Best Mardi Gras Parties In Baltimore

Mardi Gras has a long history in the U.S. Once New Orleans was established in 1718 by Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville, Mardi Gras was celebrated openly in New Orleans by the 1730s. The only difference is that the lavish parades that we know of today didn't exist. Instead, there were elegant society balls which were established in the early 1740s by Louisiana's governor Marquis de Vaudreuil. These formal balls became the model for today's Mardi Gras balls.Unable to spend this year's Fat Tuesday in Louisiana? Well, the Southside isn't the only place that does the Mardi Gras right! Breeze by these five venues to check out how Baltimore does it New Orleans style!

Power Plant Live's Mardi Gras Festival
34 Market Place
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-727-5483
www.powerplantlive.com

Nobody does a Mardi Gras like Baltimore's Power Plant Live! This year's Bourbon Street-style blowout will be sure to be one that you won't forget. For everything from open bars at Luckie's Tavern, to dancing all night at Mosaic Nightclub, just take a trip downtown for the party of a lifetime.

Mad River Bar And Grille
1110 S. Charles St.
Baltimore MD 21230
(410) 727-2333
www.madriverbaltimore.comMake your way to Mad River for an epic Mardi Gras celebration. Located in historic Federal Hill, the Mad River Bar and Grille provides a energetic atmosphere that appeals to everyone. In the midst of the multiple visits to the bar, be sure not to leave without trying Mad River's iconic wings! Just mentioning the wings alone induces mouth-watering among many locals. 

Cat's Eye Pub
1730 Thames St.
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-276-9866
www.catseyepub.comAllow the Cat's Eye to be upon you this Mardi Gras season. One of Charm City's Best Bars, the Cat's Eye Pub has been a staple of the Baltimore community for years. Stop in on Fat Tuesday for the always amazing live music and unforgettable "Hurricane" specials. Its gonna be a bit brisk outdoors, so these specials will most definitely be necessary. 

Slainte Irish Pub
1700 Thames St.
(410) 563-6600
Baltimore, MD 21231
www.slaintepub.comOn Tues., March 4, beginning at 7 p.m., Sláinte Irish Pub, along with Kooper's Tavern, Woody's Rum Bar and Island Grill, will team up for their annual Fat Tuesday celebrations. Live music includes Trio of Renown at Kooper's and Dig Jazz Combo at Sláinte. Breeze by to hear the bands play some New Orleans music and try some enticing Louisiana-inspired cuisine. And, of course, don't forget about those endless drink specials. If you choose to engage in these, be sure to have a designated driver in tow.

Ale Marys
1939 Fleet St,
(410) 276-2044
Baltimore, MD 21231
www.alemarys.comLooking for the authentic New Orleans experience? Ale Mary's in Canton will not disappoint. Known for its cozy ambiance, mouth-watering crawfish and jambalaya, Ale Marys exceeds the typical dining and social experience. Also, be sure to prepare yourself for the endless beads and drinking games all night long. Go check it out!

So, there you have it. Baltimore's supreme spin on the Louisiana experience. If you don't feel up to catching a plane, or taking that long drive to the Southside, dress in costume, bring your cameras (or phones), and check out these hot spots to experience New Orleans Charm City style! These places will be packed, so be sure not to delay!

Ashly E.Smith is a freelance writer and native of Baltimore, Maryland. As regular contributor to the Examiner and columnist for Graffiti on the Wall Hip Hop Magazine, she has a strong Pop Culture and Entertainment background. With articles that inspire; as well as,entertain, she enjoys sharing her craft with the masses.