Keep calm and Mardi on. Mardi Gras is Tuesday, February 17, and while Indy’s celebrations might not be as bustling as New Orleans, these spots have Big Easy flair to spare with traditional desserts, tunes, and more.
King cakes
Get your cake stuffed with cinnamon, cherry, Bavarian cream, or other filling of your choice from Taylor’s Bakery, or preorder a traditional cinnamon bake from Bake Sale Indy. Moonlight Baking Company’s pillowy version can also be found at the Broad Ripple Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.
Live music
What better place to be on Fat Tuesday than The Jazz Kitchen? Enjoy lively music from New Orleans-style Pork & Beans Brass Band as you dine on crab cakes, etoufee, and other traditional fare.
If you want to experience the sounds of Mardi Gras from beyond The Big Easy, attend Indiana Wind Symphony’s Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball on Sunday, Feb. 15, which will spotlight music from the Carnival festivities in South America as well.
Weekend happenings
Who says Fat Tuesday can’t be on a Friday? The Quarter is hosting its celebration on Friday, Feb. 20, complete with a buffet meal of beignets, creole mac and cheese, po’ boy sliders, and more.
If you’re more interested in learning about the history of Mardi Gras than you are in chowing down, attend Carmel Clay Public Library’s presentation on Sunday, Feb. 15. You’ll learn all about Italian Carnevale traditions like masks, parades, special foods, and local customs in celebration of Cortona, Carmel’s Italian sister city.
Have another Mardi Gras event to add to the list? Submit it to our calendar.
