Fat Tuesday is March 4, marking the traditional end of Carnival and the celebration of Mardi Gras. If a trip to New Orleans isn’t in the cards this year, that doesn’t mean you have to skip the celebration altogether. Here are seven Mardi Gras parties and festivals to attend around the region.
Samedi Gras 2025
March 1, 11 a.m.
Before Fat Tuesday comes Saturday’s Samedi Gras celebration. At Breaux Vineyards, the traditional event will leave you feeling spirited. The NOLA-style tasting room will feature live music, king cakes, jambalaya, a costume contest, and plenty of beads. Breaux Vineyards: 36888 Breaux Vineyards Ln., Purcellville, $23 for adults 21 and older, $10 for guests under 21
Mardi Gras Festival
March 1, 1–6 p.m.
If you can’t go to New Orleans, Shipgarten’s festival might be the next best thing. Throughout the five-hour celebration, guests can compete in a bead-toss challenge, enter to win tickets to George Porter’s Wolf Trap concert, or enjoy the delicious food and drinks that’ll remind you of Bourbon Street. Shipgarten: 7581 Colshire Dr., McLean, free admission
Mardi Gras at The Wharf
March 1, 3–7 p.m.
Kick off your Mardi Gras festivities with a parade down The Wharf. The parade, which starts at 3:30 p.m., will be full of jugglers, floats, stilt walkers, and performances from local marching bands and other area musicians. Once the parade ends, the party continues with live music throughout the waterfront neighborhood and a fireworks show to end the night. 760 Maine Ave. SW, Washington, DC, free
Mardi Gras at Bear Branch Tavern
March 4
Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, you don’t have to miss the holiday celebration at this Vienna restaurant. All-day specials include $5 Abita beers, peel-and-eat shrimp, and half-dozen oysters, plus other Cajun-inspired dishes and drinks inspired by Bourbon Street. Pop by from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. to catch a live performance from the Hurricane Howie Duo. Bear Branch Tavern: 133 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, free admission
Adults 55+ Mardi Gras Celebration
March 4, noon–2 p.m.
You don’t have to stay out late to enjoy Fat Tuesday. This 55-plus celebration will be full of festivities like a Cajun lunch, mask making, and live entertainment from the Park Street Strutters. Vienna Community Center: 120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna, $20
Mardi Pardi
March 4, 6–9 p.m.
For a taste of New Orleans, grab a ticket for Bayou Bakery’s annual Mardi Gras party. The “grub” tickets each include three food items from choices such as Crawfish Monica, gulf shrimp jambalaya, chicken andouille gumbo, half of a Muff-a-lotta or Vegg-a-lotta, and red beans and rice. Drink tickets for cocktails and beer are available for purchase on site. King cakes are also available for pre-order. Bayou Bakery: 1515 N. Courthouse Rd., Arlington, $30 for ages 12 and older, $20 for kids under 12
Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens
Through March 9, times vary
Immerse yourself in the culture of “The Big Easy” by taking a much shorter trip to Busch Gardens. Nearly every country has been transformed to reflect the best things about Mardi Gras – with Oktoberfest transforming into a New Orleans jazz club, Ireland hosting a Mardi Street Party, and more. Specialty menus will also add a bit of Cajun flair to the event, with a crawfish boil, handcrafted cocktails, and 40 other specialty items scattered throughout the park. Busch Gardens: 1 Busch Gardens Blvd., Williamsburg, starting at $94.99
Feature image courtesy The Wharf
