We have the need… the need for beads. Today, Feb. 21, 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, ~489 miles away from the French Quarter.
Celebration time 🎷
10th Annual Mardi Bra | Tuesday, Feb. 21 | 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | The Salvation Army’s 614 Corps, 800 McCallie Ave. | Donation | This outreach event aims to provide necessities to women facing homelessness while enjoying a meal + fellowship.
Mardi Gras! | Tuesday, Feb. 21 | 11-1 a.m. | Drake’s Chattanooga, 7338 McCutcheon Rd. | Price of purchase | Enjoy special carnival cocktails, $10 Party Rolls + complimentary King Cake — if you find the baby you can win a $25 gift card.
Party Gras 2023! | Tuesday, Feb. 21 | 12-10 p.m. | Party Fowl, 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd. | Price of purchase | Enjoy a Mardi Gras-themed menu while supplies last.
Fat Tuesday Extravaganza | Tuesday, Feb. 21 | 2-9 p.m. | Naked River Brewing Co., 1791 Reggie White Blvd. | Price of purchase | Neutral Ground will take over Naked River’s kitchen with bayou-inspired eats + hurricane cocktails.
Phat Tuesday Pop Up | Tuesday, Feb. 21 | 4 p.m. | Cherry Street Tavern, 719 Cherry St. | Price of purchase | Try out Chef Phatty Wilson’s gumbo-shrimp, pork + chicken, shroom and gravy, cheesy creamy grits, and more.
Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler Avec d’Autre Frères | Tuesday, Feb. 21 | 4-8 p.m. | Parkway Pourhouse, 801 Riverfront Pkwy. | Price of purchase | Get your fill of mudbugs, beads, and beer and this Mardi Gras celebration.
Mardi Gras Boil | Tuesday, Feb. 21 | 5 p.m. | State of Confusion, 301 E. Main St. | Price of purchase | State of Confusion will be serving up royal red shrimp, snow crab legs, crawfish gumbo, and buckets of beer and hurricanes.
Mardi Gras Celebration | Tuesday, Feb. 21 | 6-11 p.m. | Wanderlinger Brewing Co., 1208 King St. | Price of purchase | Featuring live music by Gino Fanelli and The Jalopy Brothers, crawfish gumbo, muffalettas, and more — the best dressed guest wins a prize.
Mardi Gras with Lon Eldridge | Tuesday, Feb. 21 | 8 p.m. | Gate 11 Distillery, 1400 Market St. | Free+ | Celebrate the holiday with live music by Lon Eldridge.
Mardi Gras Thursday Networking Event | Thursday, Feb. 23 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Slim & Husky’s Pizza Chattanooga, 401 E. MLK Blvd. | Free+, RSVP | Let the good times roll at this networking event featuring pizza, music, conversation, and great vibes.
Mardi Gras Scholarship Ball | Saturday, March 4 | 6:30-11:30 p.m. | Chattanooga Convention Center, 1 Carter St. | $100 | Come out to The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Chattanooga Chapter’s signature fundraising event.
New Orleans-style food + drinks 🍹
Blue Orleans, 1463 Market St. | Bringing the love of New Orleans right to Chattanooga, enjoy Creole + Cajun cuisine to celebrate the holiday — we recommend making a reservation.
J. Gumbo’s, 5123 Hixson Pike | This Cajun-Creole restaurant serves its Louisiana-style cooking in bowls “as big as the bayou.”
Boil Shack Seafood, 5401 Brainerd Rd. | Get your Cajun seafood fix at this family-style restaurant.
