Days full of fun with beads, king cakes, and parties await you this month. With Mardi Gras in our sights, it’s time to go big! We’re headed out into the city for good food, live music, and dancing. 

Here are a handful of Mardi Gras events in Houston and beyond that we recommend this year:

Events

Mardi Gras Galveston

February 10-21 | Times vary | Tickets start at $15

Galveston Island’s annual Mardi Gras celebration celebrates its 112th anniversary this year. As the nation’s third-largest Mardi Gras observation, the local event spans 11 days, with parades, balls, and family-friendly fun activities. Live entertainment includes performances from Ghostland Observatory, Chris Janson, and Secretto. It’s not Mardi Gras without a parade, so expect the Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade, the Mystic Krewe of Aquarius, and Zaniest Golf Carts in tow. 

North Houston City Place Fat Tuesday

Tuesday, February 21 | 5-7 p.m. | 1250 Lake Plaza Drive Spring, TX 77389 | Free, but food prices vary

You’ll need to do a double-take when you arrive at City Place. The North Houston plaza will transform into the Big Easy for the storied Louisiana holiday. Celebrate the culture of Mardi Gras in the plaza with a gumbo food truck, a live jazz band, and a free king cake. Be sure to arrive early though, so you can get a slice with the baby!

Sugar Land Town Center Party Gras

Saturday, February 18 | 4-9 p.m. |  Texas Street Sugar Land, TX 77479 | Free, but RSVP required

Sugar Land’s community Town Center turns into a brilliant Mardi Gras festival this year.  as organizers import the sound and taste of New Orleans to help celebrate. Enjoy performances from the Soul Rebels, and DJ Flash Jordon, and tuck into some light bites from The Rouxpour. It’s not called Fat Tuesday for anything—-be sure to wear your stretchy pants for the king cake and oyster eating contest (thankfully, separate events!). 

Mardi Gras Celebration at St. Theresa Catholic Church 

Sunday, February 19 | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | 6622 Haskell Street | Free

Following the 10 a.m. Mass, St. Theresa Catholic Church hosts its annual “All Are Welcome” Mardi Gras event. Classic dishes like red beans and rice will be served alongside a live band performance, crafts, and games. It’s free and kid-friendly. 

Eat & Drink Specials

Daiq’s 

Tuesday, February 21 | 4 p.m. - 12 a.m. | 7333 W Sam Houston Pkwy S., Suite 101 | Prices vary.

On the final day of the carnival season, the spirit of Bourbon Street will fill Daiq’s Restaurant and Lounge. The made-from-scratch menu is serving up homemade red beans and rice, shrimp etouffee, cajun pasta, and crawfish by the pound, with hurricanes and hand grenades straight to wash it all down.

Monkey’s Tail

February 1-21 |5802 Fulton St. |  Cocktail specials start at $8 

Say cheers to Mardi Gras at Monkey’s Tail this month. Get a taste of New Orleans’ infamous Bourbon Street right in Lindale Park. The bar is serving up $10 Hurricanes and $13 Frozen Hand Grenades (served in branded Monkey’s Tail cup,) plus strawberry daiquiritas and king cake shots. 

The Warwick

Tuesday, February 21 | 6-10 p.m. | 5888 Westheimer Rd. | Prices vary

Second-line your way on over to The Warwick for Mardi Gras. The southern restaurant is pulling out all the stops with a New Orleans-style brass band, throwing of beads, and a special menu that includes Hurricanes, and creole dishes such as the Tail of New Orleans and Jambalaya Pasta. 

Doris Metropolitan

Tuesday, February 21 | 9-11 p.m. | 2815 S Shepherd Dr. | Prices vary

If you swing by Montrose’s Doris Metropolitan, be sure to come in costume for Mardi Gras. Dance the night away with the DJ, who spins until 11 p.m., and enjoy the festive drinks, beads, and some of the best-cooked meats you’ll find in Houston. 

Kolache Shoppe

Throughout February | Times vary | Greenway, Heights, and Kingwood | Prices start at $2.75

Get into the Mardi Gras spirit at the Kolache Shoppe with its themed offerings. Available at locations in the Houston area, ask for the king cake kolache if you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth. Or opt for the boudin kolache if you’re craving savory. Either way, you can wash it down with a Biscoff latte, made with locally roasted coffee and simmered milk with real Biscoff cookies. 

Brennan’s of Houston

Tuesday, February 21 | 3300 Smith St. | $79 per person

The family behind Houston’s acclaimed Brennans are New Orleans born and raised, so around this time of year, they’re pulling out all the stops. Expect dinner and a show—the Sin City Drag Queens will serenade guests while they fill up on the three-course dinner, which includes a starter, dinner, and dessert. 

Warehouse 72

Tuesday, February 21 | 5 p.m. | 7620 Katy Fwy #305 | $72

Let the good times roll all night long at Warehouse 72’s tasty curated dinner. Music from Zydeco Joe will fill the rustic restaurant for the evening, and Chef Jaime Salazar has a 4-course menu inspired by the flavors of New Orleans: jumbo lump crab stuffed pasta, flash fried frog legs (try saying that three times,) blackened redfish, and bananas foster cheesecake to top it all off.