Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday, includes the practice of the last night of eating rich foods before fasting for Lent. With that being said, you’ve got some options if you’re planning on letting the good times roll this year.
Tucson may not be as wild as Bourbon Street, but there are a few fun events to attend here in town. Also, be aware of the dates and times because one of these events is happening before Tuesday, March 1.
Tucson Mardi Gras Festival
Saturday, February 26
Photo courtesy of Tucson Mardi Gras Festival on FacebookThe minds behind The Slaughterhouse at 1102 W. Grant Rd. are ditching the terror and horror for a weekend and finding their roots in the Louisiana Bayou.
The Mardi Gras Festival will be from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. and is free to the public – that’s right, no entry fee is required. Although, there will be plenty you can spend your money on, including Cajun food, specialty drinks, great live music, parades, a Bourbon Street Balcony Experience, and more.
For more information, visit tucsonmardigras.com.
Mardi Gras Celebration at Hotel Congress
311 E. Congress St.
Born and Brewed at Hotel Congress (Photo courtesy of Hotel Congress)Beginning at 5 p.m., Hotel Congress is hosting live music from Dr. Mojo & the Zydeco Cannibals and DJ Carl Hanni, food specials at Cup Cafe and Plaza Eats, a King Cake, drink specials, free Mardi Gras beads, and more.
The event is for anyone 21 years or older and is free before 6 p.m. — $5 after.
For more information, visit hotelcongress.com.
Mardi Gras cuisine at Kingfisher
Tuesday, March 1
Photo courtesy of KingfisherMardi Gras is back at Kingfisher on Tuesday, March 1 from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. — for dine-in and to-go. Reservations are required for the day but can be made by calling (520) 323-7739.
They’ll be serving up classic Mardi Gras favorites including Fried Oysters, Remoulade sauce, Shrimp and Andouille Sausage Jambalaya, Crawfish Etouffee, Red beans and Rice with Pickled Pork, Deep Fried Cornmeal Crusted Catfish, Remoulade, Creole BBQ Shrimp and Grits, Seafood Gumbo, and a variety of Regional Desserts.
For more information, visit kingfishertucson.com.
Mardi Gras Fest at The Parish
Tuesday, March 1
(Photo courtesy of the Parish)The Parish cooks up an entire alligator on Mardi Gras, and this year isn’t any different. Plus, there’s going to be a crawfish boil, plenty of Cajun food, drinks, and there will be the Mr. Boogie Woogie’s Bourbon Street Bash with the Muffulettas and NothinButJazz.
Gates open at 1 p.m. and it’ll cost $12 to get in on the fun.
For more information, visit theparishtucson.com.
Downtown Mardi Gras fest at The Delta
Tuesday, March 1
Photo courtesy of The ParishThe Delta, which is the punk rock cousin of The Parish, is hosting a similar event at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1. They’ll have a crawfish boil, an alligator roast, and Cajun sampler platters like gumbo, Jambalaya, and all the fixin’s. Oh, and don’t forget about the Abita beer, cocktails, and beads.
Food will be available while it lasts.
For more information, visit thedeltatucson.com.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
