Long Beach
Photograph: Courtesy Unsplash/Ameer Basheer
Photograph: Courtesy Unsplash/Ameer Basheer

Where to attend a Mardi Gras party or celebration in L.A.

Looking for plans for Fat Tuesday? Pencil in a local Mardi Gras party or celebration from these picks.

Michael Juliano
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Los Angeles may be miles away from New Orleans, but that won’t stop clubs and performance spaces from trying their best to throw something that resembles a Mardi Gras party and celebration. Throughout February, you’ll find parades, dance parties, jazz and lots of seafood at events around the city. If you prefer your pre-Lent festivities with a South American flair, we have Brazilian Carnival events, too. Whatever you’re in the mood for, consider penciling in plans for a local Mardi Gras party from these picks.

RECOMMENDED: Mardi Gras in Los Angeles

Where to attend a Mardi Gras party or celebration

  • Things to do
  • Festivals

It’s Mardi Gras weekend, but you’re having a seriously hard time deciding whether to toss some beads or to play toss with Fido. Do both at the original Farmers Market with their annual Mardi Gras celebration. The fun begins with the Mutti Gras Pet Parade & Costume Contest at the Market Plaza. Then the Mardi Gras Celebration kicks off on the West Patio with live music (which returns on Fat Tuesday as well) and traditional New Orleans food.

  • Things to do
  • Festivals

Get into the Mardi Gras spirit with this festival at Long Beach’s Shoreline Village. Catch a crew of zydeco bands as well as face painting and balloon artists. Chow down on beignets and gumbo and sip on themed cocktails from some of the nearby eateries. Show up in the afternoon for a parade (2:30pm) from Rainbow Harbor to Shoreline Village.

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  • Things to do
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Transport yourself to Brazil at this annual West Coast version of the famed weeklong South American celebration—although L.A. crams all the fun into a one-night party. Samba the night away while enjoying Brazilian food and drinks, a band performing Carnaval hits, dancers and a drum circle. Expect to see plenty come masked, sequined and feathered in true Mardi Gras fashion.

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