Last year, because of Snowmageddon, the annual Clarendon Mardi Gras Parade had to be rescheduled from Feb. 16 to March 16, and it then incorporated St. Patrick’s Day fun. Hopefully this season, the weather holds and snow measured in feet doesn’t slam the region, forcing this year’s 14th annual parade to reschedule as well.
Not that a little weather would dampen the spirits of the hearty Arlington revelers.
“We had about as much a turnout,” said Susan Anderson, executive director of the Clarendon Alliance, of last year’s rescheduling. “No one was totally bummed out about it. It was a great community celebration.”
This year’s event is officially called the Clarendon-Courthouse Mardi Gras + St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Because Mardi Gras falls so late this year, a combined celebration seemed appropriate and practical.
“We’re so multicultural, the great thing is, it’s not limited to certain types of floats,” Anderson said.
What started out as a small community event more than a decade ago has grown into a regional party that Anderson said draws 5,000 attendees.
“It’s a really good reason to have a celebration,” she said. “It’s a kickoff to spring.”
The Clarendon-Courthouse Mardi Gras + St. Patrick’s Day Parade runs along Wilson Boulevard from Barton to Irving. There’s a pre-party planned at Ireland Four Courts and Bayou Bakery.
Info: Free, clarendon.org
When 8 p.m., Tuesday
Mardi Gras Patio Party at Evening Star Cafe, Sunday
Forget winter, it’s time to take the fun outside. On Sunday, the Evening Star Cafe in Del Ray will throw a Mardi Gras party in its parking lot on Sunday afternoon. Family friendly, music and plenty of food and drink for purchase.
Info: Free, eveningstarcafe.net
When: From noon to 6 p.m. Sunday
Mardi Gras Beer Dinners at Dogfish Head Alehouse, Monday through Wednesday
The three area Dogfish Head Alehouses celebrate Fat Tuesday with a series of beer dinners. Cheers
Info: $60, dogfishalehouse.com
When: 7 p.m. each night; Monday in Falls Church, Tuesday in Gaithersburg, Wednesday in Fairfax.
Bourbon Street Bash at Rumours, Tuesday
Enjoy live music from Higher Hands, plenty of drink specials, food, dancing and contests.
Info: $5 in advance (subject to increase); lindypromo.com.
When: 4 p.m. to midnight Tuesday.
Along Those Lines Mardi Gras Spectacular at Jammin’ Java, Tuesday
A bunch of bands plan to rock Jammin’ Java in Vienna on Tuesday, including headliner Along Those Lines, Static Cinema, Kurtis Parks Band, Big Paper Airplanes and Playground Etiquette.
Info: $12 in advance,, $15 day of; jamminjava.com
When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.
