We have the need… the need for beads. March 1 is Mardi Gras — also known as “Fat Tuesday,” which is the direct translation from French. 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 + flying jewelry. ⚜️

Don’t sweat it if you can’t make it down to the bayou — you can celebrate right here, 800 miles away from the French Quarter. These Circle City spots have plenty of Big Easy flair to spare, with traditional desserts, tunes, and much more. Laissez les bons temps rouler. 🎉

Have your King Cake + eat it, too. 👑

Sahm’s Restaurants: Available at Broad Ripple Farmers Market, 2615 E. 62nd St. + Big Lug Canteen, 1435 E. 86th St. | Available on Sat., Feb. 26 + Tues., March 1 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. + 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | $7+ | The popular restaurant group — known for its coffee cake — is rolling out a pecan King Cake fit for a king with cinnamon sugar + a lemony glaze.

All that jazz 🎷

Nostalgic Y2K Mardi Gras Edition at the Patron Saint, 250 S. Meridian St. | Tues., March 1 | 9 p.m. | Free | This basement concert venue is embracing its New Orleans inspired concept with a dance party DJ’d by John Stamps and Knags + $8 frozen hurricanes.
Mardi Gras Party 2022 at The Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Ave. | Tues., March 1 | 6:30 p.m. | $10+ | Crab cakes, etoufee, + King Cake to eat, hurricanes, Fleur De Lis + Sazeracs to drink, and music from Pork N Beans Brass Band to dance to.
DysFUNKtion Brass at Big Lug Mardi Gras, 1435 E. 86th St. | Tues., March 1 | 6:30 p.m. | Free | Big Lug is bringing NOLA to Nora with a live brass band, great food + high energy.

N’awlins-style cocktails + dishes 🍹

8th Day Distillery, 1125 Brookside Ave. | Sat., Feb. 26 | 5-10 p.m. | Jambalaya, gumbo + Mardi Gras themed cocktails will be served up at this Windsor Park distillery, thanks to local catering company Too Much SAWCE.

Pro tip: Want to create even more local flavor this Mardi Gras? Use Hard Truth Distillery coconut rum to concoct a potent Hurricane, topped with the traditional orange slices, cherry + fruit from the Broad Ripple farmers market. Now you have an Indy Storm.