While Mardi Gras won’t be the same big, festive party as years before, there are still plenty of ways to have fun and celebrate on a smaller level. From cooking classes to a local parade, here are six ways to celebrate Mardi Gras in NoVA.
Mardi Gras at the Workhouse!
Feb. 1-13, times vary
The Workhouse Arts Center is throwing a two-week festival in honor of the holiday. There will be online and in-person events for both adults and families. This includes mask making, cooking classes, a parade on campus and much more. // Workhouse Arts Center: 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton; free-$140
Make & Take: New Orleans Favorites
Feb. 15 & 16, times vary
Warm up on a cold February day with a warm pot of gumbo. The menu includes chicken and andouille sausage gumbo and cornbread with honey butter. After class, participants will be able to take home their meal with reheating instructions. // Sur La Table: 1101 South Joyce St., Suite B-20, Arlington; $79
Virtual Mardi Gras Cookie Decorating
Feb. 16, 5-6 p.m.
Celebrate Fat Tuesday with some festive cookies. Join the free Facebook Live event for all the tips and tricks to making your sweet treats. Cookie kits can be picked up at the shop or shipped. // free admission for class, $30 for decorating kit
Mardi Gras Party with Beltway Brewing Co. & PDs Catering with Chef Irv Greene
Feb. 16, 7 p.m.
Keep the good times rolling with this virtual party. Pick up your Cajun-inspired beer and food pairings from Beltway Brew Co. then join others for a party on Zoom. Tickets will stop being sold on Feb. 9. // $45
It’s Mardi Gras!
Feb. 20, 6:30-10 p.m.
Take a culinary trip down south to New Orleans. Learn about the different influences on New Orleans cuisine as you make a traditional Mardi Gras meal. Participants will learn how to make Southern style cornbread sticks, beef tenderloins, date and toffee pudding cake and more. // Culinaria Cooking School: 110 Pleasant St. NW, Vienna; $100
Mardi Gras in a Box
Bring the party to your house with this celebratory box from Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery. Each box will include a delicious king cake with a decorating kit, murder mystery game, masks and beads. Local pick-up and nationwide shipping are available. // $135
For more things to do around NoVA, subscribe to our Things to Do newsletter.