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, Cola 680 miles away from the French Quarter. These Soda City spots have plenty of Big Easy flair to spare, with traditional desserts, tunes, and much more. Laissez les bons temps rouler. 🎉

All that jazz + more 🎷

12th annual Mardi Gras Columbia Festival + Parade, City Roots Farm, 1005 Airport Blvd. | Sat. Feb. 26 | Parade at 11 a.m., festival from 12-7 p.m. | Admission is $5 for adults + free for children 12 + under | Hosted by Krewe de Columbi-Ya-Ya and held in Cola’s historic Rosewood neighborhood, the 12th annual event is the go-to party to celebrate Mardi Gras in the Soda City. This year will feature 12 live bands on 3 stages + beer from bayou-based brewery, Abita.

Have your King Cake + eat it too. 👑

The Local Buzz, 631 B Harden St. | Final orders due by Friday at 8 p.m. | 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. + 5:30–8:30 p.m. | $32+ | The Local Buzz has you covered when it comes to Mardi Gras sweets. It offers two sizes of the class King Cake (9” or 6”) and of course, the plastic baby is included. Gluten-free + vegan options are also available. Don’t want the whole cake? Mardi Gras Sugar Cookies are available.

N’awlins-style cocktails + dishes 🍹

Mardi Gras Saturday at Steel Hands, 2350 Foreman St. | Feb. 26 | 12-11 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing will have its King Cake Golden Ale back on tap, a crawfish boil starting at 2 p.m., and will be serving beignets until they’re gone. If this doesn’t have you feeling a little closer to New Orleans, then the Soda City Brass band (and plenty of beads) will help.

Pro tip: Want to create even more local flavor this Mardi Gras? Use Gorget Distillerty’s SilveRum or Black Cherry Rum to concoct a potent Hurricane, topped with the traditional orange slices, cherry + fresh fruit from Rosewood Market. Now you have a Soda City Storm.