Raleigh, N.C. — Just because we aren't in New Orleans, doesn't mean we can't have a great Fat Tuesday celebration. 

I'm a New Orleans native and I have to admit I get pretty homesick this time of year. But these events are a great way to help ease that pain! 

Here's a roundup of Mardi Gras fun in the Triangle: 

In Wake Forest, there will be a Mardi Gras Street festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. downtown. This free, family-friendly event will have a children’s parade, face painters, live music, inflatables, food trucks and more.

Motorco in Durham is holding a free Mardi Gras Warm-up Party on Saturday starting at 4 p.m. Adults and children can make their own costumes with materials from the Scrap Exchange. There is also going to be a great slate of music to help you get into the mood to second line. 

Papa Mojo’s Roadhouse, also in Durham, is holding its annual costume ball complete with beads, masks, contests and music on Saturday. The party starts at 9:30 p.m. and costs $15.

And on Fat Tuesday, Durham is really breaking out the party! The free celebration is all-ages. 

Papa Mojo’s will be serving etouffee, jambalaya, gumbo and red beans and rice starting at 5 p.m. Motorco will have your favorite libations. A parade begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Bull at CCB Plaza in downtown and goes to Motorco.

After the parade get ready for some music from Mel Melton and the Wicket Mojos, The Bulltown Strutters, Rhonda Robichaux and more. Fullsteam will also have music.

And if you get cold out there, Cocoa Cinnamon should be open serving warm coffee, tea and sipping chocolate. 

If you are looking for something in Raleigh, Meals on Wheels of Wake County is holding its annual Fat Tuesday Benefit on Tuesday at North Ridge Country Club. It costs $125 per person.

UPDATE: Also, The London Bridge in Raleigh his holding a Mardi Gras masquerade party on Tuesday. No cover. Cash prizes for best masks and DJ Animal.

Looking for a King Cake? 

Once in a Blue Moon Bakery in Cary is selling King Cakes. They are $16.99 each and feed about 12-15 people. They aren't filled and do come with a plastic baby inside (per the tradition.) Get your orders in by Saturday. If you don't, there should be a few around for purchase on Monday.

Stick Boy Bread in Fuquay-Varina is also offering King Cakes (thanks to Brian Shrader who gave us this tip!).

La Farm Bakery in Cary also has them. We found out on Monday when we saw one in the WRAL cafe downstairs from the newsroom. Not filled and a more bread-like flaky cake, but it was good. 

Also, Whole Foods has been known to offer King Cakes around this time of year. 

Laissez Le Bon Temps Roulet!