Whether you call it Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, the city of Pittsburgh is ready to throw some purple, green, and gold-filled celebrations. Maybe you’ll choose to dance the night away at a ball. Or soak in some much-needed family time with a Disney princess. Either way, you’ll be feasting on New Orleans-style delights, cheers-ing to drink specials, and donning all the beads and masks you can imagine. So what are you waiting for? Dress up in your best party attire and hit the streets of Pittsburgh for a Mardi Gras you won’t soon forget (well… maybe you will depending on how many sazeracs you have).
7 Must-Attend Pittsburgh Mardi Gras Celebrations
Pittsburgh’s Annual Neighborhood-wide Mardi Gras Celebration
February 15-25, Northside
For 11 days, explore the Northside neighborhood’s 25+ food, beverage, and retail businesses, each with a special event of their own. The celebration kicks off with Colonel Eagleburger’s Highstepping Goodtime Band, live music by Dixie Doc and Pittsburgh Dixieland Allstars, dancing, New Orleans food, King Cake, and family activities. But this is just the beginning to over a week’s worth of Mardi Gras entertainment.
Mardi Gras Fundraiser
February 28, Allegheny Ballroom at the Rivers Casino
Help raise money for the Pittsburgh Bereavement Doulas who support local families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss. This fundraiser event includes a buffet of New Orleans essentials, two drink tickets, an interactive dessert station, and the opportunity to dress for the occasion. What better reason to dress up all fancy and dine on exquisite cuisine?
PTown Mardi Gras Ball
March 1, PTown
No matter who you are, you’re invited to PTown’s grant Mardi Gras Ball. TRLC hosts this event with free entry and live music all night long. The party starts at 6 p.m. but expect it to last well past midnight. Get ready for plenty of beads, drink specials, and loads of dancing to some of the best local DJs.
Mardi Gras Mania
March 1, Bakery Square
This kid-friendly celebration includes a special visit from Princess Tiana! Here you’ll gear up with beads, decorate your own mask, enjoy beignet fries from City Kitchen, and explore the rest of Bakery Square. It’s the perfect opportunity for parents and kids alike to enjoy this holiday and, if weather permits, take in the sunshine outside.
Mardi Gras Gala
March 1, The Westin Pittsburgh
Dive into the Mardi Gras activities while supporting the Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA. At this event honoring community leaders of Pittsburgh, you’ll be thrown into a New Orleans style celebration. Watch roaming musicians, jugglers, stilt walkers and magicians, while enjoying a French Creole-style sit-down dinner and open bar. The atmosphere is complete with a parade, extravagant decorations, beads, masks, and live music.
Fat Tuesday Bluegrass Sessions
March 4, Thunderbird Music Hall
What better way to celebrate this New Orleans centric holiday than some live bluegrass music. The Wolf Tones take the Thunderbird Music stage with no cover fee on this special celebration night. You won’t want to miss this evening of authentic music in a fun atmosphere.
Pittsburgh’s Fat Tuesday Party
March 4, Allegheny Elks Lodge #339
Whether you’re there for the New Orleans food, live performances, the raffles, or even to try to win Mardi Gras King/Queen, you’ll have plenty to do at the Allegheny Elks Lodge #339 party. After the kick off parade by the Eagleburger Band, you can look forward to dining on Shrimp Po’Boys, Beignets, Jambalaya, and Cheesy Grits.
Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo Courtesy of Hush Naidoo Jade Photography
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