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Best Mardi Gras Celebrations In Pittsburgh

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Last year's Fat Tuesday festivities sent Pittsburghers scrambling to the city's best bars to celebrate Mardi Gras in Pittsburgh, and this year promises to deliver just as much fun at the region's upcoming Mardi Gras celebrations. While you may not be able to experience the wild Cajun nights of New Orleans, this year's Pittsburgh celebrations have something for the New Orleanian in us all. Whether you prefer to try hands-on activities, go a little wild and crazy at your local bar or wish to celebrate in a quieter fashion, there's no shortage of crazy, creole-inspired celebrations. Eat, drink and celebrate at these upcoming Mardi Gras celebrations happening throughout Pittsburgh.

Market District Hands-On Cooking Class
Robinson Township Giant Eagle Market District
100 Settlers Ridge Center Dr.
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
(412) 788-5392
www.marketdistrict.com

Date: Feb. 17, 2015

If a wild night on the town isn't your idea of a good time, grab your significant other or BFF and head to the Giant Eagle Market District at Settlers Ridge in Robinson Township for a casual Mardi Gras-inspired cooking class. Bring the flavor of the French Quarter to you as you craft classic cocktails, Bourbon Street entrees and even King Cake. Registration is $50 per person and can be completed by visiting the Giant Eagle Market District website for its Robinson Township location.

John Gresh's Gris-Gris
NOLA On The Square
24 Market Square
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 471-9100
www.nolaonthesquare.com

Date: Feb. 17, 2015

For a true New Orleans Mardi Gras bash right here in the 'Burgh, NOLA On The Square is hard to beat thanks to its jazz brassiere atmosphere, Nouveau Creole menu, blues and jazz entertainment and Big Easy cocktails. Celebrate Fat Tuesday with one of the city's coolest celebrations highlighting live New Orleans jazz and blues music from John Gresh's Gris-Gris. Stuff yourself full of a filling dinner featuring authentic Mardi Gras favorites like New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp, frog legs, gumbo ya-ya and many of the best southern-style cocktails. NOLA On The Square is located in Market Square.

Related: Best Party Rides In Pittsburgh

44th Annual SBAA Mardi Gras Celebration
St. Bede School
6920 Edgerton Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15208
(412) 661-9425
www.saintbedeschool.com

Date: Feb. 14, 2015

The St. Bede School gym sets the stage for the 44th annual SBAA Mardi Gras celebration on Saturday, February 14. Party the night away during an exciting evening of games, including darts, putting contests, dice games, basketball foul shooting, horse races, Texas Hold'em and blackjack. Enjoy food and drinks while also witnessing the honor of 2015 Hall of Fame inductees Stacy and Keefe Ellis. This event is adults only. Tickets are available by contacting Maureen Elder at mriellyelder@gmail.com or Rachel Mollen at rbmollen@gmail.com.

Related: Best Pittsburgh Bars To Host A Large Party

Jessica Wasik is a graduate of Robert Morris University with a degree in English Studies. She is also a contributing writer for AXS.com and Examiner.com. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
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