Local Mardi Gras Activities in Bakersfield, California

Mardi Gras provides local Bakersfield residents with a chance to celebrate and blow off some of the tensions of the previous year. On Fat Tuesday, Bakersfield denizens prove that they know how to party. While local churches may hold small events to commemorate the Catholic roots of Mardi Gras, most serious revelers will make their way downtown.

On February 16^th, those looking for a great party should head to Fishlips Bar & Grill at 15717 18^th Street in Downtown Bakersfield for its fifth annual Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras Jam! This Fat Tuesday event is well known as one of the best parties of the year. The $10.00 cover charge includes an all-you-can-eat Cajun meal, beads for celebrating (and passing out!) and a chance to listen to some of the best local bands around. The show features Soulajar (whose lead singer, Jim Ranger, recently made it to the Hollywood round on American Idol), Mento Buru, Joel Jacob & DJ Mikey. The Bakersfield Emerging Contemporary Artists, also known as BECA, will be offering exotic face painting to guests. Doors open at 7:00. Ages 21 and older. For more information, call (661) 324-2557 or visit Bakotopia's website for more information.

Those looking for a more subdued Fat Tuesday can attend the Cajun King Crab & Jumbo Shrimp Boil hosted at Café Med at 4809 Stockdale Avenue. Café Med is a favorite Bakersfield restaurant with a reputation for excellent food and ambience. The event is a fundraiser to benefit Cure Our Kids, a local charity devoted to childhood cancer research. The dinner starts at 7:00 p.m and will feature live music. Recommended dress is cocktail/dressy. Contact John at (661) 428-5800 for more information.

The fun in Bakersfield doesn't stop on Fat Tuesday. The Bakersfield Art Association (BAA) is hosting its first Mardi Gras Gala on February 19, 2010. The festivities will include a Mardi Gras Parade, Cajun-inspired hors-d'oeuvres, dancing, an art auction and a costume contest. Live music will be provided by the big band group Southside Chicago Seven. The event will be held at the Bell Tower Club, located at 1200 Truxtun Avenue, and begins at 7:00 p.m. Tickets cost $75.00 per person and can be purchased through the event's official website. Ticket sales will benefit the Bakersfield Artists Association. Recommended dress attire is cocktail/dressy or costume.

References:

Bakotopia, Fat Tuesday's Mighty Mardi Gras, http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/89191.

Bakersfield Art Association, Mardi Gras Gala, http://www.mardigrasgala.com/.