Mar 4, 2025 - Things to Do

How to celebrate Mardi Gras in Philadelphia

Whether you call it Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, here's where you can get your final hurrah before the end of Carnival:

🎺 New Orleans tunes in Center City

Hoppin' John's Orchestra leads a free parade at 7pm on the nearby streets, then heads inside Chris' Jazz Cafe. Showtimes are 7:30pm and 9pm.

Count on New Orleans menu classics, including crawdads, jambalaya and bayou mac and cheese.
Cost: $20

🍩 King Cake doughnuts

Up your game with these doughnuts from DreamWorld Bakes in Kensington, made with cheesecake mousse and pandan glaze.

🎭 Mardi Gras pop-up

Craftsman Row Saloon in Center City spares no expense with wall-to-wall decorations, plus themed drinks and shakes.

Editor's note: This story was updated to add new showtimes at Chris' Jazz Cafe.

More Philadelphia stories