Whether you practice the season of Lent or you're just a big fan of jazz and gumbo, Philly is ripe with places to get down in celebration of Mardi Gras. From food specials to family friendly parades, no one needs to be left out of the celebration. Laissez les bons temps rouler - let the good times roll!
Head to Reading Terminal Market or 30th St. Station and pick up a King Cake, the traditional dessert of Mardi Gras. If you find the plastic baby (representing baby Jesus) in this green, purple and gold sweet cinnamon cake you're "king" for the day!
Now through Tuesday, February 17
Hours vary | $34.95
Supplies are limited, email Beck's to order.
Celebrate Karneval by wearing your best costume (winner gets a Brauhaus Schimitz gift card), drinking half-priced beers (for the ladies) and entering a raffle. Plus, now through Fat Tuesday grab chef Jessica Nolen's Fastnachts, German potato donuts tossed in nutmeg-spiced sugar.
The traditional pre-Lent snack costs just $14 per dozen.Thursday, February 12
7 p.m. | Pay as you go
Brauhaus Schmitz
718 South St.
(267) 909-8814
Cajun and creole restaurant Catahoula will be open for special hours during the week surrounding Fat Tuesday. They'll also hand out gifts and beads to lucky guests.
Thursday, February 12 through Tuesday, February 17
11-2 a.m. | Pay as you go
Catahoula
775 S. Front St.
(215) 271-9300
Gypsy Wisdom and DJ Ronnie D will provide the jams at this huge party featuring hurricanes, drink specials, prizes for the most beads and free parking.
Saturday, February 14
8 p.m. | Pay as you go
XFINITY Live!
1100 Pattinson Ave.
(267) 443-6415
Make Mardi Gras-themed bead bangles, masks, scepters and jambalaya mosaics for free. Food and drink specials, including a Mardi Gras cocktail, will be available with 25 percent of proceeds going toward Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens’ Outreach Initiative.
Monday, February 16
6-9 p.m. | Pay as as you go
Tattooed Mom
530 South St.
(215) 238-9880
The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra makes its Philly debut, led by artistic director Irvin Mayfield. Drew Nugent and the Midnight Society will get you in the Mardi Gras spirit during a pre-show fete in the Commonwealth Plaza.
Tuesday, February 17
6 p.m. | $29-69
The Kimmel Center
300 S. Broad St.
(215) 893-1999
The Hoppin' John Orchestra will play their unique mix of New Orleans brass band style, jazz, Dixieland and classic R&B for a special night of celebration.
Tuesday, February 17
7 p.m. | $15
Chris' Jazz Cafe
1421 Sansom St.
(215) 568-3131
Join the Wild Bohemians for a night of dancing, stories and silliness while they play a mix of Cajun, Zydeco, Dixieland, Mardi Gras street music, jazz and R&B.
Tuesday, February 17
8 p.m. | $15
World Cafe Live
3025 Walnut St.
(215) 222-1400
Local band Philly Gumbo provides the best mix of New Orleans music you can find, and they'll celebrate with dancing and plenty of beads.
Tuesday, February 17
8 p.m. | $19.50
Sellersville Theater
24 West Temple Ave., Sellersville PA
(215) 257-5808
Put on your masks and get ready to dance; the Mummers will strut their stuff down Manayunk's Main Street for a day of music, sequins and family friendly fun.
Sunday, February 22
10 a.m.-noon | Free
Main St., Manayunk, PA
(267) 437-2127
