5 Ways to Celebrate Mardi Gras in San Diego

Can’t make it to NOLA for Mardi Gras? No problem! There are more than a few ways to get your jollies—and caipirinhas, beignets and beads, of course—in San Diego. Between February 9 and 13, you can take your pick of food and drink crawls, dancing, and masquerade parties. Look no further to find out where to sport your purple, gold, and green.

For the first time in 24 years, there will be no Fat Tuesday block party in the Gaslamp. Partygoers will be free to roam Fifth Avenue and soak up entertainment without the need to buy a ticket to enter the district.

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Gaslamp Mardi Gras Party Hop!

Where: Start anywhere or follow the event’s crawl route

When: February 9 and 10, 6 p.m.–2 a.m.

A $25 ticket buys entry to an exclusive opening party at Vin De Syrah, more than 10 locations offering welcome shots, an extended happy hour, and more. But no ticket is required to revel at a list of more than a dozen bars and restaurants offering various deals, such as free entry, free beignets, reduced price food, and more.

Mardi Gras Club Crawl San Diego

Where: Analog Bar

When: February 10, 9:30 p.m.

This crawl hits up just four spots—Analog Bar, Omnia, Florent, and Bassmnt—for more of a VIP experience than a typical pub crawl. Tickets are $25 to $30.

Hillcrest Mardi Gras

Where: Hillcrest

When: February 10 to 13, 6 p.m.–11 p.m.

Five party buses dubbed the “Hot Mess Express” will make rounds to seven neighborhood bars. Tickets are $10 to $15.

San Diego Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball

Where: Gaslamp Quarter

When: February 13, 5 p.m.–2 a.m.

The masquerade ball kicks off at Analog Bar and will stretch along Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp. Tickets starting at $21 buy discounted entry to an after party at Area 51 Ultra Lounge, and deals at more than a dozen nearby locations.

Mardi Gras Beads, Bites, and Booze Tour

Where: Gaslamp Quarter

When: February 10, 1 p.m.–5 p.m.

This $25 ticket buys you entrée to a self-guided stroll of 20 downtown restaurants and bars offering Mardi Gras deals. Here’s a taste of some participating establishments: Altitude Sky Lounge, Bud & Rob New Orleans Bistro, Casablanca Lounge, Ciro’s Pizzeria & Beerhouse, Coyote Ugly, El Chingon, Funky Garcia’s, Gaslamp BBQ, and Havana 1920.

5 Ways to Celebrate Mardi Gras in San Diego

Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp