In case you're not entirely certain about the meaning and significance of Mardi Gras, the literal French translation is "Fat Tuesday." This refers to the practice of splurging on richer, fatty foods the last night before the ritual fasting of the Christian Lent season which starts on the following day, Ash Wednseday. Whether or not you participate in either of these religious obligations, there are certainly plenty of opportunities to indulge in not only food but cocktails and other popular Mardi Gras practices like wearing masks and costumes, overturning social conventions, dancing, parades, and always beads, beads, beads! Check out our list of Sacramento Mardi Gras parties:
Sacramento Nightlife:
Wed, Mar 2, 9pm-2am, M!X Downtown
M!X Wednesdays holds nothing back for their mid-week Mardi Gras celebration! Bring your beads, masks, and smiles. Special guest DJ Solomon of San Francisco navigates the party.
Thurs, Mar 3, 9pm-2am, M!X Downtown
When you think of dance music on the West Coast there are only a few elite artists that spring to mind. At the top of that list has always been the house doctor--from San Francisco to Los Angeles everyone knows DJ Doc Martin. M!X Downtown is proud to kick off their Mardi Gras weekend with an exclusive performance by the DJ that influenced a generation of DJs and Producers. Special opening house set by DJ Mike Moss. Drink specials by Jack Daniels and Southern Comfort.
Fri, Mar 4, 9pm-2am, M!X Downtown
Join M!X Downtown for a French Quarter style party! Enjoy lush decorations, Bacardi drink specials, champagne specials, and beads! DJ David X spins Top 40 and dance remixes.
Sat, Mar 5, 8:30pm, Crescent Club
Take a trip to the “French Quarter,” for a decadent celebration of the 1st Annual Bal masque’ du Mardi Gras, a grand Masquerade Ball and Mardi Gras celebration. This world class event will feature live performances by the Red Skunks Gypsy Swing Band, performing original hot New Orleans Jazz and Swing, and Sacramento’s hot blooded Jambalaya, performing their unique mix of Carnival Salsa, Swing, and Samba. Other amazing talents and entertainment include carnival dancers, circus performers, and fire dancers.
Sat, Mar 5, 9pm-2am, The Park Ultra Lounge
Celebrate Mardi Gras weekend with your favorite party spot. DJ Spider of Tryst returns to rock out with NOW 100.5 and Sactown's version of Bourbon Street. Enjoy free beads, masks, and all the decorations that make Mardi Gras so fabulous!
Kids & Fam:
Mardi Gras Family Day
Sat, Mar 5, 10am-5pm, Jose Rizal Community Center
The 2nd Annual Mardi Gras Family Celebration is an international event and everyone is welcome! Enjoy Po-Boys, Beignet Donuts, King Cakes, jumpers, face painting, and entertainment. Come ready to eat and shop. It's going to be a good time and a celebration of Black History.
Festivals:
Mardi Gras Pub ‘n Grub Crawl
Sat, Mar 5, 6pm, Old Sacramento State Historic Park
Celebrate with your favorite Old Sac restaurants and pubs. Your self-guided pub crawl will take you through multiple venues with live music, food and drink specials, street entertainment, beads, costumes, and more. Come celebrate Mardi Gras Old Sac style!
Special Events:
Capitol City Mardi Gras Ball
Sat, Mar 5, 7pm-11pm, Jose Rizal Community Center
At this semi-black tie event, enjoy performances by the Royal Players Brass Band, Saxy Lady Notasha Harris, Sacramento's own Garrett Perkins, and Tina Baltimore and the Sacramento Soul Line Dancers. Admission price includes hurricanes & drinks, hors d'oeurves, and entertainment.
There are always lots of things to do in Sacramento California. Find these events and many more on Sacramento365.com - the year-round source for Sacramento events.
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