Raleigh, N.C. — Laissez les bons temps rouler! Or as they say in Louisiana, let the good times roll!
Mardi Gras time is upon us once again. The first organized Mardi Gras in North America was held way back in 1703, and ever since people have readied themselves for the austere season of Lent by having one last night of revelry the evening before. It’s a time to indulge, with fine food, drink, music, and pageantry all being part and parcel of the festivities.
And you don’t need to make it down to New Orleans to take part in Mardi Gras celebrations. In fact, it’s the perfect opportunity to shake up your regular date nights in the Triangle.
To join the fun, check out these North Carolina Mardi Gras celebrations:
Mardi Gras Celebration at Pluck Farm
When: Feb. 26, 1-6 p.m.
Where: 6901 NC HWY 54, Mebane NC 27302
Our first offering comes to you courtesy of Steel String Brewery, which will be hosting its first-ever Mardi Gras party on Feb. 26.
The free event will feature live music from New Orleans Masquerade, a DIY Mardi Gras mask-making station, King Cake-inspired donuts, and of course, plenty of beer to go around. And each purchase comes with a bead necklace, so you can build up your collection as the evening goes on.
The New Orleans Masquerade will perform from 2 to 4 p.m. and Succotash will be serving up their famous Southern fusion cuisine until 6 p.m. King Cake donuts, along with a selection of other fine confections, come courtesy of Yee Haw Donuts, who will be vending from 3 to 6 p.m.
And as always, lawn games will be free-to-play, and the venue’s 13-hole disc golf course will be open to all revelers.
Mardi Gras at Hi-Wire Brewing
When: Feb. 26, 2-8 p.m.
Where: 800 Taylor Street, Suite 9-150, Durham, NC 27701
If you’re looking for a Mardi Gras Durham celebration, then look no further than Hi-Wire Brewing.
Their free, family-friendly Mardi Gras event is sure to delight revelers of all ages. They’ll be dishing up authentic New Orleans culinary classics, courtesy of Pork in the Road. And live music will be supplied by J. Candeed from 2 to 4 p.m.
While you’re there, be sure to swing by the taproom to try the King Cake 10W-40 Imperial Stout. Brewed with coffee, chocolate, vanilla, lactose, cinnamon, & pecans, this potent, 8% ABV concoction is a sure way to get into the Carnival spirit.
Pittsboro Mardi Gras Pub Crawl
When: Febr. 26: 1 to 6 p.m.
Where: Multiple Locations Throughout Downtown Pittsboro
Pub crawls are nothing new to Pittsboro, so it only stands makes sense that that’s how they’d ring in Mardi Gras.
The Pittsboro Mardi Gras Pub Crawl features 10 participating bars, all with their own Mardi Gras drink specials. No tickets are required, so just grab your Mardi Gras krewe and hit the streets to make merry. And stop by Carolina Brewery for a shrimp boil.
Durty Bull Mardi Gras Party
When: Feb,. 27, 2 to 8 p.m.
Where: 206 Broadway St, Ste 104, Durham, NC 27701
The Sunday before Marid Gras, Durty Bull Brewing Company will be serving up good times all day long.
The free event will feature a live jazz performance by Shaquim Muldrow, as well as a selection of that NOLA classic, the deep-fried beignet. And for the plant-based revelers in your krewe, vegan food will be provided courtesy of Mike’s Vegan Cookout.
Durham Mardi Gras
When: March 1: 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Various downtown Durham locations
This year, celebrate Mardi Gras in Durham with several events in downtown. The fun kicks off at 2 p.m. at Glass Jug on Foster Street. The Bulltown Strutters will be playing starting at 4 p.m. At 5:45 p.m., there will be a walking procession to Bull in CCB Plaza. Around 6:30 p.m., a second line will party down the sidewalk, stopping at Glass Jug, then The Blue Note Grill, where Cajammers are playing. The Bulltown Strutters will then take the stage until 8 p.m.
Mardi Gras at Vecino
When: March 1, 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: 300 East Main Street, #C, Carrboro, 27510
Fat Tuesday falls on March 1 this year, and you can ring in the festivities proper at Vecino Brewing Co.
Vecino’s resident Chef Ben will be dishing up all the New Orleans classics throughout the evening, with fresh King Cake brought in from local bakers. And the New Orleans Masquerade will be providing musical entertainment with their stable of jazz and blues classics.
Admission is limited, so tickets are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Though tickets are required for entrance, the actual admission is free. Your “ticket” is more of an RSVP. And as we approach the date, they’ll reach out to you directly to confirm the number of people at your party.
That said, this event is sure to fill up, so you’d better act fast if you don’t want to miss out.
Mardi Gras Party at Fortnight Brewing
When: March 6, 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: 1006 S.W. Maynard Rd., Cary, NC 27511
You don’t have to let the good times come to an end just because Mardi Gras has come and gone. At least, that seems to be the ethos for Fortnight Brewing Company. Let the good times roll, as they say.
They’ll still be celebrating Mardi Gras the weekend after with their ticketed Mardi Gras party on March 6. There will be drinks, dancing, music, games, and of course, plenty of beads.
Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. So be sure to act sooner rather than later. Click here for further ticketing information as well as directions.
Ring in Carnival Time With These Mardi Gras Celebrations
After the long winter, we could all use an excuse to get out and enjoy ourselves. Mardi Gras, or Carnival to the rest of the world, is just the chance to do that.
Though if you prefer to keep your Mardi Gras celebrations closer to home, that’s always an option. Check out this King Cake recipe to recreate one of this season’s most iconic confections in the comfort of your own kitchen.
