You don't have to live in New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras. Here are some events in the Phoenix area where you can "laissez les bons temps rouler!"
Mardo Gras in Chandler
What: Mardi Gras Jazz PartyWhere: San Marcos Resort, Downtown Chandler
Cost: $15
In 2009: Sunday, February 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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The Arizona Classic Jazz Society presents Mardi Gras with Wildcats, Roadrunners and 52nd Street.What: Mardi Gras at Jilly's
Where: Jilly's American Grill, Chandler
Cost: Cost of food and drinks.
In 2009: Tuesday, February 24 at 5:00 p.m.
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Live blues band, live crawfish boil on the patio, serving crawfish etoufee, shrimp po-boys and seafood gumbo. Authentic Pat O'Briens hurricanes. Beads and all well and premium drinks are 2 for 1 from 3-7 p.m.
Mardi Gras in Glendale
What: Mardi Gras Party GrasWhere: Westgate City Center WaterDance Plaza
Cost: Free admission
In 2009: Thursday, February 19 to February 24
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From roving Dixieland Jazz to traditional New Orleans jambalaya, Westgate City Center is throwing a six-day party – Bourbon Street style. Evening entertainment includes everything from street performers and caricaturists to beads, beads and more beads! Dixieland Jazz and the sounds of saxophones will fill the air, and it all culminates with the crowning of the ‘Mardi Gras Party Gras’ King and Queen on Fat Tuesday.Schedule of Events:
Thursday, February 19:
Dixieland Jazz live music from 9 – 11 p.m.
Jambalaya from 9:30 – 11 p.m.
Friday, February 20:
Saxophonist from 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Caricaturist from 7 – 11 p.m.
Paintings by Samantha from 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Jambalaya from 9 – 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 21:
Bead throwing from balcony at 6 p.m.
Patte Williams live music from 9 – 11 p.m.
Saxophonist from 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Caricaturist from 7 – 11 p.m.
Street performers from 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Paintings by Samantha from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Jambalaya from 9 – 10:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 22:
Dixieland Jazz live music from 5 – 6 p.m.
Caricaturist from 7 – 11 p.m.
Street performers from 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Paintings by Samantha from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Jambalaya from 8 – 9:30 p.m.
Monday, February 23:
All evening, visit Westgate’s bars and restaurants to collect beads and enjoy food and drink specials. The couple with the most beads will be crowned Mardi Gras Party Gras King and Queen.
Fat Tuesday, February 24:
Bead throwing from balcony at 6 p.m.
Taste of Mardi Gras from 7 – 8 p.m.
Live music from 8 – 11 p.m.
Saxophonist from 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Caricaturist from 7 – 11 p.m.
Street performers from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Paintings by Samantha from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Jambalaya from 7 – 10 p.m.
Crowning of King and Queen at 10:30 p.m.
Mardo Gras in Phoenix
What: Mardi Gras GalaWhere: Icehouse, Phoenix
Cost: $75 per ticket and up
In 2009: Fat Tuesday, February 24, 2009
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The Valley’s elite will gather on Fat Tuesday to support the Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona. The Mardi Gras Gala is a premier social evening, mirroring the activities and celebrations of Carnival in New Orleans including fortune tellers, street performers, casino gaming, tasting stations and a concert from Jazz artists, Impromp2. The event includes a food tasting, with 15 of the valley's top restaurants invited to participate for your tasting pleasure. The highlight of the Gala is 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. This year’s honoree is Jim Abrahams, Hollywood writer, director, producer and actor, for his embodiment of the spirit of philanthropy and support for epilepsy community.
Mardo Gras in Tempe
What: Mardi Gras Festival Presented by Tempe Sister CitiesWhere: Hackett House, 95 W. Fourth Street, Tempe (one block west of Mill Avenue)
Cost: $15 per person in advance or $25 per person at event
In 2009: February 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
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New Orleans-style cuisine will be served, including crab cakes with remoulade sauce, shrimp Creole, red beans and rice, chicken and sausage gumbo, muffulettas, pecan pralines and much more. The public is invited to attend this ultimate street party complete with feathered masks and beads. Attendees are encouraged to wear Mardi Gras costumes. Tickets can be purchased at the Hackett House, or by calling 480-350-8181. Proceeds from the festival benefit the Tempe Sister Cities educational programs.
