You don't have to live in New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras. You and your friends can stay in -- where you won't get into too much trouble -- don colorful costumes and beads, and whip up some HurRAcanes (that's RA Sushi's version of Hurricanes) or Southern Juleps.
What? You really wanted to go out and party? Here are some events in the Phoenix area where you can "laissez les bons temps rouler!"
Mardi Gras in Chandler
What: Mardi Gras Celebration
Where: San Marcos Resort, Downtown Chandler
Cost: ?
In 2013: Sunday, January 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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The Arizona Classic Jazz Society presents Mardi Gras with Original Wildcat Jass Band, Arizona Roadrunners and 52nd Street Jazz Band.
Mardi Gras in Glendale
What: The Arizona Winds Presents "Mardi Gras
Where: Deer Valley High School, 18424 N 51st Ave, Glendale
Cost: Free
In 2013: Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 3 p.m.
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The 85-member Arizona Winds will present a concert with a bit of New Orleans-style jazz and Dixieland, and a tip of the hat to the great Louis Armstrong.
Mardi Gras in Phoenix
What: Downtown Phoenix Mardi Gras Parade, Festival & Pub CrawlWhere: Downtown Phoenix
Cost: Pub Crawl: $15. Trolleys take teams to each bar. Wristbands must be picked up or purchased by 9 p.m. at the Downtown Phoenix Ambassadors table at CityScape. If you plan to do the pub crawl by foot, there's no charge.
In 2013: Saturday, February 9
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See a picture of the Mardi Gras Parade!
Celebrate Mardi Gras with the Mardi Gras Parade, Festival & Mardi Crawl. Spend some time in different Downtown Phoenix bars and restaurants and enjoy entertainment, food samples, and drink specials only available to Mardi Crawl participants. Mardi Gras regalia strongly encouraged! Participation in the parade (4 p.m.) is free, the festival will be held at CityScape from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Mardi Crawl starts at 9 p.m. 21+ only.
Mardi Gras in Scottsdale
What: Mardi Gras GalaWhere: The Venue Scottsdale, 7117 E. 3rd Ave., Scottsdale
Cost: Tickets start at $200 per person
In 2013: Saturday, February 23
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The Valley’s elite will gather to support the Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona. The Mardi Gras Gala the crowning of the "Mardi Gras King/Queen." This individual’s active involvement in business and social concerns demonstrates their desire to support local organizations, including the Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona. Concert, street performers, burlesque show, casino gambling and Cajun cuisine.
Mardi Gras in Tempe
What: International Mardi Gras Party at Hackett HouseWhere: 95 W. Fourth Street, Tempe (one block west of Mill Avenue)
Cost: $25 prepaid, $30 at the door
In 2013: Friday February 8 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
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It's a Bourbon Street experience in downtown Tempe. Louisiana-style Cuisine including Muffaletta, Gumbo and Hackett House Hurricanes. Live music, Costumes are encouraged. Prizes will be awarded.
Need a Costume for Mardi Gras?
Try the Mardi Gras Costume Shop in Scottsdale.All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.
