The Mardi Gras in NYC guide
Every year, New York's usual anxiety and chaotic charm turns laissez-faire via the Crescent City for Mardi Gras. NYC’s Fat Tuesday is a typically rambunctious affair, featuring jazz performances at some of the best jazz clubs in the city, plus more funky shows. There also rich cuisine from Cajun restaurants, king cake and some of the best parties in New York. So, for your celebratory pleasure, here's our roundup of the city's best Big Easy events.
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When is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is on Tuesday, February 13, 2018.
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
"Funky Fat Tuesday" Celebration with George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic
George Clinton—the one and only Uncle Jam and author of (deep breath) Brothas Be, Yo Like George, Ain't That Funkin' Kinda Hard on You?—lands the mothership for a night of ass-liberating funk. Here the funk innovator hosts what's become an annual Mardi Gras celebration for a sixth straight year.
Bierhaus NYC Mardi Gras
Glug numerous brews, gorge on doughy pretzels, get your hands on some beads and revel in the gluttony during a special Fat Tuesday celebration inside this German Hall. Enjoy listening to some live music and, if you’re up for it, sign up for trivia.
Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers
Big Easy staple Kermit Ruffins isn't much of an innovator—that's why they call it traditional,after all—but the bright-faced Louis Armstrong imitator oozes personality and onstage flair. He hits the Blue Note for a roomy Mardi Gras–week run.
NYC Mardi Gras (Official Day Party)
Day drinkers, start your engines. This eight-hour Mardi Gras hooplah kicks off at noon in a sprawling two-story sports bar in Midtown. Tunes comes courtesy of DJs Copenhagen and Pim, live musicians keep things festive and $6 drinks before 4pm ensure you'll feel plenty loose by sundown.
Mardi Gras: Brass, Sass & Ass at House of Yes
Costumes are encouraged at this Bourbon Street–inspired rager dubbed Brass, Sass & Ass. The fete involves a colorful parade, a live brass band, death-defying circus performers and plenty of carnival bedazzlement. We dare you to see how many beads you can collect (or earn) before night's end.
Lower Eastside Girls Club's Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball
After two years off, the Lower East Side Girls Club revives its annual Mardi Gras soiree. Don green, gold, purple or black cocktail attire, purchase a mask made by a Girls Club member for $10 and hit the dance floor to the sounds of DJ Steve Tek. The evening also features a live NOLA-style brass marching band, swing dancing, a performance from Princess Shaw, raffle prizes and that warm fuzzy feeling you get from supporting a good cause.
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 3 Ring Bender, eats from The Meat Hook, New Orleans–themed cocktails and, of course, king cake.
More ways to celebrate Mardi Gras in NYC
The best Mardi Gras concerts in NYC
Our guide to Mardi Gras concerts in NYC features New Orleans musicians playing funk, blues, R&B and more
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
The best Sazeracs in NYC
Here’s where you’ll find the best Sazerac cocktails in NYC, for a piece of the Big Easy in the Big Apple
The nine best Vieux Carrés in NYC
No need to go to NOLA for a Vieux Carré. Here’s where to find the best rye-and-cognac cocktail in NYC.
