Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday

Mardi Gras, (or Fat Tuesday to most) is the celebration before before Ash Wednesday, and is also called "Shrove Tuesday" or "Pancake Day". Most people associate Mardi Gras with New Orleans, but celebrations are found around the world...even in Kansas City. Head to one of these great Fat Tuesday celebrations.

Bourbon Street comes to downtown Kansas City on Saturday, February 18th, 2012, at the 4th Annual Mardi Gras Festival at KC Live! in the Power & Light District. The biggest Mardi Gras event in the city will feature live entertainment with DJ Mike Scott on the KC Live! Stage, bead giveaways and Mardi Gras-themed contests, including a Most Beads contest, Best Dressed and Hurricane Drinking contest. Over $500 in cash and prizes will be awarded to contest winners.

The event is free to attend, but guests may purchase an all-inclusive Free-4-All wristband to access additional specials and no cover throughout the evening. The Free-4-All pass is $20 in advance and $30 at the door and may be purchased online at www.missiontix.com or at participating venues.

With the Free-4-All wristband, guests will enjoy beverages from 8pm to 11 p.m. and free cover all night inside the KC Live! Block and at participating venues.

Participating venues include:
McFadden's Sports Saloon
Shark Bar
Johnny's Tavern
Pizza Bar
Howl at the Moon
PBR Big Sky
Angels Rock Bar
Tengo Sed Cantina
Maker's Mark Bourbon House & Lounge
Mosaic Lounge
KC Live! Living Room.

Guests must be 21 or older to attend. The 4th Annual Mardi Gras Festival is sponsored by Miller Lite and Southern Comfort. For more information, visit www.powerandlightdistrict.com

Both locations (39th Street and Legend's at Village West) will celebrate Fat Tuesday the only way they know how with live bands, thousands of beads, and all the Hurricanes, and Rum Runners you can muster...and of course...THE FOOD!

Visit jazzkitchen.com for more information.

BB's Lawnside BBQ: Get fat on Fat Tuesday with BB's Fat Tuesday Celebration that includes Trampled Under Foot @ 7pm, winners of the International Blues Challenge.

Danny's Big Easy: Located in the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District, celebrate Mardi Gras with jazz band Blue Orleans and much, much more.

Nica's 320: (320 Southwest Blvd, KCMO 64108) Host Ernest James Zydeco with two shows at 7pm and 9:30pm.

Fat Fish Blue: (7260 NW 87th St, KC North) The Zona Rosa's own blues and jazz club hosts Billy Ebeling, 3pm to 6pm and Grand Marquis, 7pm to 11pm for their annual Fat Tuesday celebration.

Freddy T's: (7920 West 151st Street, OP) Open Jam with Knock Kneed Sally @ 7:30pm

Knuckleheads: (2715 Rochester, Kansas City MO) KCBS Mardi Gras Party w/Billy Ebeling & The Late 4 Dinner Band, 7-11pm

The Hide Out: (6948 N Oak Trfy, Kansas City, MO) Solo by Jacque Garoutte @ 6pm Outlaw Jim and the Whiskey Benders @ 8pm

The Phoenix: (302 West 8th St, Kansas City, MO) Open Jam with Everette DeVan Trio, 7 to 11pm

Granada Lawrence: With hosts the Ying-Yang Twins, the Granada's Fat Tuesday Party is for those 18 and over and doors open at 8:30pm. Tickets are $15 in advance.