You needn’t travel to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday. Most likely, there’ll be plenty of events commemorating the holiday in your area. Check out our overview of Mardi Gras fun near Taylor Morrison communities. Events take place on Fat Tuesday, February 17, unless otherwise noted.
ARIZONA
Phoenix
If you’re living in Phoenix a New Orleans-flavored Mardi Gras can be found at Southern Rail Restaurant, known for its Southern food. Enjoy the traditions of Mardi Gras including those colorful beads and drink specials.
CALIFORNIA
Bay Area
Take in the Bay Area Big Easy revelries at Town Hall restaurant in San Francisco, with an evening of authentic food and drinks and live music.
The annual Fat Tuesday in the Fillmore will feature a free blues concert and masquerade ball.
A raucous Mardi Gras Parade featuring New Orleans-style marching bands starts at Octavia and Hayes in San Francisco.
Sacramento
Described as “3 nights of debauchery”, District 30 on K Street in Sacramento becomes Bourbon Street, February 13, 14 and 15. Expect music, food, drinks and good times.
Southern California
Have a Costa Mesa home in Southern California? You won’t have far to go to enjoy a special menu, cocktails and jazz at SOCIAL Costa Mesa, February 12-17.
Support autism charities at Mardi Gras for Autism in downtown Fullerton. The free family carnival benefit will be held outside Bourbon Street Bar and Grill.
Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Mardi Gras will feature New Orleans cuisine, jazz, drink specials, and free beads for kids. Costumes welcome!
COLORADO
Denver
Party at Dave & Buster’s at Mardi Gras 2015 in Denver. Enjoy a variety of rooms with video games, DJs and live music.
Mark your calendar for good times for a good cause on February 28 at Embassy Suites downtown. The Mardi Gras event benefitting non-profit Qualistar Colorado will include dinner, an auction, live music and a casino.
FLORIDA
For Myers/Naples
Prepare to kick up your heels at the 1950s Mardi Gras Swing Walk on February 13. A block festival, dancing to Big Band and jazz music, costumes, art and prizes are planned.
If you’ll be in Fort Myers/Naples on Fat Tuesday, shop, dine and dance at Mardi Gras Evening on Fifth in Naples.
Jacksonville
The Garden Club of Jacksonville is hosting an evening under the oaks on February 12. Community Connections’ Annual Mardi Gras will feature Cajun food, live music, and lots more.
Wear your best cocktail attire to the Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball on February 28 at the Hyatt Jacksonville. Mask and beads will be provided.
Orlando
It’s Mardi Gras 2015 at Universal Orlando and the celebrations go from now through April. There’ll be a series of concerts, a Mardi Gras parade and Universal Studios all dressed up for the occasion.
Sarasota
Come on down and celebrate at the St. Armands Circle Mardi Gras in Sarasota. A Dixieland band will lead the strut around the circle. Live entertainment and a carnival atmosphere included.
Tampa
The family-oriented Dunedin Mardi Gras Parade and Festival in Tampa begins with music in the Pioneer Park pavilion. Fifty colorful floats and bead tossing will be part of the parade, followed by restaurants and over-21 pubs.
TEXAS
Austin
Get rowdy at Mardi Gras in Austin. The fun begins on February 12 with celebratory events and parties running from February 14 through Fat Tuesday, February 17. See the website for the full calendar of Mardi Gras excitement.
Another wild option is Carnaval Brasileiro at Palmer Event Center on February 28. This Brazilian style Mardi Gras celebration first began rocking revelers in the 1970s.
Houston
If you’re in the Houston area, don’t miss out on Mardi Gras! Galveston, Texas’ largest Mardis Gras celebration. Festivities start on February 6 and continue with events through February 17, with parades, dancing a 5K run and more.
