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

All that jazz 🎷

Mardi Gras at KC Live! | KC Live! Block | Sat., Feb. 26 | 7-10 p.m. | $40+ | Join the crawl to 10+ bars + venues, and enjoy crawfish and hurricanes.
22nd Annual Carnival Ball | The Ship, 1221 Union Ave., Kansas City, MO | Sat., Feb. 26 | 8 p.m. | $50 | Enjoy a creole + cajun buffet, open bar, and live music from NOLA-style and afrobeat bands.

Have your King Cake + eat it, too. 👑

Three Bears Bakery & BBQ |, 13723 W. 108th St., Lenexa, KS | Pre-order by Sat., Feb. 26, and pickup on Mardi Gras, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | $30 | Chiffon cinnamon cake with vanilla glaze — plus, it’s gluten-free and diabetic-friendly.
Banksia Bakehouse |, Llocations in dDowntown and the Plaza | 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | $40 | Give Banksia 48 hours notice before picking to pick up your cake.
Great Harvest Bread Co. |, 4002 W. 83rd St., Prairie Village, KS | 7 a.m.-5 p.m. | $12.95+ | Get yours in small, large, or large pecan with 24 hours advance notice.
Best Regards |, 6759 West 119th Street, Overland Park, KS | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. (Sat.), Closed (Sun.), 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Weekdays) | $27.99 | King cakes available with a day’s notice, plus Mardi Gras sugar cookies available by order + in-store.