Best Mardi Gras Parties In Pittsburgh
It feels like Pittsburgh just celebrated the arrival of 2016, yet here the city is getting ready for Mardi Gras, the last big hurrah before the Lenten season. What's Mardi Gras without a great party? No matter your style, whether you prefer galas held by nonprofits or a night out at your favorite bar, here are a few of the best for you to choose from.
Epilepsy Foundation Gala At The Westin
1000 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
1-800-361-5885
www.efwp.org
For the past 22 years, the Epilepsy Foundation has been holding a black-tie gala for Mardi Gras, honoring prominent figures in the local community and raising money for the organization in the process. Last year's party hosted a sold-out crowd of over 700 people and raised a record-setting $501,000. Can Mardi Gras 2016 manage to be even better? This year's gala will be held on Fat Tuesday itself, Feb. 9, starting at 6:30 p.m.
NOLA On The Square
24 Market Square
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 471-9100
www.nolaonthesquare.com
Can a Mardi Gras party get much better than celebrating at a New Orleans-inspired restaurant? NOLA on the Square is your best bet to experience New Orleans right at home in Pittsburgh, with its Nouveau Creole menu and Bourbon Street cocktails, plus live jazz and blues music at least twice a week. And there's no better time to try it than Mardi Gras, when NOLA on the Square will be celebrating with food and drink specials and a live performance from jazz and blues band John Gresh's Gris Gris from 8-11 p.m.
Bocktown Beer And Grill
500 Beaver Valley Mall Blvd.
Monaca, PA 15061
(724) 728-7200
www.bocktown.com
Let's face it; Tuesday is just not a convenient night for a party. So if you'd like to get your Mardi Gras festivities in a little bit earlier over the weekend, Bocktown Beer and Grill is hosting a pre-Mardi Gras party on Saturday, February 6 at the Monaca location. They'll be featuring some New Orleans-inspired dishes, as well as a live acoustic performance from John Gresh's Gris Gris.
Related: Best Up-And-Coming Pittsburgh Bands To Check Out In 2016
Bulgarian Macedonian National Educational And Cultural Center
449 West 8th Ave.
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 461-6188
bmnecc.org
For a family-friendly night of dancing, visit the Bulgarian Macedonian Cultural Center on February 6 for dance lessons from local Cajun band Grand Bon Rien. Partygoers are also encouraged to attend in costume for a chance to win prizes and join the parade. The one-hour dance lesson starts at 7:30; no partner is required. Live music starts at 8:30 and lasts until 11:30. Admission is $20 per person, with cash bar and snacks available.
Rex Theater
1602 E. Carson St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
(412) 381-6811
rex.greyareaprod.com
As part of their monthly party series, Impulse Pittsburgh will be hosting their women's LGBT at the South Side's Rex Theater with the all-too-appropriate masquerade theme on Saturday, January 30 starting at 9 p.m. The first 50 people at the door will get a free mask, while the first 75 will get green and purple Mardi Gras beads. Music will be provided by DJ Stephanie Crooks, and a photographer will be on hand as well to capture everyone in the best masquerade attire, although dressing up is optional. The event costs $5 and is for ages 21+ only.
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Janelle Sheetz is a 20-something closed-captioner by day, writer by night, just outside of Pittsburgh. She also regularly contributes to AXS.com and Examiner.com, and her writing has also been featured on The Billfold and Neutrons Protons.
