Beads and jubilee: Mardi Gras celebrations in Atlanta

The History Of Mardi Gras

It’s time to bring out your most colorful beads and fanciest masks, because Fat Tuesday is upon us. No need to make the trek to New Orleans to celebrate the occasion. There are a slew of happenings taking place right here in Atlanta. From lavish parties and creative crawls to family revelry and lively festivals, the metro area will be buzzing with plenty of fun Mardi Gras activities for everyone to enjoy.

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Mardi Gras at Live at The Battery

The French Quarter is taking over The Battery for the holiday. The night will be full of dancing, music and Cajun foods created by a renowned chef. There will even be a parade marshaled by the neighbors of the community.

8 p.m. Feb. 10. $25-$60. The Battery Atlanta, 800 Battery Ave, SE, Atlanta. 404-494-1150, liveatthebatteryatlanta.com.

Mardi Gras Streetcar Adventure

Strut around town with more than 2,000 attendees as you partake in the NOLA-themed festivities. The tour will make its way through the historical district of Edgewood Avenue, Fairlie-Poplar District and Centennial Olympic Park, with stops at 35 participating bars and restaurants. Don’t forget to wear your costumes.

12 p.m. Feb. 10. $20-$25. 209 Edgewood Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-456-4655, atlantabartours.com.

Roswell Mardi Gras Ball

The annual event is back for the third time. Not only will the upscale affair feature a dinner buffet and an open bar, but it will also benefit two organizations: Easterseals North Georgia and Children’s Charities.

7-11 p.m. Feb. 10. $150-$200. Country Club of Roswell, 2500 Club Springs Drive, Roswell. roswellmardigrasball.com.

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Mead Road Mardi Gras

March through Oakhurst Village and then head to the Imperial for a day of live music, kids’ activities and Cajun cuisine. It’s for a good cause, too, because all funds raised will be donated to the Decatur Education Foundation.

1-6 p.m. Feb. 10. Free. 4/5 Academy at Fifth Avenue, 101 Fifth Ave., Decatur. 404-377-0641, decatureducationfoundation.org.

Adda Mardi Gras Party

Stop by the pub for live jazz music, a Louisiana-inspired dinner and custom drinks. Don’t forget to grab your beads and masks, and the dress code is strictly green, purple and gold only.

7 p.m.-1 a.m. Feb. 10. Free. Adda Sports Pub & Eatery, 3455 Peachtree Parkway, Suwanee. 470-239-4348, addasportspub.com.

Fat Tuesday with Squirrel Heads

The Mardi Gras sound is coming to the Vista Room. There will be incredible music by the Squirrel Heads, who will perform New Orleans classics. And make sure you prepare your bellies for gumbo, jambalaya and etouffee.

6 p.m. Feb. 13. Free. The Vista Room, 2836 Lavista Road, Atlanta. 404-321-5000, thevistaroom.com.

Fat Tuesday at Atkins Park Restaurant

Looking for a full day of beads, gumbo and king cake? Make your way to Atkins Park. The eatery will keep the party going all day long with drink and food specials and plenty of music. Guests will also have a chance to win a $20 gift card.

Feb. 13. Free. Atkins Park Restaurant, 794 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-7249, atlanta.net.

Mardi Gras on the Square

Midtown’s Colony Square is inviting people out to experience a lunchtime Mardi Gras gathering. Attendees will groove to live brass musical performances and feast on authentic New Orleans-style food and drinks.

11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 13. Free. Colony Square, 1197 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. colonysquaremidtown.com.

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Mardi Gras at Avalon

The fourth annual Mardi Gras Pub Crawl is back at Avalon. Organizers are encouraging people to break out their best green, purple and gold attire to devour some New Orleans-themed sips and grub. Put on your dancing shoes, too, to move to tunes from the second line band.

5-9 p.m. Feb. 13. Free. Avalon, 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. 770-765-2000, experienceavalon.com.

Mardi Gras at Blind Willie’s Blues Club

The lounge is gearing up for a spirited night featuring the Crawdaddys. The band will hit the stage to play the best songs to keep the event energetic and entertaining.

7 p.m. Feb. 13. $7. Blind Willie's Blues Club, 828 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-873-2583, blindwilliesblues.com.

Mardi Gras Skate

Hit the ice for a Fat Tuesday soiree at Atlantic Station. You will be able to skate to jovial Mardi Gras music, collect beads and even get your face painted. Guests will also have a chance to snap photos with the stilt walker and dine on yummy meals from some local Cajun food trucks.

6 p.m. Feb. 13. $15; $12 for kids (12 and under) and seniors (65 and over); $10 for military. Atlantic Station, 1380 Atlantic Drive, Atlanta. 404-410-4010, atlanticstation.com.

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