Best Mardi Gras Celebrations In Metro Detroit

Mardi Gras, aka Fat Tuesday, is on Tuesday, February 17, 2015. This festive occasion is known for bringing the carnival to town. To revelers, it marks a time to participate in antics and excess before the start of Lent. The celebration generally includes ornate masks and costumes, parades and partying, and there's always way too much eating and drinking. Massive celebrations occur in many cities with a rich French history, including the most infamous of all debauchery - the French Quarter of New Orleans. In Louisiana, it seems as though the party never stops, with good reason, because it doesn't. Not unlike New Orleans, Detroit certainly knows how to party, and plays host to many events that commemorate Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras Jazz Gala 2015
Silver Shores Waterfront Banquet Center
1 James DeSana Dr.
Wyandotte, MI 48192
(734) 246-4800
www.taylorconservatory.org

Date: Feb. 13, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.

Those looking for a way to celebrate Mardi Gras while spreading the fortune should plan to attend a fundraiser that benefits a worthwhile organization. The evening's proceeds will support the Music and Art in the Gardens concert series, held in the summer at the Taylor Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Guests are encouraged to don a mask and dress up in formal attire for this glitzy event. There will be a special live music performance by none other than a dixieland band. So that means tons of dancing. Tickets include cocktails, dinner and a troupe of professional acrobats - adding to the evening's excitement. Please reserve tickets for this event in advance; registration is available on the website.

Fishbone's
400 Monroe St.
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 965-4600
www.fishbonesusa.com

Celebrate Mardi Gras in Detroit at a place seeping in N'awlins style - Fishbone's. This New Orleans-style establishment serves up traditional dishes in a celebratory fashion, with a party that goes on til all hours of the night. Fishbone's provides a great way to get your Mardi Gras fix and fill up on gulf coast specialties like shrimp creole, jambalaya and gumbo. This year marks Fishbone's 25th annual Mardi Gras bash and it knows how to celebrate right - with beignets, booze and a band.

Related: Best Bars To Celebrate Mardi Gras in Detroit

Founders Junior Council Cirque
Detroit Institute of Arts
5200 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 833-7900
www.dia.org

Date: Feb. 28, 2015 at 8:30 p.m.

Hosted by the Founders Junior Council and the Detroit Institute of Arts, this annual soiree is the perfect mix of formal costume and revelry. Although not specifically held for Mardi Gras, this celebratory bash has all the makings of a wild but cultured night of reckless abandon. There will be scads of guests dressed in winsome attire, while still managing to maintain that coveted aloof chic style. Appetizers are passed and cocktails are a-flowing, as music fills the expansive halls of the museum. This year's theme is "Empire," which celebrates the post-prohibition era. Dress to the nines, as the winner will receive a coveted prize. Proceeds from this event support exhibitions, collections and educational programming at the DIA.

Related: Guide To New Orleans' Mardi Gras

After receiving a BA in Photography from Savannah College of Art & Design, Nicole Wrona began working with a diverse range of musicians. In addition, she is a freelance writer for numerous publications. Her work can be found at www.metalleaves.com and Examiner.com.