Best Bars To Celebrate Mardi Gras In Minnesota
While Minnesota is far from the mecca of Mardi Gras, many of New Orleans' traditions have migrated north. Each year, Mardi Gras is celebrated in a variety of unique ways in Minnesota. If you're looking for the perfect event to attend, check out the best places to celebrate Mardi Gras in Minnesota.
Bock Fest at Schell's Brewing Co.
1860 Schell Road
New Ulm, MN 56073
(507) 354-5528
www.schellsbrewery.com
Each year, the Schell's Brewery in New Ulm hosts Bock Fest, a large, German Mardi-Gras style outdoor festival. Attended by thousands of people each year, one of the highlights of Bock Fest is the tapping of a full-bodied lager that has been brewed and stored since the fall prior. This year, Bock Fest falls on Saturday, Feb. 9 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the brewery. Join in the celebration and enjoy great food, delicious brews, music, dancing and more. After the festival, head into downtown New Ulm and keep the party going in the spirit of Mardi Gras. This is a 21-plus event.
Eagles #34
2507 E. 25th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 724-9714
www.minneapoliseagles34.org
The Eagles Club #34 in Minneapolis goes all out on in honor of Fat Tuesday. In years past, live music has included the likes of The New Riverside Ramblers and The Faux Playboys, which inject a healthy dose of creole into Fat Tuesday's festivities. Attendees can enjoy Cajun food, fun, music and dancing all evening long, for a minimal cover charge. Get out your festive mask and beads and head over to the Eagles to celebrate Mardi Gras Cajun style.
CNF 2013 Mardi Gras at Minneapolis Marriott City Center 
30 S. 7th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 349-4000
www.childneurologyfoundation.org
Now in its fourth year, the Child Neurology Foundation hosts an annual Mardi Gras celebration to support the continued research of neurologic disorders that affect children, like autism. This year, the Mardi Gras celebration will be held at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center on Sunday, Feb. 9. Tickets to this exclusive event include a French Creole dinner and wine, live entertainment, auctions, festive beads and masks and more. This year, join the Child Neurology Foundation in celebration of Mardi Gras and help raise awareness and contribute to finding the cure for neurologic disorders.
Related: Best Bars And Nightclubs With Retro Nights In Minneapolis
Aqua
400 1st Ave. N.
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 232-3232
www.aquampls.com
If you're looking to party it up in honor of Mardi Gras, check out downtown nightclub Aqua. Don your finest ensemble, complemented with free festive masks, beads and feathers. Enjoy the hottest live music, with the hottest Latin- and Cajun-inspired mixes designed to keep you on the dance floor all evening long. Sip on a hurricane and enjoy Mardi Gras in Minneapolis club style. This is a 21-plus event.
Carnaval Brasileiro at Fine Line Music Cafe
318 N. 1st Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 338-8100
www.rkeverest.net/beiramar
Back by popular demand is Carnaval Brasileiro, a celebration of Brazilian culture exemplified in an evening of festive, upbeat music and dancing. In a similar vein as Mardi Gras, Carnaval Brasileiro has three fantastic shows scheduled in the Twin Cities (9 p.m. Feb. 15, 9 p.m. Feb. 16 and an all ages family matinee at 2 p.m. on Feb. 17). Enjoy the hottest Brazilian acts in the Midwest while nibbling and sipping on Brazilian food and beverages. Don a Brazilian mask (available for sale at the event), get painted by the talented Arthur Almquist and enjoy the magical stylings of Danny Lord. Get your tickets now for this fun-filled unique event that celebrates Brazilian culture.
Know of an upcoming Mardi Gras celebration in Minnesota? Please plug it below!
A Minnesota native that was born and raised Up North, Minneapolis is where Christina Kalinowski currently calls home. Christina appreciates irony, loves bacon, enjoys a hearty libation (drink responsibly, folks), and is an avid proponent of the Swanson Pyramid of Greatness. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
