The Mardi Gras in NYC guide
Get ready for Fat Tuesday and celebrate Mardi Gras in NYC at these lively parties and shows
For one day, New Yorkers hang up their anxiety for some Mardi Gras fun with celebrations at some of the best jazz clubs and restaurants with Cajun flare. From jazz performances harkening to the Big Easy to street festivals with king cake, a Fat Tuesday celebrationin the Big Apple is within reach.
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When is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is on Tuesday, February 25, 2020.
What is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras (french for "Fat Tuesday") is a Carnival celebration that takes place the day before Ash Wednesday. People celebrate and feast before the Lenten season begins.
Mardi Gras in NYC events
Black Tie Brass at Brooklyn Bowl
Black Tie Brass, a horn-driven jazz/funk band from NYC, is celebrating Mardi Gras at the Brooklyn Bowl. Dance to their tunes on the dancefloor or while you're throwing strikes on the bowling floor.
Fat Tuesday at Threes Brewing
Head to Gowanus for a Mardi Gras get down featuring a Dr. John–themed music performance from the folks behind Thring Ring Bender, bayou eats from The Meat Hook, New Orleans–themed cocktails and, of course, king cake! The fun begins at 5pm with a DJ set at 8pm followed by live music at 9pm. No tickets needed.
Mardi Gras at 1803
1803, a Tribeca restaurant with New Orleans flare, is celebrating Mardi Gras over the course of two weeks (February 12-28) with live jazz bands, burlesque, inspired floats, magic, fortune-telling, giveaways and more, from 6 to 9pm: February 12: Moses Patrou Trio February 13: Zoo Berries, magic and a fortune teller February 14: Vanisha Gould and a fortune teller February 15: Art Hiracha Trio, Jainardo Batista y su Kumbakin, and Moses Patrou Trio February 16: Wayne Tucker Trio February 18: Michael Arenella Trio February 19: 1803 Carnival Circuls February 21: The Love Show Carnival burlesque and a Dark and Twisted Fantasy and more...
Mardi Gras: Brass & Sass
Masquerade masks and beads of purple, green and gold glitter are encouraged at this Bourbon Street–inspired rager dubbed Brass, Sass & Ass. The fete involves a colorful parade, death-defying circus performances and plenty of carnival bedazzlement. We dare you to see how many beads you can collect (or earn) while the funky Hudson Horns performs.
Viennese Waltz and Masquerade Ball
Learn some Viennese Waltz moves in a small group setting and hang out with a glass of wine at a Venice masquerade after party, where masks will be required.
Bourbon Street at Freehold
South Third Street will be transformed into a New York version of Bourbon Street with happy hour at 5pm, live New Orleans-style music, Cajun bites, and entertainment like stilt walkers and fire breathers all night long, starting at 7pm.
Beignets and Bourbon Ice Cream Making Class
Celebrate Fat Tuesday by satisfying your sweet tooth and learning something new. Prospect Lefferts Gardens' Creme and Cocoa ice creamery is hosting a two-hour class on how to make bourbon ice cream and the delicious fried doughnut beignets (New Orleans style) with bourbon chocolate sauce. The best part? You'll leave with two pints to take home with you.
More ways to celebrate Mardi Gras in NYC
A guide to jazz in NYC
Get yourself to these jazz clubs, concerts and festivals to hear some of the best jazz in NYC or anywhere
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Here’s where you’ll find the best Sazerac cocktails in NYC, for a piece of the Big Easy in the Big Apple
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