2009 Mardi Gras Parties and Festivities in Southern California

The 2009 Mardi Gras is right around the corner, officially on February 24^th, of this year. And if you are looking for a place in your local area throughout California to celebrate this festive event, look through the list below. Enjoy bead throwing, delicious Cajun-style cooking, live music and dancing at various locations throughout California.

In Los Angeles: Mardi Gras at Olvera Street: As usual, the annual Mardi Gras celebration will take place on Fat Tuesday February 24^th 2009 at Olvera Street, possibly the most famous street in Los Angeles for its cultural festivities. Fun for all ages as they join in workshops, parades, piñata, and crowning of little king and queen in the day, and other festivities at night. See samba dancers, stilt walkers and the traditional burning of Mal Humor. The event is open to the public free, and the address is 845 N Alameda street, Los Angeles, California 90012. 213-680-2525 or e-mail info@olvera-street.com for more information.

In San Diego:

The Hillcrest Business Association will be holding its Mardi Gras Street Party 2009 on Fat Tuesday, February 24^th, 2009 beginning at 6Pm until 11PM. This is an effort to benefit the Hillcrest community of San Diego and to provide scholarships to youths in the area. You can buy your ticket now for $15 dollars, or pay a $20 fee on the day of the party. VIP tickets are available for $50 if purchased in advance or $75 on the day of the event. You can buy tickets at Urban MO's (308 University Av, San Diego 619-491-0400), Baja Betty's (1421 University Av, San Diego 619-269-8510), Obelisk Bookstore (1029 University Av, San Diego 619-297-4171), or on the net at www.gsdrafoundation.org/events . You can find more information by contacting the Association at 619-299-3330.

In San Diego at the Gaslamp Quarter:

The Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego will be holding its annual Mardi Gras Celebrations on Fat Tuesday February 24^th, 2009 from 6PM till midnight. Enjoy two parades at 7:30PM and at 10PM, and stages with live entertainments in lounges throughout the quarter. Ticket is as low as $15 in advance or $20 at the gate. VIP ticket available for $40 and it allows you entrance to VIP amenities at ten locations throughout the Gaslamp. This event is only for 21 and over and you must have ticket to be let into the gate. Call 619-233-5227 for more information or go online for more detail and tickets at www.gaslamp.org

In San Bernardino:

The 5^th annual Mardi Gras Masquerade will be held in San Bernardino on February 7^th, 2009 beginning at 7PM. It will be held at The Hudson and Gotham Theatres located at 295 E Caroline St in San Bernardino, California. The cost is $40 to pre-pay for your ticket, as price will increase at the door.

In San Mateo:

Enjoy the good times at the Kingfish Restaurant in downtown San Mateo, where you can "eat like a king," and "drink like a fish." Fat Tuesday has never been more fun with live music, bead throwin', dinner, dancing, and lots of fun activities. The address is 201 South B Street in San Mateo, California 94401. You can contact them at 650-343-1226 or online at www.kingfish.net. The fun begins at 8:00PM on Fat Tuesday, February 24^th, 2009. Don't be left out!!!

In Ventura:

Enjoy Mardi Gras Tour with Ventura Velo, a Non-Profit Charity that encourages public bicycling, education and fellowship and whose proceeds go Habitat for Humanity who uses the fund for hurricane victims. Members of the Team Ventura Velo riders also participate in rides that benefit Arthritis Foundation, Multiple Sclerosis society, American Cancer Society, among many. Signing up for a Mardi Gras Tour 2009 is not only going to bring you a lot of fun, but you will also be helping these well-deserving charities and you will be making a difference.

The Mardi Gras Tour will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2009 beginning at 7:00am. The place is The Greek @ Ventura Harbor Village. 1583 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura 93001. You can register for this Mardi Gras Tour by visiting www.active.com. The cost is $70, which covers the ride and the after ride party. Riding Mardi Gras Jersey is available for $65. You can get more information about the jersey by writing to Ventura Velo-MGT9. Box 6101, Ventura, California. More detail is available online at http://www.venturavelo.org/

In San Francisco:

Enjoy Reading, Book Signing, and Cajun-Creole Music with Sauce Piquante duo for Mardi Gras at Stacey's Bookstore. It will take place on February 24, 2009 from 12:30-1:30 PM. There will be a Q and A afterwards with author Blair Kilpatrick. The venue's address is 581 Market Street in San Francisco, California. Visit www.redroom.com/events for more information.