Fat Tuesday is right around the corner! While we all wish we could be livin’ it up on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, it’s exciting to bring a bit of Mardi Gras cheer to our own city.
On Saturday, February 10th, Old Sacramento is welcoming performers, musicians, and the community to the Mardi Gras Festival Crawl. The district puts a special spin on the traditional Mardi Gras celebration, and with historic architecture as the backdrop, visitors almost feel like they’re in the French Quarter itself.
You may ask: what is a Festival Crawl exactly? It’s not an event one hears about regularly. Influenced by the second line march that originated in New Orleans, this spin on a pub crawl incorporates the use of music and entertainment to create a stroll. Members of City of Trees Brass Band will be walking through the district from 8-10pm, strolling from bar to bar to and turning the crawl into a New Orleans style promenade. Visitors are invited to dance and strut along behind the band as they search for their next bar stop.
Your first stop in Old Sacramento should be the Pub Crawl booth located on 2nd and K Street in front of Sports Corner Café. This is where you’ll find a map of all participating bars and tons and tons of BEADS! Your choice of beads will be available for purchase from 8-10pm. Small beads are two for $1, large beads are $1 each. For those who want masks, we suggest you hit up Evangeline’s Costume Mansion – your options will be unending!
After you’re decked out with beads and bling, you’ll begin your crawl to one of 8 participating bars. Keep an eye out for performers along the way! You’ll see a magician, a fortune teller, a party alligator, a Brazilian Drum Line, and more as you make your way from bar to bar!
Participating bars include:
Sport Corner Café
O’Mally’s Irish Pub
Vega’s Underground
Fanny Ann’s Saloon
The Other Office
River City Saloon
Sky KTV
Sactown Sports Bar
Each bar has live music or a DJ, so be prepared to get your dance on!
One final pro tip before embarking upon your Mardi Gras journey: your drink of choice should include Stoli Vodka. Every bar will have drink specials and discounts featuring this brand, so take advantage of partying on a budget!
Make sure you follow Old Sacramento on Facebook and Twitter for updates on events in the district. Laissez le bon temps rouler!!!