Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler! It’s (almost) Mardi Gras in time! We may be far from the big festivities in Louisiana and Mississippi, but we can still “let the good times roll” right here in Northern Virginia with our own celebrations! Mardi Gras, for “Fat Tuesday,” refers of course to the carnival season that starts on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany and ends on the day before Ash Wednesday.
In some parts of the country, especially along New Orleans and other parts of the south, the Mardi Gras season is a major event with numerous parades, festivals, and galas. And yes, you have ways to celebrate Mardi Gras in Northern Virginia! Our events may not be as big but it’s great we still have these fun celebrations. And if the words “Mardi Gras” strike a bit of panic in you as thoughts of debauchery and non-kid-friendly behavior come to mind, have no fear: the events below are family-friendly.
Mardi Gras in Northern Virginia
Loudoun County Mardi Gras Carnival
Saturday, February 10, 2018
Each year Loudoun County hosts a Mardi Gras Carnival with music and games for kids, plus raffles. There will be moon bounces, face painting, and other activities at this afternoon event with a small admission fee.
Mardi Gras Celebration at Kid Junction
Sunday, February 11, 2018
Bring the kids to enjoy the celebration of Mardi Gras at Kid Junction. This indoor playground in Chantilly (best for kids up to age 10) will host holiday crafts, games, food, and more from 10 am to noon.
Falls Church Mardi Gras Parade
Sunday, February 11, 2018
The “baby” of local Mardi Gras celebrations is the Falls Church Mardi Gras Parade, now in just its second year. The annual Little City Mardi Gras Parade, 5-6 pm, will feature floats, beads, and live music from Little Falls to the Beach Shack down Park Avenue, followed by more live music at Clare and Don’s afterwards.
Clarendon-Courthouse Mardi Gras Parade
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
The Clarendon-Courthouse Mardi Gras Parade has everything you’d expect: floats, bands, beads, decorated vehicles, marchers, dancers, and even dogs and horses. This annual event takes place on Fat Tuesday, February 13, at 7 pm at Wilson Blvd and N. Barton Street, and continues along Wilson Boulevard past Liberty Tavern, ending on N. Irving Street. Organizers have been putting on this event for nearly 20 years and it’s the largest of its kind in Northern Virginia. Update: The Jester Jaunt, a one-mile “Fun Run” immediately prior to the start of the parade, and Mardi Gras Ball at Clarendon Ballroom have been cancelled for 2018.
Mardi Gras Parade and Celebration
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
The newest Mardi Gras celebration in the area is hosted by The Wharf, the Let the good times roll at this recently expanded waterfront complex in Washington, DC. At this inaugural event, catch some beads, dance in the streets, feast on festive food, and toast to Fat Tuesday! The New Orleans-inspired parade takes place along Wharf Street, with a dance party at District Pier, and a fireworks finale that will light up the night in purple, green, and gold. The fun takes place from 6 pm to 8 pm.
… and further out, but worth the drive:
Culpepper Carnival
Saturday, February 10, 2018
Another fun celebration, albeit a bit further out (about an hour away) is the Mardi Gras celebration in downtown Culpeper, Virginia. Culpepper Carnival is an all-day festival with fun for the entire family including live music, performing artists, wagon rides, New Orleans-inspired food, face-painting, crafts, balloon-magic, mask making, and in-store specials.
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