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Discover Los AngelesMardi Gras Celebrations in Los Angeles
Updated on March 23, 2017
Mardi Gras, aka “Fat Tuesday,” is the annual celebration that culminates Carnival season. Mardi Gras takes place the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, the traditional 40-day period of fasting and prayer before Easter. The largest Carnival celebration in the world takes place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which welcomes two million revelers each year. In the United States, Mardi Gras is synonymous with the city of New Orleans, which celebrates for two weeks with parades, balls and king cake parties.
On Tuesday, March 4, there are Mardi Gras celebrations taking place throughout Los Angeles. From historic Olvera Street and the Original Farmers Market, to bars and restaurants across LA, here are the best places for you to shout, “Laissez les bons temps rouler!”
Historic Olvera Street one of the most popular cultural attractions in Los Angeles. On “Fat Tuesday,” the colorful Mexican-themed marketplace welcomes visitors with Brazilian singing and dancing, a festive parade, and mask-making for school groups. The festivities take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and admission is free.
Mardi Gras Celebration at Farmers Market
The Original Farmers Market hosts its popular Mardi Gras celebration for the 25th year, which began with weekend festivities and climaxes on Fat Tuesday. The Mardi Gras celebration at the Farmers Market includes New Orleans and Zydeco music, strolling parade bands, activities for kids, bead-throwing, and much more. Guests can also enjoy authentic gumbo, jambalaya and other Southern favorites, including Dixie beer on tap. The Mardi Gras celebration takes place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and admission is free.
Dominick’s chef Brandon Boudet is a native of New Orleans, and for Mardi Gras you can experience authentic Louisiana cuisine with a special menu that includes jambalaya, gumbo, red beans and rice, po boys (roast beef or soft shell crab), King Cake, beignets and more. Dominick’s will also feature a special cocktail for Mardi Gras.
Abita Tap Takeover at Plan Check
Plan Check Kitchen + Bar is hosting a tap takeover by Abita Brewing Company from Louisiana. At the Plan Check on Fairfax, featured beers include Mardi Gras Bock, Turbodog, Purple Haze and more. To pair with the Abita beers, executive chef Ernesto Uchimura is featuring a special Cajun Shrimp Burger (shrimp and andouille sausage patty with fried pickled okra, remoulade sauce, served on a panko crunch bun).
Whiskey Red's
With 180 degree views of the Marina Del Rey Harbor, Whiskey Red’s offers landlubbers unparalleled dining on the Pacific. From 7-9p.m., Whiskey Red’s presents a Mardi Gras celebration that includes a special New Orleans-themed menu, Happy Hour drink specials, live band and DJ.
13813 Fiji Way Marina del Rey, CA 90292-6910