Top Mardi Gras Celebrations In Philadelphia
This year, Mardi Gras lands on Tuesday, February 17 and Philadelphia is sure to explode with revelers celebrating throughout the week. If you're wondering where to head to find some New Orleans music, food and booze, this list will help you out.
Mummers Mardi Gras
Manayunk
Main Street
Philadelphia, PA 19127
www.mummersmardigras.com
Celebrate with the Mummers on Sunday, February 22 for the second year in a row. Bring the whole family as the Mummers parade down Main Street in Manayunk accompanied by some of the best string bands in the area. Make sure you hang out afterwards to shop, eat and participate in many interactive activities, perfect for adults and children alike. The Mummers are one of Philadelphia's best New Year's Day traditions and this Mardi Gras event will include both the mummers traditional history and New Orleans pageantry.
New Orleans Jazz Orchestra
Verizon Hall
300 South Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 670-2300
www.kimmelcenter.org
The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra is playing the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (Verizon Hall) this Fat Tuesday. The orchestra celebrates and advances the culture and history of New Orleans jazz and is led by New Orleans-born Irvin Mayfield, an accomplished jazz trumpeter and Grammy award-winning artist. This event will take you straight to Bourbon Street with its unforgettable music and performance.
Party Gras: With Wired 96.5
Fat Tuesdays
431 South St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 629-5999
www.fat-tuesday.com
Doors open at 11 a.m. for this Fat Tuesday party with Bennett, Mijo and the Wired 96.5 Street Team. Expect drink specials, prizes and more at this festive event.
World Cafe Live: Mardi Gras with the Wild Bohemians
3025 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 222-1400
www.philly.worldcafelive.com
The music starts at 8 p.m. for the 31st annual Mardi Gras show at World Café Live. Wild Bohemians once again take the stage to entertain guests with their costumes, stories and danceable tunes. The band's sound originates from Louisiana, playing all sorts of music that derived from the Pelican State, like Cajun, New Orleans jazz, zydeco and dixieland. The Wild Bohemians are made up of more than 30 musicians who play in other bands throughout the year, but come together one night of the year to create an unforgettable Mardi Gras experience.
XFINITY Live!
1100 Pattison Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(267) 443-6415
www.xfinitylive.com
On February 14, otherwise known as Valentine's Day, XFINITY Live! is celebrating Mardis Gras instead. The party starts at 8 p.m. and features five DJs, bull riding and prizes for wearing beads. Come enjoy drink specials and hurricanes and a live show by the Dan Band (who was in "Wedding Crashers" and "Old School"). XFINITY Live! is an entertainment destination located at the sporting complex, featuring five different bars and themes. This is sure to be the biggest party of the week.
Related: Top Places To Party For Mardi Gras 2012 In Philadelphia
Kelly Neilson is a freelance writer living and working in Philadelphia. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
