads, drinks, dancing and giveaways. Admission is free. // 3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
King Cake Doughnuts at Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken
An annual tradition at this eatery, the King Cake Doughnut returns March 4. The festive $5 treat topped with purple, green and gold sprinkles can be pre-ordered or purchased in store that day. // 4001 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Mardi Gras Madness
Find drink specials ($8 hurricanes) and New Orleans-inspired bites (po’boys), plus live music on March 1, 12-3 p.m., and March 4, 4-8 p.m., at Makers Union. // 1450 S. Eads St., Arlington (National Landing)
Mardi Gras Festival
Party specialist Shipgarten will host a daylong party that includes a bead toss challenge, live music, dancing and children’s activities, such as face painting and a moon bounce. Admission is free for the March 1 event, which runs from 1-6 p.m. // 7581 Colshire Drive, Mclean
Mardi Gras at The Wharf
Make your way across the Potomac on March 1, 3-7 p.m., to watch a parade and dance to live music at The Wharf. Catch performances by Naptown Brass Band, Too Much Talent Band, The Experience Band & Show, and more while snacking on smoked sausage po’boys and chicken gumbo and slurping hurricanes. Several restaurants offer food and drink specials. Stick around for the fireworks at 6:30 p.m. // 101 District Square, S.W., Washington, D.C.
Mardi Gras at Whino
Part restaurant, part art gallery, this Ballston Quarter venue will have $12 hurricanes and $4 king cake shooters in celebration of Fat Tuesday. Get them March 4, 4-10 p.m. // 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
15th Annual Bayou Gras Mardi Pardi
When the chef—David Guas—is from New Orleans, count on an authentic celebration. On March 4, 6-9 p.m., his Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery in Courthouse will serve parade food and drink specials while live music sets the party vibe. Tickets are $30 per adult and $20 per kid 12 and younger and include a choice of Crawfish Monica, Gulf Shrimp Jambalaya, half a Muff-a-lotta, or red beans and rice. Wash those down with boozy beverages such as hurricanes, king cake daiquiris and NOLA Swingers. Slices of king cake, beignets and pralines are available a la carte. Throwing a party at home? Order from the “Pardi Gras” catering menu or pick up a king cake. // 1515 N. Courthouse Road Arlington (Courthouse)
Mardi Gras at Dogwood Tavern
Enjoy a Cajun menu packed with popcorn shrimp, seafood gumbo, chicken and andouille jambalaya, po’boys and king cake on March 4, 6-9 p.m. at one of Falls Church’s best restaurants. Sip sazeracs and scratch-made hurricanes as you bop to live music. // 132 W. Broad St., Falls ChurchÂ
Mardi Gras at Ragtime
Fat Tuesday at this American eatery includes live music by Rogue Johnsen Trio on March 4, 7-11 p.m., and a menu of muffuletta grilled cheese, seafood gumbo and king cake. Scratch-made hurricanes, frozen cyclones and Abita Mardi Gras Bock round out the specials. // 1345 N. Courthouse Road, Arlington