Approximately 1,100 miles separates Washington, D.C., and New Orleans. But when it comes to Mardi Gras, a definite flavor of the Big Easy comes to life in the nation’s capital. Fat Tuesday can be celebrated by anyone anywhere, but to really do it right necessitates a trip to the Crescent City. For those who can’t make it down South, there are plenty of opportunities in the District to sip a hurricane and earn some beads.
Fat Saturday Huge Mardi Gras Kickoff Jam at Eden Lounge, Saturday
The folks at Things to Do can’t wait until next week to party. Instead of Fat Tuesday, it’s Fat Saturday with three floors of entertainment, a jazz band, DJ, contests, drink specials, a drawing to win a trip to the Caribbean and more.
When: 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday
Info: $14, thingstododc.com
Pros in the City Annual Huge Mardi Gras Party and Celebration at K Street Lounge, Saturday
K Street will be known for more than lobbying, for at least one night. Dancing, food, drink, a bead contest and more. Plus enter to win tickets to see Uncle Kracker at the 9:30 Club in March. Also, for singles, there’s a speed dating event prior to the party (see the website for details).
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday
Info: $10 (if purchased by 5 p.m. Friday), prosinthecity.com
Mardi Gras 2012 at Acadiana, Monday & Tuesday
Acadiana Restaurant is a Louisiana fish house, a perfect place for something a little classier than obscene revelry. Enjoy a four-course meal in the dining room, featuring crawfish, jambalaya, rabbit etouffee and more. Or head to the bar for New Orleans street fare and specialty cocktails.
When: Dinner from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., bar from 3:30 to close, Monday and Tuesday
Info: $45 for a four-course meal, food and drink specials vary; acadianarestaurant.com
Bourbon Street Bash at Rumors, Tuesday
One of the most popular Fat Tuesday parties in the area, this is the 11th annual event put on by Lindy Promotions. Drinks, food, dancing, a Cajun hot wings contest and live music by local rock and blues band Lethal Peanut. Get off work early, because they party starts in the afternoon.
When: 4 p.m. to close Tuesday
Info: lindypromo.com
Mardi Gras at Grillfish, Tuesday
This seafood and pasta joint on New Hampshire gets into the Fat Tuesday spirit with Zydeco music, food and drink, contests and half-priced hurricanes during happy hour (4 to 7 p.m.).
When: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday
Info: grillfishdc.com
Mardi Gras at the Bayou, Tuesday
It’s always Mardi Gras at the Bayou, but this Tuesday is something special. Can you say all-you-can-eat buffet? A New Orleans buffet is the highlight, as is plenty of live music from Laissez Foure, White Loafer and Yamomanem. Starts early — noon — and goes late.
When: Noon to close, Tuesday
Info: $25 all you can eat and live music; bayouonpenn.com
Clarendon/Courthouse Mardi Gras Parade, Tuesday
A grand tradition that can only be halted by heaps of snow. The parade goes along Wilson Boulevard from the Courthouse neighborhood to Clarendon in Arlington. Go get some beads and have some fun..
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday
Info: Free, clarendonalliance.org.
Junkyard Saints Mardi Gras Party at the Strathmore, Friday Feb. 24
The Strathmore has introduced a new Friday Night Eclectic music series through April with great live music. On Friday, Feb. 24, enjoy the tunes of the Junkyard Saints for a little Fat Friday fun.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24
Info: $10, strathmore.org.
