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, ~ 678 miles away from the French Quarter. These Asheville 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. 👑

We were so eager to get our hands on these, we dropped a list of the best places earlier this week. Find them here.

All that jazz 🎷

Parade and Queen's Ball, South Slope | Sun., Feb. 27| 3:05 - 9 p.m. | Free | The 15th annual iteration of this beloved parade begins at the corner of Coxe and Hilliard Avenues and is followed by the Queen's Ball at the Funkatorium from 5-9 p.m.
Mardi Gras Parade After Party, Banks Ave. Bar, 32 Banks Ave. 101, | Sun., Feb. 27 | 3- 7 p.m. | Free entry | Get turnt up at this after party featuring Mardi Gras drink specials, food from Chef Mark Schmitt, tunes from DJ Eric Scott, and a drag show.
Fat Sunday at Bold Rock, 39 N. Lexington Ave. | Sun., Feb. 27 | 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. | Free entry | Come hungry to this inaugural event, which will feature a full crawfish boil (available for purchase by the pound) with corn, potatoes, and crawfish. There will also be all-day drink specials, live music, masks, beads, and King Cake cupcakes.

N’awlins-style cocktails + dishes 🍹

DSSOLVR, 63 N. Lexington Ave. | Sat., Feb. 26-Sun., Feb. 27| 3-8 p.m. | Chef + New Orleans native Matt Grush of Grush’s Cajun Dino Grill serves up Southern Louisiana cuisine including gumbo and po’boys alongside sips from DSSOLVR. Bonus: free beads come with special draft pours.
Luella’s Bar-B-Que, 506 Merrimon Ave. and 33 Town Square Blvd. | Sat., Feb. 26-Tues., March 1| Hours vary | Enjoy a Southern spin on classic Creole fare, including smoked chicken and shrimp gumbo, fried catfish po'boys, and Chop Shop andouille sausage with red beans + rice.
Mardi Gras & King Cake 10W-40 Release | Sat., Feb. 26 | 12-3 p.m. | Hi-Wire Brewing, 2A Huntsman Pl. | Free | Enjoy the new beer brewed with coffee, chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon + pecans and celebrate the Carnival season with live music.

Pro tip: Want to create even more local flavor this Mardi Gras? Use Dalton Distillery’s light and dark rum to concoct a potent Hurricane, topped with the traditional orange slices, cherry + fruit from The French Broad Coop. Now you have an Asheville Storm.