Mardi Gras Events in DC and Northern Virginia

Mardi Gras Kickoff Jam at Hard Rock Café: The folks at Things to Do DC bring the flavor of New Orleans to DC on February 13^th with their annual Mardi Gras Kickoff Jam. This events features live music New Orleans Jazz Band, and it has 2 different dance segments. One segment features carnival music, while the other segment features retro and modern dance hits. The best part is that those who attend will have a chance to win a trip to Caribbean. It all takes place at the Hard Rock Café in downtown DC. Tickets are $10, but they will go up after January 30^th. Dress code is casual, yet chic with no sneakers.

Hard Rock Café

999 E Street, NW

Washington, DC 20004

4 Minute Dating and Mardi Gras Party at K Street Lounge: Do you love Mardi Gras, but hate spending it alone. We have news for you! The folks at Professionals in the City have an event that reaffirms the old saying of Killing 2 Birds with 1 stone. This Mardi Gras event starts with a 4 minute dating event. Single professionals spend 4 minutes with each other looking for quick date or long term love. The 4 minutes dating event starts at 7 p.m. At 9 p.m., the Mardi Gras party begins. Guests are treated to DJs spinning retro and modern hits. In addition, participants will be entered to great prizes like tickets to future concerts at the 930 club and a 2 day club weekend getaway trip. It all takes place at the K Street Lounge on February 13^th. Dress code for the event is dress to impress (no sneakers, shorts or caps allowed). Tickets are going for $20, but they'll increase by the end of the week.

K Street Lounge

1301 K Street NW

Washington, DC 20005

Mardi Gras Madness Party at The State Theater: For those who don't want to get into the city for Mardi Gras, Party DC is hosting their annual Mardi Gras Madness Party at the State Theater in Falls Church, Va. Guests will be treated to a huge stage with 3 different party areas and live music from Crowded Streets (Dave Matthews Band Cover Group) Gonzo's nose plus DJ Beads-O-Matic spinning tunes. Advance tickets are $7, if you purchase them at the Party DC website. They'll be $14 at time of the show.

The State Theater

220 North Washington Street

Falls Church, VA 22046

Bourbon Street Bash: Up until 2006, Lulu Mardi Gras was considered DC's Mardi Gras Party Spot. For Lindy Promotions annual Mardi Gras Party this year, the festivities will take place at Rumors on 19^th and M Streets, NW on Tuesday February 16^th. The party starts at 4 p.m, and it's a great way to end the work day in DC. It features live music from Higher Hands, and they have contests for the most beads and wings eating. Tickets are $5 in advance and can be purchased online

Rumors Restaurant

1900 M Street NW

Washington, DC

The Annual Clarendon-Courthouse Mardi Gras Parade: It's one of the largest homegrown Mardi Gras Celebration in the Washington, DC region. Considered the original Downtown Arlington, The community of Clarendon plays New Orleans for one night on February 16^th. It has everything you love about Mardi Gars, but it's a more family friendly setting. The parade starts at 8 p.m.