Mardi Gras might not be until Tuesday, but Pittsburgh is starting the celebration early this year! Bars and restaurants throughout the city are hosting events all weekend, leading up to the big day.
Mark your calendars and get your beads ready, because here are some of the biggest parties happening in Pittsburgh for Fat Tuesday.
North Side Mardi Gras at Wigle Whisky Barrelhouse
- Friday, February 24
- 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Wigle Whiskey Barrelhouse & Whiskey Garden
- North Side
As part of the North Side’s 2nd Annual Mardi Gras, Wigle Whisky is hosting New Orleans-style party at their North Side Barrelhouse. Entrance to the event is free, and guests will have the opportunity to purchase Wigle Whisky absinthe drips and sazeracs. The Pittsburgh Po-Boy food truck will be on site serving Creole dishes like hot gumbo!  More information can be found on the event page.
Mardi Gras Pub Crawl in the Square
- Friday, February 24th
- 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Market Square
- Downtown
In honor of Mardi Gras, eight Market Square bars are participating in one epic bar crawl! I.C. Light is hosting the event, and $3.50 I.C. Light bottles will be served all night.
Participating locations include:
- Original Oyster House
- Diamond Market
- Simple Greek
- The Yard
- NOLA on the Square
- Poros
- Primanti Bros.
- Moe’s Southwest Grill
Registration is free, and can be completed at any of the participating bars.  Each bar will be giving out a different strand of beads, and those who collect beads from every bar, are entered to win a weekend trip for two to Seven Springs Mountain Resort, courtesy of the Market Square Merchants Association. More information can be found on the event page.
BarkHappy Mardi Gras Pawty
- Saturday, February 25
- 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Grist House Brewery
- Millvale
Celebrate Mardi Gras with your favorite pooch this Saturday at Grist House Brewery in Millvale. Tickets are $15, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Animal Rescue League. Included in the ticket is a free day of doggy daycare at Camp Bow Wow.  There will also be doggy snack packs, drink specials, and raffles. More information, and the link to buy tickets, can be found on Eventbrite.
Fat Tuesday Party at NOLA on the Square
- Tuesday, February 28
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- NOLA on the Square
- Downtown
Pittsburgh’s New Orleans brasserie in Market Square is hosting a gigantic Fat Tuesday celebration. The party starts at 11:00 AM when NOLA opens, with King Cake, prizes, and food and drink specials all day. There will be live music from 7:00 – 10:00 PM.  NOLA is also featuring beer from Abita Brewing, a Louisiana brewery, with $1 off beers from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  Additionally, the bar will also be serving $1 gumbo, and $1 red beans and rice during those hours. More information can be found on the event page.
Mardi Gras Celebration at Le Mardi Gras
- Tuesday, February 28
- 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Le Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is one of the biggest nights of the year for the bar named after the holiday. Â Le Mardi Gras will be featuring $5 hurricanes, and will serving a passion shot toast at midnight. Â The bar is known for its fresh squeezed juices, which they will be serving all night long.
Fat Tuesday with Funky Miracle – a New Orleans Tribute Band
- Tuesday, February 28
- 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- James Street Gastropub and Speakeasy
- North Side
Dance the night away at James Street Gastropub and Speakeasy for their Fat Tuesday party with Funky Miracle, a New Orleans soul and funk band covering The Meters. Tickets are $10 at the door. More information can be found on the event page.
Penn Brewery Restaurant Annual Mardi Gras Party
- Tuesday, February 28
- 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM
- Penn Brewery
- North Side
As part of their annual Mardi Gras party, Penn Brewery is hosting a night of dancing and fun featuring music from The Alex Talbot Trio. Additionally, from now until the 28th, Penn Brewery is featuring Mardi Gras specials like Blue Crab Beignets, BBQ Shrimp, Po Boys, Chicken Andouille and Okra Gumbo, and King Cake.  More information can be found online.
Four Course Fat Tuesday Meal at Reclamation Brewing Company
- Tuesday, February 28
- 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM
- Reclamation Brewing Company
- Butler, PA
In honor of Fat Tuesday, Reclamation Brewing in Butler is hosting a four course feast! The $25 ticket includes:
- Appetizer: Boudin Balls Р3 walnut sized fried balls of pork, rice, and veggie p̢t̩ served with heidelberg mustard.
- Salad: Field greens salad with heirloom cherry tomatoes, red onions, and anise bulb served with a creamy lemon peppercorn dressing.
- Entree: A generous portion of andouille sausage gumbo served with sautéed shrimp and dirty rice.
- Dessert: Sour cream beignets
- Drinks: One alcoholic beverage of your choice including beer, wine, and cocktails. Additional drinks available for purchase.
More information, and the link to buy tickets can be found on Eventbrite.
In addition to the above events, the North Side of Pittsburgh is hosting events every night leading up to Fat Tuesday.  As part of their Annual Mardi Gras Celebration, over 30 North Side businesses are participating with different New Orleans-style entertainment and food.  The full list of events can be found online.
Mardi Gras Party at Pork & Beans
- Tuesday, February 28
- 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Downtown
The downtown barbecue joint is hosting a Mardi Gras party all day on Tuesday. There will be Louisiana Brewery Abita beer on draft and frozen hurricanes. The menu will feature New Orleans dishes, and there will be plenty of beads. More information can be found online.
Any other events we should know about? Share in our comments.
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