This weekend in Chicago marks the unofficial start of Mardi Gras, with the holiday falling on Tuesday, March 4.
The Windy City may be far from the revelry of New Orleans, but that doesn’t mean we can’t join in on the fun.
From masquerades and dance parties to seafood boils and gumbo cook-offs, there’s plenty to do locally this Fat Tuesday. Here’s where to laissez les bons temps rouler this Mardi Gras in Chicago!
Fat Tuesday Purple Haze and Free Music Bingo at aliveOne
aliveOne in Lincoln Park is bringing Bourbon Street revelry to Chicago this Fat Tuesday.
Guests can start the celebration early with a half-price happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. featuring specials like $6 Abita Purple Haze beers and half-off everything (excluding shots).
Stick around for FREE music bingo beginning at 8 p.m.
⏰ When: Tuesday, March 4 | 5 p.m. – close
📍 Where: 2683 N. Halsted St.
Ballroom Dance Chicago’s Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball
Mardi Gras means the end of the Viennese ball season, and Ballroom Dance Chicago (BDC) is celebrating with a traditional masquerade.
Guests can don their best decorative mask and cocktail attire, while joining BDC for an elegant night of dancing.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a favorite beer or wine to enjoy throughout the evening.
Tickets available here.
⏰ When: Tuesday, March 4 | 7 – 9pm
📍Where: 4039 North Ravenswood Ave.
🎟️ Tickets: $50
Easy Bar’s Annual Fat Tuesday Party with New Belgium Brewing
Easy Bar in Wicker Park is teaming up with New Belgium Brewing to let the good times roll this Mardi Gras!
On Tuesday, March 4 guests can enjoy free slices of King Cake from Scafuri Bakery—guests who find the baby in their King Cake will win New Belgium swag!
By night, Easy Bar is offering $4 beers, seltzers and ciders all night. A half-price happy hour will be available from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
⏰ When: Tuesday, March 4 | 4pm – close
📍 Where: 1944 W. Division St.
Mardi Gras Gumbo Cook-off and Fat Tuesday Party at Cody’s Public House
There’s no better place to pass a good time than Cody’s Public House this Mardi Gras!
Cody’s is throwing a blow out Fat Tuesday party on March 4, complete with a FREE New Orleans-style buffet.
Guests can chow down on cajun grub like gumbo, jambalaya, rice, cornbread and more.
Guests will enjoy drink specials both days including $6 Lagunitas, $10 Pimm’s Cup, $10 Hurricanes, $10 Sazeracs, a $10 French 75 and $30 Surfside buckets.
⏰ When: Tuesday, March 4 | 7pm
📍 Where: 1658 W. Barry Ave.
Mardi Gras Zydeco Jam at The Hideout
The Hideout is ready to rock out this Mardi Gras with The Cajun Vagabonds, Chicago’s favorite zydeco troupe.
The Vagabonds will bring the music of The Big Easy to Chicago, with fiddle and accordion accompaniment as well as traditional French Cajun singing. It’s the ultimate Mardi Gras concert for zydeco lovers!
Snag tickets here.
⏰ When: Tuesday, March 4 | 8:30pm
📍Where: 1354 West Wabansia Ave.
🎟️ Tickets: $10
Fat Tuesday Hurricanes and Late-Night Dance Party at Estelle’s
Mardi Gras afters? Estelle’s is hosting a late-night DJ dance party on Fat Tuesday from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Guests can enjoy $6 Hurricane shots and $10 Hurricanes all night long. Party-goers will also have the chance to get decked out in festive beads available while supplies last.
⏰ When: Tuesday, March 4 | 11 p.m. – 4 a.m.
📍Where: 2013 W North Ave.
Fat Tuesday Frozen Hurricanes at Central Park Bar
Avondale’s Central Park Bar is getting into the Mardi Gras groove with $6 Frozen Hurricane cocktails all night long on March 4. Guests can also enjoy a half-price happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
When: Tuesday, March 4 | 4pm – close
Where: 2924 N. Central Park Ave.