We have the need… the need for beads. Tuesday, Feb. 21 is Mardi Gras — or as the French translation states, “Fat Tuesday.” Famously known in the US as a major event in New Orleans, it’s a celebration of indulgence on the eve of Lent, featuring fabulous food and flying jewelry. ⚜️
Don’t sweat it if you can’t make it down to the bayou. You can celebrate right here — 613 miles away from the French Quarter.
Here are 11 Greenville spots with plenty of Big Easy flair to spare, from traditional desserts and cocktails to tunes. Laissez les bons temps rouler.
Mardi Gras Masquerade Party | Friday, Feb. 17 | 7:30-11:30 p.m. | The L, Larkin’s Catering & Events, 211 E. Broad St., Ste. B, Greenville | $25-$325 | Be transported to Bourbon Street in your best mask for this party featuring a DJ, Nola-inspired apps, Hurricanes, a cash bar, and special entertainment.
Mardi Gras Party | Saturday, Feb. 18 | 2-4 p.m. | Fiction Addiction, 1175 Woods Crossing Rd., Greenville | $0-$5 | Stop into this Upstate bookstore for Nola-style cocktails made by local author Sam Slaughter, writer of “Are You Afraid of Dark Rum? And Other Cocktails for 90’s Kids” and receive free beads.
Mardi Gras Bar Crawl | Saturday, Feb. 18 | 2-10 p.m. | The Lounge, 245 N. Main St., Greenville | $14.99-$21.99 | Grab your friends to celebrate with beads and drink specials on this downtown Mardi Gras bar crawl stopping at Abanicos, Charleston Sports Pub, Bonjour Main, and On the Roxx.
Mardi Gras Celebration | Saturday, Feb. 18 | 3-7 p.m. | Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery, 205 Cedar Lane Rd., Greenville | Free entry | Enjoy a special Mardi Gras menu served in the cafe, live music from The Greenville Jazz Collective, and crafts for kids.
The Great Futures Masquerade Ball | Saturday, Feb. 18 | 6-10 p.m. | Kroc Center Ballroom, 424 Westfield St., Greenville | $50 | Dress to impress for this formal Mardi Gras themed event with hors d’oeuvres, dancing, and a choice selection of silent auction items — free childcare will be provided.
Mardi Gras with Tuba Gin | Saturday, Feb. 18 | 4-7 p.m. | Fireforge Crafted Beer, 311 E. Washington St, Greenville | Free entry | Laissez les bons temps rouler and celebrate Mardi Gras with Tuba Gin , a six-piece jazz band who performs a mix of Nola blues, American roots, and traditional jazz.
Mardi Gras Party with Group Therapy | Saturday, Feb. 18 | 7 p.m. | Group Therapy Pub & Playground, 320 Falls St., Ste. G, Greenville | Free entry | Bring your beads and come out for drink and food specials, a live jazz band, and games.
Mardi Gras Mambo | Sunday, Feb. 19 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | 1105 W. Bramlett Rd., Greenville | $49.99 | Feast on an all you can eat brunch prepared by White Wine & Butter’s Chef Michael Sibert featuring Cajun classics like Jambalaya and beignets, plus groove to live music from the Reedy River Jazz Band.
Pre-Fat Tuesday Event | Sunday, Feb. 19 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Hester General Store, 1735 Hester Store Rd., Easley | Free entry | Grab a Hester General Store King Cake and fresh seafood from Broadwater Shrimp, plus feast on gumbo and enjoy the DIY mask-making station with the kids.
Mardi Gras Night | Sunday, Feb. 19 | 3 p.m. | Bon Secours Wellness Arena, 650 N. Academy St. | $22.50-$50 | Celebrate Mardi Gras night with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits and score free beads from The Lost Cajun.
$25 Tuesday: Abby Celebrates Mardi Gras | Tuesday, Feb. 21 | 6:30 p.m. | Wine & Design Greenville, 1175 Woods Crossing Rd., Greenville | $25 | Bring a friend to sip on wine and celebrate Fat Tuesday by painting a festive Mardi Gras giraffe designed by artist Josh Holt.
Mardi Gras avec Randomonium | Tuesday, Feb. 21 | 6:30 p.m. | Bourbon St. at Hampton Station, 1320 Hampton Ave. Ext., Greenville | Free entry | Celebrate Mardi Gras and the grand opening of Bourbon St. at Hampton Station with live music from the Upstate band Randomonium on the new stage.
Tuba Gin Live | Thursday, Feb. 23 | 7:30 p.m. | Sigal Music Museum, 516 Buncombe St., Greenville | $5-$20 | Keep the good times rolling after Fat Tuesday with more live music from this six-piece jazz band.
Have another Mardi Gras event to add to the list? Submit it to our calendar.
