Although references to “Mardi Gras” usually invoke images of New Orleans, Atlanta puts on a celebration that rivals the Big Easy’s festivities, if not in grandiosity, then definitely in spirit. No matter what your preference might be, there are numerous events, restaurants serving special fare, and other ways to celebrate in Atlanta and surrounding areas, to ensure you won’t be disappointed.
Masquerades and Balls
Masquerade Latin Dance Party – Start with a Salsa Lesson and proceed into a high spirited dance party. Prizes awarded for best mask worn each gender. Plenty of Mardi Gras food and drinks available. Beads for all who attend.
Date and Time: February 18, 2012, 9:00 PM
Location: Thirsty’s Bar & Grill, 3907 Burns Road, Lilburn, GA
Cost: $10
Website: http://www.meetup.com/dancing4fun/events/42295442/
RA Sushi Masquerade Ball – Celebrate with a costume contest with cash prizes, live New Orleans music and a DJ spinning Top-40 dance tunes while mixing in Cajun tracks bound to get you on your feet. Special prices for food and drinks which will include Big Easy favorites. With no cover charge this just may be the best deal in town.
Date and Time: February 21, 2012, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Location: 1080 Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30309
Cost: No cover
Website: www.rasushi.com
Benefits
Front Page Mardi Gras Throw Down – Enjoy the music as seven bands take the stage throughout the day. Feast on New Orleans style fare including the famous Muffaletta and wash it down with a Hurricane. Children’s activities 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Plenty of beads for all. Portion of proceeds will go to New Orleans Habitat for Humanity to support the Musicians Village.
Date and Time: February 25, 2012, 1:30 p.m.
Location: 351 Moreland Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307
Cost: $10 advance, $15 at the gate (tickets purchased by 2/17 half off)
Website: http://www.fpnmardigras.com/
Mardi Gras 4 Paws – Family friendly event with prizes for the best dressed dog sporting a Mardi Gras outfit. Entrance fee covers live music, beer and wine, a shrimp boil and a Mardi Gras Doggie Parade.
Date and Time: February 25, 2012, 12:00 p.m.
Location: Miltown Arms Tavern, 180 Carroll St. SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Cost: $10
Website: http://www.milltowntaverncabbagetown.com/
Restaurants and Bars
Mardi Gras Fest at the Tavern – Held at one of the most popular venues in Atlanta, the restaurant will provide a special New Orleans menu for the night, along with hurricanes, Costume and Crawfish eating contests, beads and live music throughout the day. If you buy tickets online, use the code “parktavern” for a discount.
Date and Time: February 18, 2012, 3:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Location: 500 10th Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Cost: $20
Website: http://midtown.patch.com/events/mardi-gras-fest-at-park-tavern
Parish Foods Mardi Gras Celebration – Price includes all you can eat New Orleans style food, day long live music, and homemade Kings Cake. Cash bars are set up around the venue. Family friendly.
Date and Time: February 21, 2012, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: 240 N. Highland, Atlanta, GA 30307
Cost: $40/$10 for children under 12
Website: www.parishatl.com
Henry’s Louisiana Grill Fat Tuesday Celebration – Recently voted best chef in America, Chef Henry Chandler believes every day is Mardi Gras. But the sky’s the limit when it comes to the spread he puts out for Fat Tuesday. While keeping the full menu available, the special New Orleans style buffet can only be described as a veritable feast. Live music, beads galore and of course, the traditional King’s Cake make the celebration complete.
Date and Time: February 21, 2012, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: 4835 N. Main St. Acworth, GA 30101
Cost: $5 cover
Website: www.chefhenrys.com
Big Easy Grille – Don’t feel like dressing up this year? If you’d prefer the feel of a Bourbon Street dive instead of a fancy Masquerade Ball, this is the place to go. The Chef hails from New Orleans and while the bar may look like a hole in the wall, the Jambalaya and Gumbo can’t be beat and the Abita beer is always cold. Open for lunch and dinner with extended hours.
Date and Time: February 21, 2012, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: 1193 Collier Rd. Atlanta, GA 30318
Cost: No cover
Website: www.bigeasygrille.com