Consider this your go-to resource for all things Mardi Gras in Nashville! This year, Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday,” falls on Tuesday, February 9, 2016. Due to its early date this year, there are fewer happenings, but that won’t keep Nashvillians from partying. We’ve summed up the hottest events along with some restaurants to get you in the spirit.

Included below:

• Pre-Mardi Gras Events
• Fat Tuesday Events
• Cajun / Creole Restaurants in Nashville

We’ll be adding parties and celebrations as they are announced.

Pre Mardi Gras Events:

• FEB 6: 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 6, 2016 from 8pm to 1am  at Rocketown. Mardi Gras beads and masks will be available at the door, but wear your Mardi Gras best! Get more details. 
• FEB 6: Though the event is not a Mardi Gras celebration, The Junior League of Nashville’s Masquerade is a fun event occurring the weekend before Fat Tuesday. The Masquerade will take place on Saturday February 6, 2016 featuring fine cuisine, wine, and dancing. Get more details.
• FEB 7: In celebration of Mardi Gras and Sunday’s big football game, Cochon Butcher and Rhizome Productions presents Brewcherie on Sunday, February 7, 2016. This event will combine the Cajun boucherie tradition, brew tastings, and live music for a fun celebration in Nashville. Get more details. 

Fat Tuesday Events:

• FEB 9: Lost In The City is hosting a Nashville Mardi Gras Bar Crawl in East Nashville on Tuesday, February 9 from 6pm to 11pm. For $20, attendees can enjoy food and drinks on the party bus before crawling to local bars. Get more details. 
• FEB 9: Head to Bourbon Street Blues Bar in Printers Alley for a crawfish boil starting at 4pm along with 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! Get more details.
• FEB 9: 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 9. The band goes on at 9pm. There will be amazing music, beads, great food and more. Get more details.
• FEB 9: Dr. John and The Nite Trippers are performing a special Mardi Gras show on Tuesday, February 9 at City Winery. “Known throughout the world as the embodiment of New Orleans musical legacy, Dr. John is a true icon in American culture.” The show starts at 8pm! Get more details.

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.

Cochon Butcher

Cochon Butcher, originally out of New Orleans, is a great place to go for Cajun grub. They have house-made meats, sausages, and sandwiches, including the “Cajun Pork Dog.” See the menu. 

Address: 1120 4th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208

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. See the menu.

Address: 1016 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37206

Bro’s Cajun Cuisine

Bro’s Cajun Cuisine was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives in 2010 and is owned by a native of Lafayette, Louisiana. The food is supposed to be amazing. See what’s happening on Facebook. 

Address: 3214 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209

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 great and the atmosphere is really fun. 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

The Hook

Creole Shrimp and Cheddar Sweet Corn Hushpuppies are just a couple options on The Hook’s menu. This fast-casual seafood and chicken hangout in the Melrose neighborhood is perfect for celebrating. Make sure to try a buzz pop soda or frozen cocktail, too. See the menu. 

Address: 2222 Franklin Pike, Nashville, TN 37204

Did we leave off a Mardi Gras 2016 party or great cajun restaurant?
Let us know in the comments!

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