It is going to take a lot more than some flurries to stop this year’s Mardi Gras celebrations. From Oak Cliff’s signature parades to Vietnamese-Cajun inspired crawfish boils and all the frozen hurricane specials in between, here is a list of the hottest Mardi Gras celebrations in Dallas.
Kick Off the Festivities in Oak Cliff
Feb. 27, 4 p.m. | Nova
The annual Oak Cliff Mardi Gras parade returns for 2022. The community parade will start on Davis Street across from Nova, the late night gastro pub at 1417 Davis, as it marches to the center of Bishop Arts. Get there early to secure free parking at a few designated spaces or take public transportation, in case you decide to indulge on a frozen king cake cocktail at Revelers Hall. Expect colorful cars, decorative parade floats, mystical masks, live bands, brilliant beads, and everything in between.
Mardi Craw Pop-Up
Feb. 27, 2 p.m. & Mar. 1, 6 p.m. | Krio & Atlas Bishop Arts
Before you head down to the Oak Cliff Mardi Gras parade, stop by the Viet-Cajun hotspot Krio for a sinful spread of boiled crawfish, potatoes, sausage, and corn in the alley on Zang next to the cocktail bar Atlas in Bishop Arts. The pop-up will feature rum punch cocktails, courtesy of Atlas, and a live DJ to keep the party going. The pop-up will return for Fat Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Celebrate Claws Up at The Rustic
Mar. 1, 5:30 p.m. | The Rustic
The sprawling patio bar and restaurant will kick off Fat Tuesday with a classic New Orleans crawfish boil. Wash down the cajun spice with a frozen hurricane from the bar or another speciality cocktail you’d typically find off Bourbon Street. Joseph Veazie of Gym Class Heroes will be on site to serenade the laissez fare crowd, surrounded by New Orleanian favorites like warm bowls of savory sausage and chicken jambalaya, fried crawfish tails, and étouffée. Do not forget to commemorate the day with a picture at the Bacardi photo booth.
Take a Bite Out of Louisiana at Fish City Grill
Mar. 1, All Day | Dallas-Fort Worth Fish City Grill Locations
The casual chain restaurant takes Mardi Gras to heart with a smorgasbord of seafood. Choose from crispy calamari, shrimp po’boys, or their famous oyster nachos. With crawfish straight from one of Louisiana’s leading crawfish families, your tastebuds will be transported right to the swamp. Plus, the restaurant is handing out free king cake all day.
Explore the Creole Roots of Walk On’s
Through Mar. 1 | Dallas-Fort Worth Walk On’s Locations
Every Tuesday is Fat Tuesday at this sports “bistreaux.” The Cajun sports bar pays tribute to its Louisiana origins with a special $5 menu of speciality cocktails, gumbo, and fluffy beignets.
Showcase Your Carnival Colors at La Madeleine
Through Mar. 3 | Dallas-Fort Worth La Madeleine Locations
Fulfill your king cake craving at La Madeleine. The sweet pastry, composed of strawberry jam and cream cheese, covered in green, yellow, and purple sugar is a Mardi Gras classic.
Fancy a Fusion of Fare at Primo’s MX
Mar. 1 – 4 | Primo’s MX Kitchen
Get your Tex-Cajun on with $15 crawfish tacos at Primo’s MX Kitchen. The dine-in and carry out special features the spicy seafood tacos with a side of remoulade slaw to tone down the heat.
Get Jazzy at Hotel Crescent Court
Feb. 26, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Hotel Crescent Court
This brunch event infuses a New Orleans flare on the hotel’s signature dishes. Guests will be greeted by live jazz music as they munch on homey Southern comfort dishes. Tickets are $75.
Pop Bottles at the Commons Club
Feb. 27, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Virgin Hotel Dallas
The swanky restaurant will Celebrate Mardi Gras with a New Orleans-style brunch and live music by Tubad Gray and The Kings of Nola, a New Orleans brass band. Munch on beignets and sip on cold glasses of Champagne as the band performs its signature fusion sound of hip-hop, soul, and blues. Book tables.
Feed Your Soul at JAXON
Mar. 1, 6 – 10 p.m. | JAXON Texas Kitchen & Beer Garden
Steve Austin and The Bionic Brass Brand brings the musical stylings of the Big Easy to downtown. Grab a seat to enjoy a night of live jazz while sipping on a frozen pineapple hurricane and eating a bowl of smoked chicken gumbo over buttered rice or a spread of boiled crawfish. End the night with a sizzling king cake skillet or sweet king cake shot.
Take a Peep at Booty’s Dallas
Feb. 26, 8 p.m. | Booty’s Dallas
The Best of Big D winner will host Mardi Gras Mambo, a New Orleans inspired burlesque show to celebrate the New Orleans holiday. Tickets are $25.
Double Up Your Masks at Sundown at Granada
Mar. 1, 5 – 9 p.m. | Sundown at Granada
New Orleans radio DJ Johnny Woodstock kicks off the night of live music with a body moving, bounce performance. While Woodstock is rocking the mic, walk over to enjoy a refreshing $5 hurricanes and on-site Cajun food to keep your body moving for a night of fun.
Party with a Pint at Pegasus City Brewery
Feb. 26 & 27 | Pegasus City Brewery (Downtown Taproom & Pilot Brewery)
Bring the kiddos for a family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration at the downtown brewery. On Saturday, a face painter will be on site to cover the kids in glittery purple, gold, and green. REMY’s dtx and Geaux Kitchen will be on site with a speciality lunch and dinner menu. At night, a local funk and cover band will entertain the lively crowd until 10 p.m. On Sunday, the brewery will feature hot beignets and cold “beermosas” for the 21+ crowd.
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