Mardi Gras is Tuesday, Feb. 13, and while Raleigh might not be as bustling as New Orleans on Fat Tuesday (or the week-long celebration leading up to it), the City of Oaks still knows how to party. Keep reading for plenty of ways to party for Mardi Gras in Raleigh.
Local celebrations
The Big Easy’s Mardi Gras, 222 Fayetteville St. | Tuesday, Feb. 13 | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | Free to attend | Sip on $8 Hurricane Easys, participate in giveaways, and get beads on beads on beads.
Hardli Gras, starts at Tasty Beverage Co., 327 W. Davie St., Ste. 106 | Saturday, Feb. 10 | 11 a.m. | Free to attend | Hosted by Crank Arm Brewing Co., there will be a parade through the Sip n’ Stroll district with The Second Line Stompers and an afterparty featuring live music, tasty bites, and king cake.
Mardi Gras celebration, John Chavis Memorial Park, 505 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. | Tuesday, Feb. 13 | 4-7 p.m. | Free to attend | This family-friendly celebration includes food trucks, music, mask making, and bead giveaways.
King cake + tasty treats
Great Harvest Bread Company, 8801 Lead Mine Rd. | This bakery offers king cake year-round for those who want to get a taste of Mardi Gras any time. Plus, they offer six variations, including Zulu-style king cake made with chocolate and coconut.
La Farm Bakery, various Triangle locations | Delicate brioche is filled with cinnamon chips and topped with rich icing and sprinkles for a classic king cake.
Layered Croissanterie, 911 N. West St., Ste. 107 | Looking for something more personal sized? Layered has a King Amann, a variation on the pastry Kouign-amann, made with pecan praline cream cheese filling and topped with traditional green, yellow, and purple sprinkles.
Lucettegrace, 235 Salisbury St. | If you’re looking for a refined, patisserie-crafted option, this cake is topped with candied cherries, candied orange, and almonds — there are no sprinkles, but there is a feve and a crown.