How to Celebrate Mardi Gras in North Texas

If you’re not making the trip to New Orleans this year, Dallas still has plenty of opportunities to make the most out of Fat Tuesday.

From parades to crawfish boils, this is our guide to celebrating 2023 Mardi Gras in North Texas.

Go Oak Cliff

The annual Dash for the Beads 5k run is back on Sunday, February 19. Compete in your age bracket for either distance or enjoy a leisurely one-mile walk instead.

Afterward, head to Oak Cliff for its annual Mardi Gras Parade. Beginning at 2 pm, the parade starts near Kessler Theater and ends by Encina.

Revelers Hall Mardi Gras Block Party

In Bishop Arts, this local jazz bar will be hosting a block party from 11 am to 8 pm with live bass bands, drinks, food, and dancing. There will be indoor and outdoor live music stages and a second-line brass band march at 5 pm.

Legacy Hall

This Plano food hall and entertainment hub is hosting its sixth annual Mardi Gras celebration on Saturday from 1 pm to 10 pm. Starting at 2 pm, there will be live music from local bands as well as New Orleans artist Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas. You’ll also find food specials and king cake from The Frisco King Cake Lady. Opt for a VIP package ranging from general admission to tables for up to eight people.

The Rustic

This Fat Tuesday (February 21), this Uptown live music venue and restaurant is hosting a crawfish boil with drink specials all day long. Live music from Congo Square starts at 7 pm.

Quarter Bar

On Tuesday, February 21 (3 pm to close) stop by this Uptown bar for a Fat Tuesday celebration. They’ll have $6 frozen Hurricane cocktails and $4 Abita bottles on their rooftop deck. There will also be bites like Bread Winner’s gumbo, crawfish etoufée, and po boy’s in addition to their regular offerings of Cajun fries, VooDoo fries, sliders, wings, flatbreads, and more. A DJ will perform starting at 9 pm.

Truck Yard

Head to The Colony’s Truck Yard at noon on February 18 for a crawfish boil, cocktails, Cajun music, and more to celebrate Mardi Gras.

Restaurant Beatrice

Celebrate Mardi Gras at this Bishop Arts Cajun restaurant this Sunday (noon to 3 pm) and Tuesday from 5 pm to close. Seating is first come, first serve as crawfish will only be served on the outdoor patio. You’ll also be able to order anything else from the main menu while seated outside.