How to Celebrate Mardi Gras in Boston

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Here in Boston, we may not compare to our cousins to the South when it comes to celebrating Mardi Gras, but that doesn’t mean we can’t throw a good party. Festivities in the Boston area this year range from lively parties at sports bars to upscale dinners and brunches at local restaurants. We’ve rounded up the top destinations to celebrate before and on Fat Tuesday itself. — Krista Firkins

Friends of Copley Square Mardi Gras Celebration
The Friends of Copley Square will host this swanky soiree at the Fairmont Copley Plaza and includes accommodations provided by The Copley Square Hotel, The Fairmont Copley Plaza or the Lenox Hotel. The dinner on Friday night will feature New Orleans cuisine and live dancing. All proceeds from the event support the preservation and beautification of Copley Square. Friday, Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m., $300 per couple, $175 for individual tickets, 138 St. James Ave., Boston, friendsofcopleysquare.org.

Hurricane O’Reilly’s Mardi Gras Madness
Already known for its Bourbon Street-esque nightlife, Hurricane O’Reilly’s will feature live jazz music as well as their regular Irish, American, and Cajun specials, and best of all, $5 Hurricanes all night. Friday, Feb. 17, 8 p.m.-close, 150 Canal St., Boston, 617-722-0161, hurricaneoreillysboston.com.

Hype Nightlife Mardi Gras Party at The Greatest Bar
The Greatest Bar will host four DJs, hand out masks at the door, and award over $1,000 in cash prizes. Party-goers can call ahead to get on the guest list for a discounted cover charge. Friday, Feb. 17, 9 p.m., $10 cover, 262 Friend St., Boston, 617-367-0544, thegreatestbar.com.

Social Boston Sports Mardi Gras Party at Red Sky
SBS, an organization of more than 12,000 young professionals, is throwing a private soiree at Red Sky, complete with a DJ, beads contest, and one complimentary cocktail per guest. Red Sky will be serving special Mardi Gras cocktails for the night. Party-goers must purchase tickets in advance to get on the guest list for the event, but from the sounds of it, it will be worth it. Friday, Feb. 17, 9 p.m.-close, $15 (no tickets sold at the door), 16-18 North St., Boston, 617-792-3333, socialbostonsports.com.

19th Annual Mardi Gras Ball at T.T. the Bear’s Place
This party, which is taking place at T.T. the Bear’s in Central Square, has featured local performers and musicians every year since 1994. Proceeds from the general admission price will go to the New Orleans Musicians Clinic. Saturday, Feb. 18, 8:30 p.m.-close, $15, 10 Brookline St., Cambridge, 617-492-0082, ttthebears.com.

Tupelo Sunday Brunch
This restaurant is the perfect spot to spend the Sunday morning prior to Mardi Gras and features a menu of “comfort food with a Southern drawl.” The Sunday menu boasts classics like Cajun gumbo, smoked sausage with sweet potato hash, and Southern fried chicken. Sunday, Feb. 19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 1193 Cambridge St., Cambridge, 617-868-0004, tupelo02139.com.

Mardi Gras Dinner at Tryst
Paul Turano, chef/owner of Tryst, will be serving up Mardi Gras specials inspired by Louisiana cuisine and New Orleans chefs. In addition to the three-course meal, guests will be able to enjoy Hurricanes and other specialty drinks. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation. Tuesday, Feb. 21, 5 p.m.-10 p.m., $38 per person, 689 Mass Ave., Arlington, 781-641-2227, trystrestaurant.com.

Throwed Mardi Gras Party
This weekly dance party at the Middle East Downstairs is aptly adopting a Mardi Gras theme for Tuesday, and will feature DJ E-Marce and Texas Mike. Tickets at the door, or guests can pay $20 to get a VIP ticket and skip the line. Tuesday, Feb. 21, 9 p.m., VIP $20, $15 at the door, $12 in advance, 472-480 Mass Ave., Cambridge, 617-864-3278, mideastclub.com.

Mardi Gras Celebration at The Beehive
The sumptuously decorated nightlife jazz spot is throwing a Fat Tuesday blowout with a lineup of live music, New Orleans style food, cocktails, and Hurricanes. If that’s not enough to lure you to the Beehive for the festivities, there’s no cover. Tuesday, Feb. 21, 5 p.m.-2 a.m., 541 Tremont St., Boston, 617-423-0069, beehiveboston.com.