If you can't make to New Orleans for Mardi Gras this year, don't panic -- North Texans can celebrate right here in the Metroplex. This list is broken down into family and adult fun. Not all events take place on Fat Tuesday so be sure to pay attention to dates.
Family Fun:
2012 Mardi Gras Oak Cliff Parade
Where: West Davis Street and North Bishop Avenue , Dallas, TX
When: Feb. 19
Price: Free
This all-ages parade escews the New Orleans funny business and runs from 4 to 6 p.m. down Davis Street, from Montclair to Madison, and ends in the Bishop Arts District.
Lake Dallas Mardi Gras Celebration 2012
Where: 212 Main Street , Lake Dallas, TX
When: Feb. 21
Price: Free
Starting at 5 p.m., Lake Dallas City Hall will have all-ages Fat Tuesday fun. There will be live music from the Nawlin's Gumbo Kings, an all-ages costume contest, craw fish eating competition, juggling jester and more.
Dash for the Beads
Where Bishop Arts District
When: Feb. 18
Price: Varies
A run/walk for the whole family, including pets. Participants can enter a 5k run or 1 mile walk where costumes are encouraged. Proceeds benefit FIDO Oak Cliff.
Mardi Gras Celebration & Parade
Where: Singleton Plaza, downtown Waxahachie
When: Feb. 18
Price: Free
This event will take place from 11a.m. to 5p.m. Enjoy music from The Zydeco Royals, a gumbo contest, and of course a parade which starts at 3p.m.
6th Annual IOOF Mardi Gras Charity Ball
Where: 101 South College St. Waxahachie, TX
When: Feb. 18
Price: $35 per person
This charity auction will have live entertainment food and drinks. Proceeds benefit the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Scholarship Charity.
Adult Mardi Gras Parties:
Mardi Gras Texas Style
Where: Automobile Building, Fair Park, 1010 First Ave, Dallas, Texas 75210
When: Feb. 18
Price: $33.50 - $40
There isn't an age limit for this music festival but the website recommends 17 and up and warns "It is a Mardi Gras event and Mardi Gras activities do take place."
Mardi RA
Where: 7501 Lone Star Dr. Suite B-130 Plano, TX 75024
When: Feb. 21
Price: Depends on how much you buy
RA Sushi from 7p.m. to close invites everyone to dress for Mardi Gras and promises to bring a taste of the Big Easy.
The Quarter
Where:15201 Addison Road Addison, TX 75001
When: Feb. 21
Price: Lots of drink specials
This French Quarter themed restaurant is celebrating with drink specials and beads, beads and more beads.
11th Annual KNON Mardi Gras Gumbo Party
Where: Poor David's Pub, 1313 S. Lamar in Dallas
When: Feb. 19
Price: $15
Five restaurants (The Alligator Cafe, Louisiana Red, Offshores Nextdoor, and Crawdads of Dallas and Fish City Grill) will bring their finest gumbo for tasting and judging from 5 to 7 p.m. Scheduled events include live music, a raffle, beads and some delicious gumbo.
Rocky Horror Mardi Gras Show
Where: Lakewood Theater, 1825 Abrams Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75214
When: Feb. 10
Price: Tickets are $11, Prop Packs are $4
Why not celebrate Mardi Gras in a place where costumes, singing, dancing and toast throwing are encouraged year round? Organizers request that all costumes be street legal, and Time Warps are always encouraged.
Mardi "Growl" Benefiting Operation Kindness
Where: BlackFinn Restuarant 4440 Belt Line Rd. Addison, Texas 75001
When: Feb. 19
Price: $10 per person
Another event where you can bring your friends with four legs. There will be a doggy costume parade, raffle prizes and awards for best dressed doggy. For the humans there will be a $4 'Hurri-caine' drink special.
Way Out Wineries Mardi Gras Weekend tour trip
Where: Start in Granbury then a self-directed tour of seven Central Texas wineries
When: Feb. 10-12
Price: $25 per person
For all you wine lovers 2 days of tasty Cajun styled food and wine pairings.
Know of any other Mardi Gras events North Texans should know about? E-mail us here for additions.
