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, ~500 miles away from the French Quarter. These Austin 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. 👑

Wheatsville Food Co-op, 3101 Guadalupe St. + 4001 S. Lamar Blvd. | Available through March 1 | 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m. | $19.99 | This grocery store also sells vegan-friendly King Cakes from Skull & Cakebones.

Easy Tiger, 6406 N. I-35 Frontage Rd. Ste. 1100 | Available through March 1 | 7 a.m.-10 p.m. | $35 | Get a taste of this buttery pain au lait dough laced with cinnamon sugar filling, topped with the three colors of Mardi Gras, and containing a hidden toy tiger surprise. Pre-orders can be made for the location in North Austin, but King Cakes are available on a first-come, first-served basis at all locations.

Where to celebrate 🎷

Big Easy Mardi Gras Festival, Mission Possible Austin | Sat., Feb. 26 | 12-9 p.m. | $5+ | Listen to Zydeco music + watch performances at this family-friendly festival — bring lawn chairs for this outdoor event.

Fat Tuesday Crawfish Boil, Scholz Garten | Tues., March 1 | 3-8 p.m. | Free | Enjoy live music + jam out to a DJ spinnin’ songs by New Orleans artists.

Mardi Gras Bar Crawl - Austin, Blind Pig Pub | Sat., Feb. 26 | 3-10 p.m. | $13+ | Help turn Sixth Street into New Orleans’s Bourbon Street during this Mardi Gras-themed bar crawl, which includes a lot of beads and costumes.

Fat Tuesday Crawfish Boil with Nikki Glaspie's All Star Band, The Far Out Lounge and Stage | Tues., March 1 | 6-10 p.m. | $10 | Come for the live music and stay for the crawfish.

Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday, Easy Tiger - all locations | Tues., March 1 | Times vary | These multiple Mardi Gras parties include collaborations with Paws on Chicon, Twin City Trivia, and Amy’s Ice Creams.

Celebrate Mardi Gras, The Brewtorium | Tues., March 1 | 6:30-9 p.m. | $5 donation suggested per bingo card | Celebrate on Fat Tuesday by celebrating with Drag Queen Loteria + join the silent auction benefiting the Hill Country Ride for AIDS.

N’awlins-style dishes 🍹

New Awlins Cafe | 8650 Spicewood Springs Rd., #111 | Monday-Saturday | Times vary | Get Louisiana home-style cooking by trying this restaurant’s cajun green beans, gumbo, and crawfish étouffée.

Sawyer & Co. | 4827 E. Cesar Chavez St. | Daily | Times vary | This East Austin diner + bar serves southern classics from New Orleans such as boudin balls, red beans and rice, and shrimp remoulade.

French Quarter Grille | 13000 I-35 #600 | Tuesday-Saturday | Times vary | Try a shrimp po’boy or catfish gumbo over dirty rice.