Laissez les bon temps rouler! It’s that time of year again: Mardi Gras. Throw on beads and a mask, and celebrate Carnival throughout Northern Virginia.
Mardi Gras Party at Tysons Biergarten
March 1, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Tysons Biergarten will provide all the beads and music you’ll need to celebrate like you’re down in the Big Easy. Throw on masks, feather boas and wigs and enjoy hundreds of beer, whiskey, Jenga, cornhole, 10 kinds of sausages, Bavarian pretzels and more. // Tysons Biergarten: 8346 Leesburg Pike, Tysons; Free
Downtown Culpeper Carnival
March 2, 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m.
Brought to you by Culpeper Renaissance, Inc., multiple shops and restaurants located in downtown Culpeper will be participating in this all-day event. Guests can expect live music, performing artists, wagon rides, New Orleans-inspired food, crafts for kids, costumed performers and, of course, beads and masks for all. There will also be Wes Iseli magic shows at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. at The Culpeper Center, and SAFE’s inaugural Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball from 7-11 p.m. at The Refinery. // Throughout downtown Culpeper; Carnival free, Gala $50-$75
Samedi Gras at Breaux Vineyards
March 2, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
It doesn’t get more Cajun in Northern Virginia than Breaux Vineyards, a Cajun-owned and operated winery and vineyard in Purcellville. Its annual Samedi Gras Celebration will take place in its NOLA-styled tasting room. Enjoy dancing, beads, masks, king cake, a costume contest, Cajun food and Breaux wines. Billy Thompson Band and VooDoo Blues will also be perfomring live music. // Breaux Vineyards: 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Purcellville; $12 for Cellar Club members, $15 for nonmembers, $10 for children and non-drinkers
Mardi Gras Carnival 2019
March 2, 2-6 p.m.
Claude Moore Recreation & Community Center’s annual Mardi Gras Carnival fundraiser is back with family-friendly fun. Expect crafts, games, a magician, face painting, moon bounces, a cupcake walk and a rock wall. The concession stand will be serving Joe’s Pizza, drinks, cotton candy and popcorn. Guests can also bid on items at the silent auction. // Claude Moore Recreation & Community Center: 46111 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling; $5-$8
Wharf Street Mardi Gras
March 2, 2-6 p.m.
Want to celebrate Mardi Gras across the river? Head to District Wharf to watch a parade stroll down Wharf Street, dance with live music on District Pier and end the night with fireworks. The parade will feature batala drumming and the Eastern High School Marching Band, custom-designed floats (one includes the Washington Nationals), dancers, mascots, hoopers and stilt walkers. There will also be special treats at the neighborhood restaurants and activities and crafts for children. // The Wharf DC: 1100 Maine Ave. SW, Washington DC; Free
Mardi Gras Cajun Menu Specials
Available March 2-8, Lunch 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and dinner 5-10 p.m.
Amphora Group is celebrating Mardi Gras at its restaurants and bakeries in Herdon and Vienna. From March 2-8, patrons can enjoy New Orleans-style bourbon chicken, shrimp Creole and blackened Cajun steak. At Amphora Bakery, you can order traditional king cake and themed sweets and treats, like cookies and cupcakes. The bakery is taking orders until March 4. // Amphora Restaurant: 377 Maple Ave. W., Vienna and Amphora Bakery: 294 Sunset Park Drive, Herdnon; Prices vary
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