Who needs to go to Bourbon Street when Bourbon Street can come to you? Mardi Gras (aka Fat Tuesday)—the green, gold and purple holiday where king cakes reign supreme—is Feb. 17, and whether you’d like to snag some sweets for home or party hard at a local venue, we’ve rounded up several ways to celebrate in and near Arlington.
Bayou Bakery 16th Annual Bayou Gras Mardi Pardi
When the chef—David Guas—is from New Orleans, count on an authentic celebration. Feb. 17, 5-9 p.m. Tickets are $55 for an all-you-can-eat wristband. Add on drinks for $85. On the menu: Crawfish Monica, Gulf Shrimp Jambalaya, half a Muff-a-lotta, or red beans and rice and of course slices of King Cake. Boozy beverages include festive Carnival Cocktails (NOLA Paloma, Bourbon Street Smash and a Mardi Gras Mule), frozen daiquiris and Abita beers. Kids 12 and under are $25. Available now: stop by the bakery to pick up king cake (in King Cocoa, Strawberry Swirl and Carnival Classic), beignets and pralines a la carte. Throwing a party at home? Order from the “Pardi Gras” catering menu. 1515 N. Courthouse Road Arlington (Courthouse)
Mardi Gras at The Wharf
Make your way across the Potomac on Feb. 15, 3-7 p.m. to watch a parade and dance to live music at The Wharf. Catch performances by Naptown Brass Band and Too Much Talent Band while snacking on smoked sausage po’boys and chicken gumbo and slurping hurricanes. Several restaurants offer food and drink specials. Stick around for the fireworks at 6:30 p.m. 101 District Square, S.W., Washington, D.C.
Ragtime
The countdown to Fat Tuesday is on at this New Orleans-inspired neighborhood speakeasy. Featuring 20 HDTVs and live acoustic music, the menu here includes muffuletta grilled cheese, seafood gumbo and king cake. Scratch-made hurricanes, frozen cyclones and Abita Mardi Gras Bock round out the specials. Check the website for details. 1345 N. Courthouse Road, Arlington (Courthouse)
Caboose Commons
On the menu now at this Mosaic District brewery and restaurant are traditional New Orleans food favorites, such as a muffuletta sandwich and “Beignets in a Bag.” 2918 Eskridge Road, Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Dogwood Tavern
Seafood specials, N’Awlins-style cocktails and a band straight off Bourbon Street feature in this Mardi Gras fete. The Toucan Club hits the stage for the second year in a row to rock this party. Raw Bar specials start right at open, Feb. 17, 4 p.m. 132 W. Broad St., Falls Church
The Happy Tart
Can’t do gluten? No problem. You can still partake in purple, green and gold king cake when you pick it up from this fully gluten-free bakery. Choose from two flavors: cinnamon or pecan praline, for $50. Each king cake is frosted with a rum glaze and comes with an edible sugar baby for you to hide inside. They’re available for pickup with preorders running through Feb. 13. 410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church
Neutral Ground Bar & Kitchen
Guas’ newest spot is spicing up brunch Feb. 15 with jazz music and pop-up New Orleans specials, including bananas Foster pancakes, beignets and king cake by the slice. Head back on the day itself, Feb. 17, 6-9 p.m. for a spirited celebration featuring the TASS Jazz Trio. 6641 Old Dominion Drive, McLean
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken
An annual tradition at this eatery, the King Cake Doughnut returns. The festive $5 treat topped with purple, green and gold sprinkles is available by pre-order only, starting Feb. 9. 4001 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Shipgarten
Toss your beads and enjoy festive food and drink at a celebration at this spacious outdoor biergarten. Rock your best purple, green and gold and stop by Feb. 17, 1-6 p.m. The bead tossing competition starts at 2 p.m. and the live music will be going all afternoon. It’s free to attend. 7581 Colshire Drive, Mclean (Tysons)
Star Hill Brewpub Old Folks Boogie
Shake it up on Fat Tuesday with old school vibes that will transport you to the heart of New Orleans at this brewpub Feb. 17, 5 to 8:30 p.m. It will be a night of beads, brews and tunes, with swamp rock favorites from Old Folks Boogie. 7730 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons
Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe
Through Feb. 17, get a half-dozen king cake-themed doughnuts in mini or regular size, complete with a little plastic baby in the middle. Pre-order them on the website and pick them up in Ballston. 672 N. Glebe Road, Arlington (Ballston)