The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Last-minute ways to celebrate Mardi Gras
You might be familiar with Mardi Gras as the crazy, beadthrowing street party in New Orleans that it is, but the colorful all-night ode to letting the good times roll has a footprint in Atlanta, too.
The city has become the second home to many New Orleans transplants since Hurricane Katrina in 2005 when thousands were displaced and trekked to the Peach State for refuge.
So, the combined force of Atlantans with those Big Easy roots and those who just have an affinity for Fat Tuesday, which is March 5, make it a must that this city deliver plenty of ways to celebrate Mardi Gras — even for those that didn’t plan ahead.
From pop-ups to babies in the king cake, here are some easy, lastminute ways to celebrate Mardi Gras 2019 in Atlanta.
Mardi Gras Midtown
If you’re on Monroe Drive and you’re asking yourself, “who dat?,” the answer is probably the Mardi Gras pop-up themed bar at Tapa Tapa, the same space that hosts the Instagram-able Christmas pop-up “Miracle on Monroe.” From now until March 5, you can enjoy New Orleans classics such as shrimp and oyster po’boys, jambalaya, crawfish beignets, and alligator bites. Pair these bayou classics with New Orleansinspired drinks and Mardi Gras beads and you’ll be ready to hop in the photo booth. 5-11:45 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays until March 5. Tapa Tapa, 931 Monroe Drive NE, Atlanta. facebook.com/tapatapaAtlanta.
Mardi Gras Season at Bon Ton
It’s Mardi Gras Season at Bon Ton — no trip to New Orleans needed. Just grab some friends and bring ‘em to this Midtown watering hole serving up NOLA vibes year round. Bon Ton has even rolled out a specialty drink menu just for Mardi Gras, inspired by famous New Orleans “Krewes” Rex and Zulu. The classic favorite king cake will be served daily and if you find the hidden baby in your cake, you’ll win a gift certificate. Surprises, beads and drinks culminate on Fat Tuesday, March 5, with a party including a crawfish boil, D Js and giveaways. Daily, until March 5. Bon Ton Atlanta, 674 Myrtle St., NE., Atlanta. www. bontonatl.com.
Mardi Gras at Sidebar
Get down like a ragin’ cajun for Mardi Gras at Sidebar. With $2 tequila, $5 fireball and Jagermeister shots until midnight and club bangers all night spun by D J JWattz, the Mardi Gras festivities at the downtown Atlanta sports bar promise good bayou vibes. 10 p.m. March 1. $5 online, $10 at the door. Sidebar, 79 Poplar St., NW., Atlanta. www. eventbrite.com.
Mardi Gras at Live! at the Battery Atlanta
Mardi Gras season will kick off at the Battery this weekend. This indoor/outdoor event will feature everything NOLA. From jazz music and Cajun food to themed cocktails and of course, those wonderful beads. 8 p.m. March 2. $10-$35. Battery Atlanta, 825 Battery Ave SE, Suite 600, Atlanta. www. liveatthebatteryatlanta.com.
Mardi Gras 5k Fun Run & Walk
Marietta Square is hosting a festive, family-friendly race for everyone, in Mardi Gras-style. No matter where you’re at in your health journey, odds are you can run or walk in either the 5K, the 1K, or take your young ones for a stroll in the Tot Trot. While you’re there, catch some live music, feast with king cake, enjoy face painting and so much more. 7 a.m. March 2. $35. 5K Run/ Walk, $20 1K Fun Run. Historic Marietta Square, 50 N. Park Square, Marietta. www.mariettamardigrasrun.com.