Best Mardi Gras Parties In Minnesota
Minneapolis Mardi Pub Crawl
Downtown Minneapolis
Itinerary found here: www.mardipubcrawl.com
No, Minneapolis is not New Orleans. The antics and craziness that accompany the holiday down in the Big Easy probably won't be taking over downtown in quite the same way. But we do things our own way here, and this is the party you don't want to miss. Seven bucks gets you drink specials and free cover at the various bars along the crawl, which include the Pourhouse, Glueks, Rouge, Spades, Mason's and more. Added bonus: every ticket purchased means a donation to Feeding America. Doing good while having fun? That's a Mardi Gras tradition we can really embrace. Make sure you get your tickets ASAP, as Feb. 6 is right around the corner.
3244 Bur Oak Road NW
Baudette, MN 56623
(218) 634-1342
www.exploreminnesota.com
This is a classic romp, celebrating with food, songs and raised glasses. For nearly two decades, this bar in northwest Minnesota has brought the fun for Mardi Gras, so you don't have to resort to the madness of the Twin Cities when you're looking to celebrate. Giving locals from nearby towns and visitors from all across the country stories they may or may not tell the grandchildren, this party also offers a place to stay after the party, as it is located in a resort lodge with full amenities. You do have to wait a little longer for this one, as it doesn't take place until March 19.
Oceanaire Mardi Gras Feast
3675 Arboretum Drive
Chaska, MN 55318
(952) 443-1422
www.localwineevents.com
A feast of traditional New Orleans fare will be prepared in front of you by Oceanaire chef Robert Wohlfeil. That's pretty cool. Just as cool is when you sink your teeth into various dishes, washing each bite down with a sip of the wine that has been thoughtfully paired with the meal, and realizing that Mardi Gras can be about more than just scandals and getting drunk. This Feb. 4 event is made for food-lovers. Included in the $77 ($65 for members) cost is admission to the stunning arboretum in which it will be held.
1 26th St E
Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 872-0812
www.blackforestinnmpls.com
Less well known in the U.S. is that the Germans celebrate their own Mardi Gras, called Fasching (and in other regions of Germany, Karneval). This Eat Street restaurant always does it big for the holiday, at least as big as it should be for a holiday as loud as this one, and you'll enjoy live music and food specials for the week leading up to Fat Tuesday (starting Feb. 5). There's also a contest to design menu covers, open now for local artists to submit their work.
1360 Lexington Parkway N
St Paul, MN 55117
(651) 666-9491
www.comodockside.com
There wasn't much good food around St. Paul's beautiful Lake Como before Como Dockside came along. Opening earlier in 2015, the restaurant has quickly established itself as a destination for locals and visitors alike. Since the menu has always been New Orleans-oriented, it only makes sense that they would host a Mardi gras feast, and this inaugural party on Feb. 6 shouldn't be missed. The jazzy Jack Brass Band will accompany your crawfish, shrimp, mussels and more, making it probably one of the more traditional Mardi Gras events on this list.
