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Mardi Gras 2024: Festive Fat Tuesday Parties in Tucson

Mardi Gras 2024: Festive Fat Tuesday Parties in Tucson

Feb 6, 20244 min read

Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday, includes the practice of eating rich foods and having a grand time. With that being said, you’ve got some options if you’re planning on letting the good times roll this year on Tuesday, February 13.

Tucson may not be as wild as Bourbon Street, but there are a few fun events to attend here in town.

a tray of food
Alligator roast at The Parish (Photo by SWOON Media)

1912 Brewing / Daniela’s Cooking

2045 N. Forbes Blvd. #105

1912 is celebrating with a special Taco Tuesday night with Daniela’s Cooking. Daniela’s will be making a Gumbo-style Taco — best paired with 1912 Gettin’ Jiggs With It saison or the Salacious Schizophrenic Snake West Coast IPA.

Learn more.

Beyond Bread

Multiple Locations

The sandwich shop isn’t hosting a Fat Tuesday party but they are taking orders for King Cakes to go. You can make your order at any of the three locations or online.

Learn more.

The Century Room

311 E. Congress St.

A special edition of the Mysterious Babies comes together to celebrate Mardi Gras at the Century Room. Join the Babies as they carry on the tradition of such trailblazers as Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Sidney Bechet, and many more originators of New Orleans jazz.

This show will feature a special selection of New Orleans-inspired food and cocktails to enhance the evening.

Learn more.

Forty Niner Country Club

12000 E. Tanque Verde Rd.

Forty Niner Country Club will be serving the following specials to celebrate:

  • Shrimp Po’ Boy – Fried shrimp, shredded lettuce, tomato, pickle, dukes remoulade on a French roll ($15)
  • Gumbo – Chicken, andouille sausage, tomato, okra, white rice ($15)

There’s also going to be a few cocktail specials.

Learn more.

The Gaslight Music Hall in Oro Valley

13005 N. Oracle Rd.

The Gaslight in Oro Valley is hosting a Mardi Gras celebration with the Wildcat Jazz Band. “With their unique blend of impeccable musicianship, traditional music, and slapstick humor, Wildcat Jazz has been planting smiles on faces since 2004. Founded by New Christy Minstrels veteran Rob Wright and his roster of world-class musicians, Wildcat Jazz has gained global recognition with its free-wheeling mix of well-known jazz favorites, tongue-in-cheek originals, and Dixieland staples.”

Learn more.

Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort

5501 N. Hacienda Del Sol Rd.

Celebrate Mardi Gras in style at Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort with vibrant flavors of New Orleans cuisine! Indulge in a culinary journey with a menu inspired by the Big Easy, showcasing classic dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, and Cajun oysters. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere with live music by the Rillito River Band, and the lively spirit of this iconic celebration.

Tickets are $90 per person and include a New Orleans-inspired buffet and two complimentary drink tickets.

Learn more.

Hotel Congress

311 E. Congress St.

Son of the legendary Buckwheat Zydeco, Sir Reginald Dural, and the Il Sont Partis Band carry the torch alongside his father’s longtime friend Lee Allen Zeno. The night will be full of dancing, New Orleans-style food, and so much more! ⁠⁠

Learn more.

The Parish

6453 N. Oracle Rd.

Known for creating an incredible Southern dining experience year-round, The Parish goes all-out for Mardi Gras with deliciously indulgent Southern food — including an alligator roast, crawfish boil, Cajun sampler plates, King Cake, and more (festive drinks, and the best live musical talent Tucson has to offer).

$15 entrance at the door (which goes to support our incredible musical talents) Entry will be first come, first served, so be sure to show up early! No re-entry. Complimentary beads are given upon entrance. Food and drink are sold separately.

This is a 21+ event unless accompanied by a parent (no minors after 9 p.m.). Parking is very limited, so they highly recommend using rideshare.

Learn more.

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Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At 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.

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Now open in downtown Tucson: @gibsonmarkettucson🙌

Coming soon: @pearlloungetucson 

11 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonNow open in downtown Tucson: @gibsonmarkettucson🙌 Coming soon: @pearlloungetucson 11 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonFoodie Dinner at @Sonoranhouse_samhughes! 

Executive Chef @Culinarycowboy86d showcased delicious new dishes while guests enjoyed tastings and shared feedback. Thank you to Chef Gabby, @sonoranhouse_samhughes, and everyone who joined us!🥂

Want in on more foodie experiences? 
Here’s what Tucson Foodie Members get:

• $6,000+ in gift cards & perks
• Free monthly Foodie Hours
• Exclusive R&D dinners
• Festival discounts
• Help keep Tucson Foodie free

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieFoodie Dinner at @Sonoranhouse_samhughes! Executive Chef @Culinarycowboy86d showcased delicious new dishes while guests enjoyed tastings and shared feedback. Thank you to Chef Gabby, @sonoranhouse_samhughes, and everyone who joined us!🥂 Want in on more foodie experiences? Here’s what Tucson Foodie Members get: • $6,000+ in gift cards & perks • Free monthly Foodie Hours • Exclusive R&D dinners • Festival discounts • Help keep Tucson Foodie free #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieItalian Week runs now through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝🍕 

Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.

🎉 Week 5 Winners
• Libby: $50 North Italia gift card
• Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets
• arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes
• Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card
• Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards

Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply.

🏆 This Week’s Prizes
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• $100 Visa gift card
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card
• @desertmuseum passes 

More details in bioItalian Week runs now through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝🍕 Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August. 🎉 Week 5 Winners • Libby: $50 North Italia gift card • Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets • arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes • Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card • Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply. 🏆 This Week’s Prizes • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • $100 Visa gift card • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • @desertmuseum passes More details in bio@Theironcheftucson returns to Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita this Saturday, July 18!

Two-time reigning champion @chef_antbanks of @obonsushi is back to defend his title against AJ Mortazavi of @barnyard_az, winner of the 2026 Meet the Chefs competition. Once the secret ingredient is revealed, both chefs will race against the clock to create dishes judged on taste, creativity, and presentation. 

The event begins with the Culinary Experience from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring three hours of food and drink sampling, cooking demos, and classes, followed by the live Iron Chef Competition from 5 to 8 p.m. This is a 21+ event. 

More details and tickets at Tucsonfoodie.com🏆🎉@Theironcheftucson returns to Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita this Saturday, July 18! Two-time reigning champion @chef_antbanks of @obonsushi is back to defend his title against AJ Mortazavi of @barnyard_az, winner of the 2026 Meet the Chefs competition. Once the secret ingredient is revealed, both chefs will race against the clock to create dishes judged on taste, creativity, and presentation. The event begins with the Culinary Experience from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring three hours of food and drink sampling, cooking demos, and classes, followed by the live Iron Chef Competition from 5 to 8 p.m. This is a 21+ event. More details and tickets at Tucsonfoodie.com🏆🎉José Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57.

The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org.

Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉

Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonnewsJosé Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57. The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org. Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉 Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonnewsItalian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her.

Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her. Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!