We have the need… the need for beads. Tuesday, Feb. 13 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 eight events with plenty of Big Easy flair to spare, from traditional desserts and cocktails to tunes. Laissez les bons temps rouler.
Annual Mardi Gras Party | Friday, Feb. 2 | 6 p.m. | Open Art Studios Greenville, 14 S. Main St., Greenville | See local art for sale by ~30 artists, try your luck at getting baby in the king cake, collect some beads (with no strings attached), and enjoy NOLA tunes.
The Junior League of Greenville Presents Mardi Gras Magic | Saturday, Feb. 3 | 7-10 p.m. | The Rutherford, 520 Rutherford Rd., Greenville | $85-$125 | Greenvillians 21+ are invited to laissez les bon temps rouler with a night of creole food, jazz music and a second line, an authentic King Cake, signature Big Easy cocktails + more.
Mardi Gras with Tuba Gin | Saturday, Feb. 10 | 2-5 p.m. | Fireforge Crafted Beer, 311 E. Washington St., Greenville | Free | Head to Fireforge for revelry, good eats, and award-winning beer during its Mardi Gras celebration with Tuba Gin and Bangarang Bakes.
Mardi Gras Bar Crawl | Saturday, Feb. 10 | 2-10 p.m. | The Lounge, 245 N. Main St., Greenville | $13.99 | Enjoy drink specials, beads, a souvenir Mardi Gras beer koozie, DJs, and dancing.
Mardi Gras at the Swamp | Saturday, Feb. 10 | 3-7 p.m. | Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery, 205 Cedar Lane Rd., Greenville | Free entry | Grab a beignet + some New Orleans-style cafe specials and enjoy a performance by the Greenville Jazz Collective.
Big Easy Costume Ball | Saturday, Feb. 10 | 7-11:30 p.m. | Artistry Workshops & Gallery, 12 Andrews St., Greenville | $35 | Dress up for this annual ball and enjoy live music + a performance by Secret Cirkus.
Mardi Gras Masquerade Party | Friday, Feb. 16 | 7:30-11:30 p.m. | The L, Larkin’s Catering & Events, 211 E. Broad St., Ste. B, Greenville | $30-$400 | Be transported to Bourbon Street and experience the mystique of Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras Cabaret | Saturday, Feb. 17 | 8-10 p.m. | Carolina Bauernhaus, 556 Perry Ave., Ste. B118, Greenville | $30-$160 | Feast your eyes and ears on this Mardi Gras cabaret featuring aerial silk performances, burlesque dancers, and live music — must be 21+ from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Have another Mardi Gras event to add to the list? Submit it to our calendar.