Mardi Gras, aka Fat Tuesday, falls on February 17 this year. And you can feel like you’re in New Orleans at these local parties, festivals, and parades. Grab your beads, and as the saying goes, “Laissez les bons temps rouler!”
Samedi Gras 2026
February 14, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Breaux Vineyards’ annual celebration includes Cajun food, live music, festive beads, and even a costume contest. Breaux wines will also be available for purchase and tasting on site. The live music lineup includes Luke Johnson from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Corey Arceneaux and the Zydeco Hot Peppers from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. 36888 Breaux Vineyards Ln., Purcellville
Mardi Gras at The Wharf
February 15, 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Head into D.C. for The Wharf’s annual extravaganza. Activities begin at 3 p.m. and a festive parade starts at 3:30 p.m. with jugglers, stilt walkers, and more. The Washington Capitals mascot, Slapshot, and Washington Nationals mascots, the Racing Presidents, will be on hand for the fun. From 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., there will be live music and a dance party. And around 6:30 p.m. a fireworks salute will top off the night. Parade begins at Blair Alley near Shake Shack
Mardi Gras at Shipgarten
February 22, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
This colorful party at Shipgarten will feature lots of purple, green, and gold food and beverages and of course, lots of beads. Speaking of beads, at 2 p.m. there will be a bead toss challenge. There will be festive music all afternoon as well. 7581 Colshire Dr., McLean
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
February 17, 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Vienna Presbyterian Church is hosting their annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper with games and king cake, along with plenty of sausage and pancakes, of course. The event is free and family friendly. 124 Park St. NE, Vienna
Mardi Pardi at Bayou Bakery
February 17, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Bayou Bakery calls itself the “DMV’s only Mardi Gras Headquarters.” They will be hosting a “Mardi Pardi” with live music from The District Brass Band and lots of traditional New Orleans food like chicken andouille gumbo, beignets, and king cake. 1515 N. Courthouse Rd., Arlington
Winchester City Sheriff’s Mardi Gras Gala
February 17, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
This dinner helps raise funds for the Winchester City Sheriff’s Office Foundation. Guests should don their formal wear to partake in a buffet of Louisiana cuisine. There will also be a photo booth and DJ. The event will be at the George Washington A Wyndham Grand Hotel. 103 E Piccadilly St., Winchester
Feature image of The Wharf courtesy The Brand Guild
