Atlanta and Surrounding Area Mardi Gras Events

Hot-Lanta is most known for playing host city to the 1996 Olympic Games, the High Museum of Art, the Georgia Aquarium, Stone Mountain and the worlds largest open air market; the Georgia Grown Farmer's Market. This February the international city will "Laissez les bons temps rouler," or for the non-French speaking, let the good times roll, for this years Mardi Gras season.

The Carnival season kicks off Jan. 6 with the feast of Epiphany. Mardi Gras Day, Feb. 5 is also known as Fat Tuesday. This is the last opportunity to let your hair down before Lent which begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 6 according to www.mardigras.com.

Most Atlanta festivities will begin on Saturday Feb. 2. Revelers can look forward to a well seasoned taste of New Orleans fun at some of the city's and surrounding area's numerous Cajun styled eateries, bars and other venues throughout February.

This decadent holiday is also a favorite because of its lavish carnival balls, formal parties and risqué behavior. Every year 'Nawlins is flooded with natives and visitors alike all ready to enjoy the food, costumes and parades. Louisiana businesses and schools are closed so everyone has a chance to enjoy the celebration.

Trinkets, also known as "throws" are tossed to anxiously awaiting crowds. Some crowd favorites are colorful plastic beaded necklaces, gold and silver toned doubloons and decorated plastic cups. Some throws are unique to specific krewes like the highly coveted "Golden Nugget" or the Zulu Coconut thrown only at the Zulu parade. And if its beads you truly desire be sure to make it known by yelling, "throw me somethin' mistah!"

The Krewe of Saints Louisiana will host its annual Mardi Gras Ball at the Gwinnett Center Convention Center On Saturday, Feb, 2. Tickets are $60.00 in advance and all party goers must be 21 years of age. For details contact Krewe of Saints Louisiana Club at (770) 614-7905. 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth, Georgia 30097.
www.gwinnettcenter.com

Come in and party New Orleans style at the Big Easy Grille on Saturday, Feb, 2. There will be beads, food and drink specials, live music, a crawfish boil. Parking is limited but there is additional seating in an enclosed patio. There will be more fun on Fat Tuesday as well. Big Easy Grille, Phone: (404) 352-2777 1193 Collier Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318.
www.bigeasygrille.com

Atlanta's only authentic Carnival Society, the MYSTICK KREWE des ACADIENS will host its thirteenth Annual Black-tie Masked Ball on Saturday, Feb. 2, at the Egyptian Ballroom in the Fabulous Fox Theatre. All guests must be seated by 8pm. Invitations are $90.00 per individual and $180.00 per couple. 660 Peachtree Street Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30308. For dress code and rules visit:
http://www.pr-usa.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=52348&Itemid=95

If you're up for a drive consider this 14th annual formal costume ball & dinner held in historic downtown St. Marys. This two day event includes a King and Queen, a parade and the city fountain dyed purple. A little bit of New Orleans in Georgia Saturday, Feb. 2, 7PM. Call for ticket information and directions 800-868-8687. Historic District of St. Mary's406 Osborne St., St. Marys, GA 31558.
http://my.georgia.org/net/calendar/details.aspx?s=142743.0.26.3011

Visit any of Atlanta's three Copeland's of New Orleans Restaurants to get a taste of the Louisiana goodies. There will be live music, a crawfish boil, drink specials, fried gator, costumes and plenty of free beads. Be sure to call or check the website for specific dates and times.
www.copelandsatlanta.com

The Side Street Strutters jazz band brings the sounds of the Big Easy to the Big Peach. Michael Krajewski conducts the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Sat, Feb 16, 8:00 PM.Atlanta Symphony Hall 1280 Peachtree St. N.E. Atlanta GA 30309.
www.atlantasymphony.org

With so many fun filled functions it is impossible not to get caught up in the Big Easy experience right her in the Big Peach State. "Laissez les bons temps rouler, Atlanta!"

*Some information was found on http://www.wikipedia.org.