Your D.C. Weekend: Mardi Gras guide
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Mardi Gras fireworks at the Wharf's big bash. Photo: Courtesy the Wharf
It's a long, packed weekend — Valentine's Day, Galentine's Day, Presidents Day — but we're going Big Easy energy for non-stop Mardi Gras parties through Fat Tuesday.
Why it matters: Po'boys, Sazeracs and brass bands — enough said!
PSA: Mardi Gras at the Wharf, D.C.'s biggest celebration, is postponed until 2/22 due to potential snow. Other activities may be postponed in a weather event, so check the listings before you head out.
Laissez les bons temps rouler…
🎺 Barracks Row Mardi Gras
- The Capitol Hill block party puts on a colorful community parade filled with live music, plus specials at local restaurants and shops.
- 📅 Friday, 5:30pm
- 🎟️ Registration (free)
🥁H Street Mardi Gras
- The neighborhood festival boasts a center stage with local bands and dance troupes like the Eastern High School marching band and the U.S. Army Blues band, plus kids' shows at the Atlas Performing Center, and pop-ups at local galleries and bars.
- 📅 Sunday, 12pm start
😋 Mardi Gras at Dauphine's
- The big ticket party unfolds at Downtown D.C.'s swanky New Orleans restaurant. Expect four open bars, traditional NoLa bites and buffet stations, craft cocktails, live jazz from the Crush Funk Brass Band, and a festive "Birds of a Feather" dress theme.
- 📅 Sunday from 6pm
- 🎟️ Tickets: $197+
🎭 Lundi Gras at St. Vincent
- Transport yourself from this Park View wine garden to New Orleans with hurricanes, chef Joel Hatton's Cajun bites and brassy tunes from the Joe Brotherton Trio.
- 📅 Monday, 5-10pm
- 🎟️ Tickets: $20 + tax (includes a hurricane spritz, raffle ticket, beads and live music).
🎺 Bayou Gras, Mardi Pardi at Bayou Bakery
- New Orleans native chef David Guas' annual "Mardi Pardi" fires up with the District Brass Band and bottomless food and drink options. Think all the classics — crawfish, red beans and rice, muffaletta — plus veggie options.
- 📅 Tuesday, 5–9pm (bakery open 7am–4pm with daytime specials)
- 🎟️ Tickets: $67 all-you-can-eat; $103 bottomless food + drinks; $32 for kids (incl. mac, red beans, king cake and a drink).
Plus more weekend fun!
🎥 DC Independent Film Forum (now through Feb. 16): Catch more than 60 short and feature films at theaters across the city. (Passes $65+)
✨ National Gallery Nights return (Thurs): After-hours art strolls, dancing and music are back at NGA — the lottery is closed, but limited, free walk-in tickets will be available at the door.
💃🏽 Situationship Bollywood Party (Fri): A Valentine's-themed Bollywood dance party at Rewind by Decades with Desi beats and bold costumes encouraged. (Tickets $23+)
💕 Plus, check out our guide to Galentine's and singles parties all weekend long.
🆕 "Mammoth" debut (Fri. through Jan. 3, 2027): Sculptor Nick Cave debuts his fantastical show at Smithsonian's American Art Museum exploring identity, nature and family heritage.
🇺🇲 George Washington Birthday Parade (Sat): Celebrate the first president with a festive parade in Old Town, plus free admission to Mount Vernon on Monday for Washington's birthday.
🎸 Valentine's Rock and Roll Party (Sat): Beloved Black Cat bartender Chad America's annual Valentine's dance party is a tradition (free, doors open at 10pm).
🎶 MLK Tribute Concert (Sun): Strathmore's annual choral tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. features an evening of music and reflection. (Tickets $29+)
🍪 Cookie Fest DMV (Sun): BYO cookies for a taste and swap at Royal Sands in Navy Yard. (Tickets $15+ for two)
🐴 Midnight Madness (Mon): Kick off the Year of the Horse in D.C.'s Chinatown at 11:30pm with a free parade featuring lion dances, pounding drums and more.