Mardi Gras comes to Atlanta! 10 ways to celebrate around town

Dancing, live music, sequined costumes and, of course, beads: It’s all waiting for you during Mardi Gras in Atlanta. You’ll find a ton of ways throughout the city and its surrounding metro to get in the New Orleans spirit, whether you crawl all the greatest bars, get gussied up for a formal ball or board a streetcar. Read on for all the glittering details.

Mardi Gras culinary demo

Get your hands around the flavors of New Orleans with this interactive culinary demonstration. Chef Angela Frazier will share technique and history on several Mardi Gras-themed dishes. You’ll go home with a little more knowledge as you taste, sip and enjoy the afternoon away!

Location: The Betty Restaurant; Website: eventbrite.com; Date: March 1; Time: 2 p.m.-4 p.m.; Admission: $40

Sneaker ball

Get all dressed up, but combine your finery with sneakers! That’s the dress code for the aptly named Mardi Gras Sneaker Ball! You’ll be supporting community programs and scholarships for students as you dance the night away!

Location: Community Achievement Center; Website: eventbrite.com; Date: March 1; Time: 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; Admission: $60-$75

Fare Thee Well Foundation Mardi Gras Ball

Fare Thee Well Foundation will host this celebration for the 13th time on March 1. It’s a time for revelers to celebrate the coming of longer days and just get together for a great time. Dress code requested (but not required) includes costumery and Mardi Gras masks. Music from Old Matt Donald’s Farm, String ‘n Bones and more!

Location: MoonShadow Tavern; Website: eventbrite.com; Date: March 1; Time: 8 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.); Admission: $20

Mardi Gras Live!

Enjoy a low country boil and hurricane cocktails alongside live entertainment at Live! At the Battery as you celebrate New Orleans culture! Grab your beads and prepare to party!

Location: Live! At the Battery; Website: batteryatl.com; Date: March 1; Time: 6 p.m.-11 p.m.; Admission: $30-$75

Midtown Mardi Gras

This mix of great food, live performances and parades will transport you straight to New Orleans! Tickets include free admission to more than 30 Midtown restaurants, bars and clubs; face painter and photographer; free shot; Mardi Gras beads and more!

Location: Politan Row at Colony Square; Website: bigtickets.com; Date: March 1; Time: 6 p.m.-2 a.m.; Admission: $17.50-$30

Citizens Bar celebration

Bead giveaways, themed drinks, celebration-centric decor: surround yourself with the feel of New Orleans at Citizens Bar this Mardi Gras. Round up all your friends and come and enjoy the festive atmosphere as you sip on specialty cocktails!

Location: Citizens Market Atlanta; Website: eventbrite.com; Date: March 1; Time: noon-8 p.m.; Admission: Free

Mardi Gras at the Big Easy

New Orleans comes to Atlanta with live crawfish and hurricanes, cocktails and king cake! Hear DJ Evan Jamil on Saturday and the FunkCake Brass Band on Tuesday.

Location: Big Easy Grille; Website: facebook.com; Dates: March 1 and March 4; Times: Saturday - 2 p.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday - 7 p.m.-9 p.m.; Admission: Free

Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday party

This all-day party at The Po’Boy Shop & Basement Bar runs from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and includes a crawfish boil until the food runs out. Boil starts Saturday at 1 p.m. and Tuesday at 3 p.m. Enjoy drink specials and promos all day!

Location: The Po’Boy Shop & Basement Bar; Website: thepoboyshopatl.com; Dates: March 1 and 4; Times: 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Admission: Free

Mardi Gras to benefit the Okefenokee

A low country boil, a bonfire and great beer - all augmented by music from Michelle Malone. This Mardi Gras party benefits efforts to save the Okefenokee Swamp Trail Ridge from mining. Show up and show your support as you party the evening away!

Location: Fire Maker Brewing Company; Website: facebook.com; Date: March 4; Time: 5 p.m.-8 p.m.; Admission: $50

Mardi Gras at Avalon

Themed drinks, delicious food and live music: What more could you ask for to celebrate Mardi Gras? Come on out to Avalon to celebrate!

Location: Avalon; Website: awesomealpharetta.com; Date: March 4; Time: 5 p.m.-8 p.m.; Admission: Free