Laissez les bons temps rouler — right here at home!
You don’t need a trip to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras. From winery carnivals and elegant galas to jazz nights, parades, and King Cake traditions, our region offers plenty of ways to enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of Fat Tuesday. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing or a night out dressed in purple, green, and gold, here are some of the best local ways to celebrate Mardi Gras this year across Northern Virginia and nearby communities.
The D.C. Waterfront
Many locals make the short trip to Washington, D.C., for larger-scale celebrations. Mardi Gras at The Wharf is one of the region’s biggest events, featuring a parade, stilt walkers, live music, and fireworks — an energetic option for those who want the full spectacle.
Fredericksburg & Surrounding Areas
Fredericksburg brings a strong sense of community to Mardi Gras, blending Louisiana-inspired traditions with local flair.
One standout celebration is the Eden Try Winery Carnival, a large outdoor event that leans into the festive spirit with wine, music, costumes, and a lively crowd. It’s a great option for those who want a daytime celebration with friends in a relaxed, open-air setting.
Community organizations also get into the spirit. Groups like the Fredericksburg Sister City Association often host Mardi Gras-themed fundraisers and parties featuring classic New Orleans dishes such as King Cake, red beans and rice, and Cajun-inspired menus, paired with live music and dancing.
For a more formal experience, events like the Delta Sigma Theta Mardi Gras Gala at the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center offer an elegant evening complete with dinner, music, and all the glamour Mardi Gras is known for — just with a Virginia backdrop.
Shenandoah Valley Traditions
The Town of Shenandoah has embraced Mardi Gras in a uniquely local way by hosting its own parade. Featuring community groups, nods to local history, and plenty of festive energy, the parade showcases small-town pride while still honoring the celebratory roots of the season. It’s a great reminder that Mardi Gras is as much about community as it is about beads and music.
Loudoun County, Virginia
Loudoun County may be known for wineries and historic towns, but it also knows how to celebrate.
Local restaurants and breweries often mark the season with Mardi Gras–themed menus, featuring Cajun and Creole specials, hurricanes, and seasonal cocktails. Keep an eye out for live music nights with jazz or blues influences, especially in Leesburg and Purcellville.
Wineries and event spaces across Loudoun frequently host themed dinners, costume nights, or pop-up celebrations, making Mardi Gras a perfect excuse to gather with friends for something festive and a little out of the ordinary. Pop by Breaux Vineyards for a fun “Samedi Gras” celebration.
Arlington, Virginia
Arlington offers a more urban spin on Mardi Gras, with plenty of nightlife and dining options that lean into the celebration.
Restaurants throughout Clarendon, Ballston, and Rosslyn often feature Fat Tuesday specials, including beignets, King Cake slices, and Louisiana-inspired entrées. Cocktail bars often feature themed drinks and late-night celebrations.
Live music venues and neighborhood spots may host jazz performances or Mardi Gras parties, making Arlington a great choice for those looking to celebrate after work or turn the evening into a full night out.
Maryland
In Montgomery County, food-focused events have included beignet pop-ups, King Cake offerings, and Cajun cooking classes, while jazz lovers can often find New Orleans–style performances through local music organizations. Formal events like the Alpha Omega Mardi Gras Ball in North Bethesda deliver a classic Mardi Gras experience with dinner, dancing, and elegant attire.
Frederick embraces Mardi Gras with both tradition and creativity. The Frederick Woman’s Civic Club Mardi Gras is a long-running annual event featuring dinner, dancing, live music, and raffles, all while supporting local charities.
Downtown Frederick businesses also tend to join in with specials, music, and themed nights as the holiday approaches. And if celebrating at home is more your style, local bakeries throughout Frederick offer traditional King Cakes, making it easy to bring a taste of Mardi Gras to your own kitchen.
Celebrate Local, Celebrate Together
Mardi Gras is about more than just a single day — it’s a season of gathering, celebrating, and embracing a little joy in the middle of winter. Whether you’re sipping wine at a carnival, dancing at a gala, enjoying live jazz, or sharing King Cake with friends, there are countless ways to let the good times roll right here in our community.
No plane ticket required.
