How to 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!

First you need to get some authentic food. Here is a recipe for King Cake that will help you recreate some of that carnival food.

If you don't want to make your own, you can usually find them at Publix, Wal-Mart, Lowes Foods and Whole Foods. You can also find them at La Farm Bakery (4248 NW Cary Pkwy, Cary). Great Harvest Bread Company and Sweet Traditions by LeAne are also offering King Cakes this year.

For other New Orleans' cuisine, check out Hummingbird and St. Roch in Raleigh. Brigs (which has locations in Raleigh, Cary, Durham and Wake Forest) is featuring a Mardi Gras themed menu this month with Jambalaya, andouille sausage and muffalettas.

Mardi Gras Celebration at Hummingbird (Whitaker and Atlantic, 1053 East Whitaker Mill Road) - This party wll feature music by Atomic Rhythm All Stars and delicious New Orleans style cuisine including a seafood boil, gumbo, muffalettas, and more on Sunday, Feb. 23 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. A cash bar will be slinging sazaracs and hurricanes. Costumes encouraged and kids are welcome.

Mardi Gras at Transfer Co. Food Hall (500 E. Davie St.) - On Sunday, Feb. 23, Transfer Co. Food Hall will celebrate Mardi Gras with a variety of activities, including three special New Orleans-inspired beers from Burial, King Cake, live music and a parade.

Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Party (The Big Easy, 222 Fayetteville, St.) - Enjoy live music from MikeMickxer, party favors, king cakes, and Hurricanes during this party on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at The Big Easy. General admission is free but you can upgrade your experience to the VIP Voodoo Room, which includes a private cocktail lounge, complimentary masks and beads, and appetizers. The Big Easy will also host Mardi Gras parties on Friday, Feb. 21 and Saturday, Feb. 22, and a Kid's Night party on Monday, Feb. 24.

Mardi Gras at St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar (223 S Wilmington St, Raleigh) - They will be serving up New Orleans inspired dishes all day including crawfish, King Cakes, brioche beignets and Hurricanes.

Durham Mardi Gras (Downtown Durham) - This is the area's largest Mardi Gras celebration and it kicks off at 7 p.m. Tuesday at CCB Plaza. By 7:30 p.m., the parade gets to Rigsbee Avenue, where a block party will begin. There will also be five stages with live music. Admission is free.

Mardi Gras Masquerade (Croasdaile Country Club, 3800 Farm Gate Ave.) - This is a fundraiser for the Junior League of Durham and Orange Counties on Saturday. Feb. 22. The event will include food, dancing, a silent auction and more fun.

Fat Tuesday with Al Strong and the 99 Brass Band (The Durham Hotel, 315 East Chapel Hill Street, Durham) - Al Strong and the 99 Brass Band bring their New Orleans sound to the roof for Mardi Gras. Celebrate on the roof with $8 Hurricanes, Sazeracs and Swamp Pop Fizzes, plus $4 Abita drafts. There will also be North Carolina Seafood Gumbo on the menu.

Wake Forest Mardi Gras (Downtown Wake Forest) - This annual event is Saturday, Feb. 22, and includes a street festival and walking parade.