We have the need… the need for beads. Today 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, 870+ miles from the French Quarter. These Raleigh spots have plenty of Big Easy flair to spare. Laissez les bons temps rouler. 🎉

Have your king cake + eat it, too. 👑

Union Special, 401 Fayetteville St. + 2409 Crabtree Blvd. | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | $6 | Celebrate Mardi Gras with an Instagramable mini king cake with purple, green + yellow sprinkles.

Rise, 530 Daniels St. | 7 a.m.-2 p.m. | $2.75 | Want something lighter? Try these warm, powdery, biscuit beignets.

Mardi on 🎉

Mardi Gras at Chavis, 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. | 4-7 p.m. | Free | Join in on the festivities with food trucks, music, mask making, and bead giveaways.

N’awlins-style cocktails + dishes 🍹

The Big Easy, 222 Fayetteville St. | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | Free | Sip on Hurricane cocktails from the bar + enjoy New Orleans-inspired favorites from the kitchen while MikeMickXer and Kenny Shore mix up some tunes for this Mardi Gras party.

Pro tip: Want to create even more local flavor this Mardi Gras? Use Raleigh Rum Company’s light and dark rum to concoct a potent Hurricane. Top it with the traditional orange slices, cherry + fruit. Now you have a Raleigh Storm.