Best Mardi Gras Celebrations in D.C.

As we’re all stocking up on mattresses and flooring this President’s Day in Washington, D.C., we have another holiday right around the corner: Mardi Gras, which will kick off the Lent season. You don’t have to make the trip out to New Orleans for a fun Fat Tuesday celebration. There are plenty of fun activities celebrating the debaucherous holiday right here in your own backyard.

Club Liv in the U St. Corridor is going all out with a Louisiana-style party this year. Make sure to wear your best masks and costumes because they will be holding a costume contest with prizes. Club Liv will have authentic Cajun food, music, and dancing. Doors open at 6:30pm and there is a $20 cover charge, $10 if you sign up in advance.

If you like parades, then you cannot miss the 15^th Annual Clarendon Courthouse Mardi Gras Parade at 8:00pm, featuring performances from over 40 community groups including the Jim Moyer Circus Group, DC Roller Girls, local bands, and more. The parade runs along Wilson Boulevard from North Barton Street to North Irving Street. The parade will be a family friendly event and the best part is that it’s free! If you’d like to enjoy the parade from a distance, then head over to Whitlow's on Wilson Bar & Grill, where you can watch the parade from a heated environment. Whitlow’s will offer Cajun specials and feature Matt Waller Trio after the parade at 9:30pm.

Right in the heart of downtown D.C. is Central Michel Richard's, which will be holding its 5^th Annual Mardi Gras celebration this year. Not only will you get to enjoy Creole creations by a world-renowned chef, but you will get to celebrate with live music from the Dixieland jazz quartet Laissez Foure, specialty cocktails, and free beads.

The Anacostia Community Museum will be hosting a family-friendly Fat Tuesday party on Saturday, February 25 from 11:00am – 4:00pm. Bring the kids out to enjoy live music, arts and crafts, storytelling, and a costume contest with prizes.

If you’re trying to impress a date, then take them to Acadiana which features a fixed price menu of crawfish, rabbit etouffee, jambalaya, and more – all for only $45! The special runs from 5:30pm – 10:30pm Beginning at 3:30pm, Acadiana will offer $5 specialty cocktails such as Dark and Stormy and Louisiana Tea. If you don’t want to opt for the fixed price menu, you can still enjoy festive appetizers at the bar such as southern sliders and Louisiana crawfish bread.   

Check out the crawfish boil at Hot n' Juicy in Woodley Park. For every pound of seafood you get, they’ll give you a free beer or order of Cajun fries. And be sure not to miss the Crawfish eating contest at 8:00pm, where the winner will take home $200!