Celebrate Mardi Gras in the Triangle

RALEIGH, N.C. — Mardi Gras isn't just for those in New Orleans. The Triangle area has a growing contingent of Krewes ready to help you celebrate Fat Tuesday! 

Head to Trotter Hall on West Geer Street Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. for a Mardi Gras primer featuring a country boil from Saltbox chef Ricky Moore and music from the Bulltown Strutters. Ponysaurus is bringing the beer. Tickets are $25 and all proceeds from the event go to support the Hillside High School Band. 

Also on Saturday night, Papa Mojo's will be hosting its annual Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Ball. Three bands will be provide music. There is a $25 cover charge, but you get free masks and beads.

On Tuesday, March 4, head to downtown Durham for a free walking parade and street festival. Durham Mardi Gras is going to be even bigger this year with five stages of live music. Everything starts at 7 p.m. at the bull at CCB Plaza. By 7:30 p.m., the parade gets to Rigsbee Avenue, where the block party will begin. 

Carolina Ballet hosts its annual Mardi Gras Ball at the Raleigh Marriott City Center Saturday night. Tickets are $250 and proceeds benefit the ballet company.

It's not Mardi Gras specific, but we can't think of anything more Louisiana than a crawfish boil. Battistella's in City Market will be hosting an all-you-can-eat crawfish boil from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Call them to make a reservation. 

Help the animal rescue group Paws4Ever and enjoy some New Orleans-inspired food during Friday night's Paw-Di Masquerade at the University Inn's ballroom. From 7 to 11 p.m., enjoy music from Liquid Plesaure. Wear your favorite animal mask or purchase one made by local artists. Tickets are $50.

Cary 

Dine on a New Orleans-inspired three course meal while listening to jazz on Saturday night during the annual Historic Interpretations, Inc. Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball. Held at The Parish Center of Cary on High House Road, this event will also include a costume contest, raffles and photography. Tickets are $45. 

The Cary MacGregor Rotary Club is hosting its Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Fundraiser on March 4 at The Atrium. There will be food and wine and prizes. Tickets are $50.

White Street Brewing starts the party off Friday night with Cajun band Shamu Garcon performing in their taproom. They will be selling mimosas from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the street festival the following day. 

Wake Forest will be holding its Mardi Gras Street Festival on Saturday starting at 11 a.m. There will be face painting, live music, horse-drawn carriages, a parade and eating contests. It all ends with King Cake Cupcakes around 4 p.m. Admission is free. 

Saturday night Wake Forest will host its Mardi Gras Renaissance Ball at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre. Tickets are $60 and include an evening of live music, a buffet and cash bar. A King and Queen will be crowned. Proceeds benefit the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre’s arts programming.