Consider this your go-to resource for all things Mardi Gras in Nashville! This year, Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday,” falls on Tuesday, February 13, 2018. We’ve summed up the hottest things to do plus some restaurants to get you in the spirit. Many celebrations will be announced last-minute, so check back here for additional Mardi Gras event options.
This Guide Includes:
- Mardi Gras Themed Events
- Fat Tuesday Events
- Cajun / Creole Restaurants in Nashville
Mardi Gras-Themed Events
These Mardi Gras-themed events are taking place before or after Fat Tuesday. Scroll down to see happenings on Fat Tuesday.
The Birds and the Beads
Friday, February 9, 2018
The Birds and the Beads: A Mardi Gras Burlesquerade will be on Friday, February 9, 2018, at 9:00pm at The Studio Nashville. Wear your Mardi Gras best!
March to the Roof: Mardi Gras Day Party
Saturday, February 10, 2018
March to the Roof is a Mardi Gras celebration during the day on Saturday, February 10, 2018, from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. Attendees will march from Tin Roof Broadway to Tin Roof Demonbreun, where the celebration will continue. The Halfbrass Band will lead the march with songs, drinks and dancing. Costumes are highly encouraged. Drink specials include $15 Southern Comfort yard sticks and $7 Fireball shots. Admission is free.
The Affair to Care Mardi Gras Ball
Saturday, February 10, 2018
The Affair to Care Mardi Gras Ball is an annual young professional, black tie (optional) fundraiser presented by the Southeastern Young Alumni Charitable Foundation (SEYA). This year’s Affair to Care is Saturday, February 10, 2018, from 8pm to midnight at Rocketown.
Mardi Gras Midtown Bar Crawl
Saturday, February 10, 2018
The Mardi Gras, Midtown Bar Crawl presented by Hop Scotch Events is Saturday, February 10, 2018, from 11:00am to 10:00m. The bar crawl includes Demonbreun and Midtown favorites like Tin Roof, Whiskey Rhythm Saloon, Two Bits, South, Kung Fu Saloon, Winners, and Tailgate.
Mardi Gras Masquerade on Demonbreun
Saturday, February 10, 2018
Frisky Frog’s on Demonbreun is hosting Mardi Gras Masquerade on Saturday, February 10, 2018, from 7:00pm to 2:00am. Dress to impress in your most festive Mardi Gras attire for a chance to win a $200 prize. Purchase tickets in advance for $10 to get beads, a mask, and one drink of choice. Admission is $15 at the door.
Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Events
All of the following events will take place on Fat Tuesday — Tuesday, February 13, 2018.
Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar Party
Head to Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar in Printer’s Alley on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 for delicious Cajun and Creole food made from scratch and live music from Delicious Blues Stew and the Stacy Mitchhart Band. These guys have been throwing Mardi Gras parties for over 20 years in Nashville!
Bluebird Cafe Fat Tuesday Celebration
Les Kerr & The Bayou Band have been performing at the Bluebird Café on Fat Tuesday for over two decades. Join in on the fun on Tuesday, February 13, 2018. There will be amazing music, beads, great food and more.
Fat Tuesday in the Lounge at City Winery
City Winery is hosting Fat Tuesday in the Lounge on Tuesday, February 13, 2018. The Josh Garrett Band will be performing and there will be crawfish, red beans & rice, and King Cake.
Fat Tuesday at Rudy’s Jazz Room
For an authentic New Orleans evening on February 13th, check out Rudy’s Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday celebration with Halfbrass (a 5-piece brass band) followed by DJ NIO spinning funky dance grooves starting at midnight. There will be party favors, giveaways, NOLA class bites, and bottomless beignets.
Party Gras at Party Fowl
Enjoy a special “Party Gras” menu from Executive Chef and NOLA native Bart Pickens at Party Fowl on Tuesday, February 13, 2018. Menu items will include traditional gumbo, jambalaya, chicken and grits, “Muf-fowl-letta” sandwich and chips, red beans and rice with Nashville hot chicken, and King Cake.
Hal Newman & The Mystics of Time Mardi Gras Party at The 5 Spot
Join Hal Newman & The Mystics of Time at the 5 Spot in East Nashville on Tuesday, February 13th for their annual Mardi Gras party. Expect beads, music and good times starting at 7:00pm. Doors open at 6:00pm.
King Cake via Killebrew
Killebrew Executive Chef and New Orleans native Lisa Marie White is bringing her NOLA roots to Nashville with Nash King Cake. Snag one of these tasty treats between now and February 13, 2018 at Killebrew.
Fat Tuesday at The Fox
The Fox in East Nashville will be open normal hours from 5:00pm to midnight with a Mardi Gras theme and special NOLA-inspired cocktails. Reserve a table at this fresh spot by emailing info@thefoxnashville.com.
Mardi Gras at Dick’s Last Resort
Dick’s Last Resort in downtown Nashville is offering 20% off if you’re dressed up for Mardi Gras and tag @dicks.nashville on Instagram or @DicksLastResortNashville on Facebook. There will also be $5 SoCo hurricanes and Mardi Gras mules.
Cajun / Creole Restaurants in Nashville
Grab a few friends and chow down on some gumbo and po’ boys to get you in the Mardi Gras mood. Here are a few of the top cajun spots in Music City.
Tenn Sixteen
Tenn Sixteen has “southern cuisine with a Cajun accent.” This popular spot in East Nashville has po’ boys, gumbo, and other cajun favorites, plus flavorful NOLA decor.
Address: 1016 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37206
Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar
Even though Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar is known to be more of a late-night spot, they still have some awesome food. The live music is top-notch and the atmosphere is festive. If you’re looking for a more entertaining Mardi Gras, head to Printer’s Alley and hit up Bourbon Street Blues.
Address: 220 Printers Alley, Nashville, TN 37201
J Gumbo’s
J Gumbo’s is a “real down-home New Orleans cookin'” restaurant chain located in Downtown Nashville’s Arcade building. This casual Cajun joint is a perfect way to celebrate Mardi Gras during your lunch break. Hours are 10:30am to 5pm.
Address: 223 4th Ave N. Suite #2, Nashville, TN 37219
photo credit: J Gumbo’s
Fin & Pearl
Though Fin & Pearl isn’t a Cajun restaurant, they do have some of the freshest seafood in town along with some staples like the Po’ Boy. This is a good option if you’re looking for hints of Louisiana cuisine in a classy, yet welcoming, space.
Address: 211 12th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203
Did we leave off a Mardi Gras party or great cajun restaurant? Let us know in the comments!
Is the Mardi Gras Y’all on February or March 28!? WE are getting different dates from different sites!!
Hi JLB, it’s on March 28th, they sent a press release officially changing the date today! This is the official Mardi Gras Y’all site: http://www.mardigrasyall.net/
the five spot in east Nashville has a great mardi gras show on feb 13 at 6 pm