Consider this your go-to resource for all things Mardi Gras in Nashville! This year, Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday,” falls on Tuesday, February 25, 2020. 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.
Mardi Gras EVENTS IN NASHVILLE
Wassail Mardi Gras Festival
The second annual Wassail Mardi Gras Festival is Friday, February 21, 2020, from 4:00pm to 11:00pm at Diskin Cider. Celebrate their new cider, Mayor Berry, and enjoy king cake, Cajun food specials, and live Cajun music from 7:00pm to 10:00pm by Goose Downing & The Delicious Blues Stew. Dress in your best Mardi Gras attire for a chance to be crowned King or Queen of Wassail Fest. The event is free and open to all ages.
Mardi Gras at Acme
Mardi Gras at Acme is Friday through Tuesday, February 21-25, 2020, from 11:00am to 11:45pm. Come out and enjoy a five-day celebration of Mardi Gras! Guests can expect New Orleans style food, drink specials and live music. On Fat Tuesday, brunch and live music will begin at noon featuring performances from Hill Country Devil, Admirable Phunk Brass Band, and Madam Cooper and the Electric Cowgirls. Admission is free.
Music City Mardi Gras at Woolworth on 5th
Music City Mardi Gras at Woolworth on 5th is Friday, February 21, 2020, from 7:00pm to 11:00pm. General admission tickets are $20 with VIP options available. This event will include a live music performance from the Brassville brass band, traditional New Orleans food, cocktails, and complimentary beads and masquerade masks. Mardi Gras attire is encouraged.
L.A. Jackson Mardi Gras
L.A. Jackson Mardi Gras is Saturday, February 22, 2020, from 3:00pm to 2:00am. Guests can expect New Orleans themed cocktails and food, beads, a DJ, and L.A. Jackson’s very own authentic second line experience featuring the Half Brass Band! Admission is free.
Mardi Gras Bar Crawl
The Mardi Gras Bar Crawl is Saturday, February 22, 2020, from 3:00pm to 10:00pm at multiple bars throughout Nashville. General admission tickets are $15 and include beads, no cover at participating bars, discounted food and drinks specials, and more! Participating bars are Dawghouse Saloon, Kung Fu Saloon, Losers Bar & Grill, Redneck Riviera, Tailgate Brewery (Music Row), Tin Roof (Downtown), and Winners Bar & Grill. Registration will be from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at Dawghouse Saloon.
Mother’s Ruin Mardi Gras Bash
Mother’s Ruin Mardi Gras Bash is Saturday, February 22, 2020, at 5:00pm at The Apartment (second floor of Mother’s Ruin). Guests can expect traditional New Orleans food and music with a Mardi Gras dance party starting at 9:00pm. This event is 21 and over only.
On The Rooftop: Mardi Gras Edition with Cwiz & Darryl Jaye
Cwiz and Darryl Jaye present On The Rooftop Mardi Gras Edition on Saturday, February 22, 2020, from 9:00pm to 2:00am at Hard Rock Cafe on Lower Broadway. The first 200 guests get a free mask. Tickets are $10-$300 depending on the type of ticket and table you reserve.
La Belle Masque: Mardi Gras Burlesque Revue at Rudy’s Jazz Room
La Belle Masque: Mardi Gras Burlesque Revue at Rudy’s Jazz Room is Tuesday, February 25, 2020, from 9:00pm to midnight. This event will include a live New Orleans jazz band and burlesque performances by Abby Costello, Betty Vou Plait, and Crystal Starr. Tickets are $25 in advance (can be purchased online) and $30 at the door. This event is 21 and over only.
Mardi Gras Celebration at Saltine Nashville
The Mardi Gras Celebration at Saltine Nashville is Tuesday, February 25, 2020, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Guests can expect Cajun food specials like $12 Roasted Oysters Lafitte and $19 Redfish Pontchartrain, $4 Abita Mardi Gras beers, $5 hurricane punch, and a ton of Mardi Gras swag.
Party Gras at Party Fowl
Executive chef and New Orleans native Bart Pickens at Party Fowl is creating a special “Party Gras” menu for Tuesday, February 25, 2020, featuring items like traditional gumbo, jambalaya, beignets, and King Cake. The specials will be available at all three Party Fowl locations.
Bluebird Cafe Fat Tuesday Celebration
Les Kerr & The Bayou Band have been performing at the Bluebird Cafe on Fat Tuesday for over two decades. Join in on the fun on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, starting at 9:00pm. There will be amazing music, beads, and great food.
Mardi Gras at The Villager Tavern
The Villager Tavern in Hillsboro Village is throwing a Mardi Gras celebration on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, from 7:00pm to 2:30am. There will be plenty of gumbo, jambalaya, boudin, potato salad, and king cake. Expect craft beer specials, Mardi Gras swag, a blind drawing, and live jazz by Jazz Outfit starting at 9:00pm. Admission is free.
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.
Ludlow’s Gumbo Bar & Steak
If you’re a fan of gumbo try Ludlow’s Gumbo Bar & Steak located in the 12 South neighborhood! Celebrate Mardi Gras with a build your own gumbo bar featuring cold water lobster and king crab legs.
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 in Downtown Nashville and hit up Bourbon Street Blues.
Rudie’s Seafood & Sausage
This family-owned business in East Nashville’s Riverside Village knows how to satiate a creole craving. Rudie’s menu has poutine, jambalaya, and po’ boy sandwiches, plus some of the freshest oysters in town. This is the go-to spot on the East Side.
J Gumbo’s
J Gumbo’s is a “real down-home New Orleans cookin” restaurant chain located in Downtown Nashville’s Arcade. This casual Cajun joint is a perfect way to celebrate Mardi Gras during your lunch break. Hours are 10:30am to 5:00pm.
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