Mardi Gras in Southern California

Events for kids and adults offer food, music and plenty of color

Beads and the color scheme of purple, gold and green are often found at Mardi Gras fests. The big day is Tuesday, but events from L.A. to O.C. to Riverside will happen over the weekend and Monday, too. Photo by Geronimo Quitoriano

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By Charlie Vargas and Holly Alvarado

Staff writers

While New Orleans is the principal location for a Mardi Gras celebration, Southern California also offers plenty of fun experiences.

Mardi Gras, which marks the end of the pre-Lenten season and in French means “Fat Tuesday,” lands on March 4 this year. The name stems from the custom of “using all the fats in the home before Lent in preparation for fasting and abstinence.” We’ve compiled a list of celebrations that include family-friendly craft workshops and dance parties, pet dress-up contests, live entertainment and plenty of New Orleans-based food to help with any FOMO.

Here are seven ways to celebrate Mardi Gras.

1 Bella Terra Kids Club

This free kids dance party, parade and crafts workshop will be held at the Green near the outdoor mall’s movie theater. The Kids Club has hosted several holiday events, including a recent Valentine’s Day celebration, a cookie crawl in Long Beach and a cookie decorating workshop in Huntington Beach, where a Minnie Mouse actor participated in the dance party. The Kids Club social media clips show sizable crowds, so RSVP by 8 p.m. the evening before the event to ensure you receive craft supplies. Sunscreen and protective hats are recommended.

Where: 7777 Edinger Ave. Huntington Beach

When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Monday

Admission: Free, but to ensure enough craft supplies are available for everyone, organizers ask attendees to register the night before at eventbrite.com.

2 Castle Park

The Riverside amusement park is celebrating with weekend events full of photo ops, live entertainment and tasty food. Guests can pose with Duke the Dragon, who will be dressed in his finest attire as King Duke in the Mardi Gras purple, gold and green color schemes. Music will feature the upbeat sounds of New Orleans, with energetic new dance numbers and the return of the Bayou Sliders. Guests can also taste this year’s flavors with New Orleans-inspired dishes like the crisp popcorn shrimp po’boys, shrimp and grits, gumbo, sheet pan shrimp boil, and dessert options like bananas Foster sundaes, beignets and themed funnel cakes.

Where: 3500 Polk St., Riverside

When: 1-8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 1-10 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays

Admission: $24.99-$44.99 at castlepark.com

3 The Original Farmer’s Market

Several events will included a “mutti” pet parade and costume contest, where you can dress up your pooch to compete for the best-dressed king and queen in small, medium and large categories. There will also be a brass band, a beignet and gumbo pop-up tent and other vendors selling New Orleans fare.

Where: 6333 W. Third St., Los Angeles

When: Noon-7 p.m. Saturday, noon-8 p.m. Sunday

Admission: Free

4 Truly LA Mardi Gras

All-day celebration features DJs, food and drink specials, and plenty of festive beads. The event runs for nine hours, giving guests plenty of time to enjoy the lively atmosphere. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick drink or planning to stay for the night, this party will have lots to enjoy.

Where: 216 S. Alameda St., Los Angeles

When: 2-11 p.m. Tuesday

Admission: Free; RSVP at Eventbrite.com

5 Vegan Mardi Gras

You can celebrate nine years of events at Common Space Brewery and Tasting Room. This all-ages, dog-friendly festival features over 30 local vendors offering vegan food, craft beer and themed dishes. A jazz band from New Orleans will set the festive mood from 2-4 p.m., and the two most spirited attendees will be crowned Mardi Gras royalty. Instead of traditional beads, sustainable throws will be tossed throughout the event.

Where: Common Space Brewery and Tasting Room, 3411 W. El Segundo Blvd., Hawthorne

When: Noon-5 p.m. Saturday

Admission: Free; more information at Eventbrite.com

6 Harvelle’s

The venue is bringing the spirit of New Orleans to the West Coast with a high-energy show featuring The Damn Well Please Organ Trio and guests. Expect a night of jazz, blues, funk, rock and swamp music, along with festive traditions like King Cake, beads, masks and classic cocktails like Hurricanes and Shark Attacks. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show kicks off at 9:30. Guests must be 21 or older, with a two-drink minimum.

Where: 1432 Fourth St., Santa Monica

When: 8-11:30 p.m. Tuesday

Admission: $7 presale online, $10 at the door. Online ticket sales close at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Tickets available at the door after 8 p.m. Information at Eventbrite.com.

7 R&Brunch: Mardi Gras Edition

Shannon’s at the Top is bringing New Orleans vibes to Long Beach. Guests are encouraged to dress in purple, green and gold; grab some beads; and enjoy a high-energy day party. Brunch for general admission ticketholders is served downstairs at The Carvery from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., while those with table reservations can have their meal upstairs. The event features DJs, dancing and themed cocktails.

Where: Shannon’s at the Top, 201 Pine Ave., Long Beach

When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday

Admission: $10 for early bird tickets and $20 after. Table reservations range from $60-$100 with a food and beverage minimum. Tickets available at Eventbrite.com.