Mardi Gras is less than a week away, but the party will start early in Fort Worth with all the thrills, frills, and excitement you can expect from the New Orleans-born party. Before Fat Tuesday officially rolls around on March 1, check out the local events happening this Sat., Feb. 26.

🟢 Beignet Pop-Up | Martin House Brewing Company, 220 S. Sylvania Ave.

Enjoy the taste of New Orleans-style beignets from one of the most-talked-about bakeries in town, The Dusty Biscuit. Martin House Brewing Company will celebrate all things, Mardi Gras, with beignets, jambalaya + the launch of The Dusty Biscuit Beignet Beer from 12-5 p.m.

🟣 Mardi Gras Brunch | B&B Butchers, 5212 Marathon Ave.

Stop by for a lively celebration from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and enjoy live music from Fort Worthian James Hinkle, face painting, New Orleans-inspired brunch dishes + specialty cocktails from Beam Suntory.

🟢 3rd Annual Gumbo Cook-Off | Twilite Lounge, 212 Lipscomb St.

Sample + judge 20+ gumbos from local chefs who will compete to win prizes for the “House Favorite,” “Twilite Favorite,” and “Popular Vote.” Sip down the gumbo with some beer from Lakewood Brewing Company + unwind with live jazz music. The tasting will begin at 6 p.m., but it's recommended you get there early.

🟣 Mardi Gras Celebration | Neutral Ground Brewing Company, 2929 Race St.

A street festival with local vendors, live music, and a parade will kick off at 12:30 p.m. After the celebrations, the brewery will launch its King Cake beer paired with chef-made King Cake + boudin King Cake.

🍽️ Local Cajun restaurants for anytime

Boo-Rays of New Orleans, 5728 Boat Club Rd.

This dining hall features a classic New Orleans-style menu with seafood, shrimp, jambalaya + gumbo.

Southern Classic Daiquiri Factory, 6751 Bridge St.

Chose from 15 different flavors of frozen daiquiris + traditional Natchitoches meat pies, Baton Rouge boudin balls, and Bourbon Street pasta.

Acadia Parish Crawfish, 7914 Camp Bowie W. Blvd.

Find authentic Louisiana-boiled crawfish, Cajun and Creole foods + specialty meats.