How to celebrate Mardi Gras in Philadelphia
Where you should be headed on Fat Tuesday this year.

Philadelphia is 1,200 miles north of the heart of Mardi Gras, but that doesn't mean that the city doesn't know how to throw down for Fat Tuesday. This year, here's where you can find the best hurricanes, gumbo, beignets, jazz and more.
Mummers Mardi Gras Parade
If you missed the Mummers on New Year's Day, now's your chance to catch them in action. All 16 of the String Bands are parading down Main Street in Manayunk in honor of Mardi Gras. This family-friendly event also has photo opportunities, giveaways and more. Visit the Mummers' clubhouses after the celebration to enjoy even more performances, as well as food and drinks.
1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, Main Street, mummersmardigras.com
Copabanana
This pub is serving up $6 hurricanes and $5 Magic Hat cans on Tuesday night. If you get the munchies, the kitchen is offering some New Orleans favorites, like cajun jambalaya, gumbo and crawfish popcorn.
4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday to Wednesday, Feb. 13 to 14, Copabanana, 344 South St., 215-923-6180, copabanana.com
Kiwanis Mardi Gras
Turn your Mardi Gras celebration into a good cause this year. All proceeds from this party benefit the children of Colonial School District. Attendees, who must be 21 or older, can enjoy a silent auction, raffles, food, drinks and other fun activities.
5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, Fingers Wings and Other Things, 107 Ridge Pike, $25, 610-828-6191, eventbrite.com
Allons Danser
Put on your dancing shoes for this Mardi Gras party, because Cajun musician Kevin Naquin and the Ossun Playboys are putting on a rousing show Tuesday night. You don't need a partner to attend, and there's even a dance lesson at 7:30 p.m. Dinner is available for an additional fee.
6:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, Commodore Barry Club, 6815 Emlen St., $25 general admission, $15 with student ID, allonsdanser.org
The Wild Bohemians
World Cafe Live is hosting the Wild Bohemians, which is made up of musicians from over 20 different area bands, for their 34th annual Mardi Gras celebration. Expect hilarity, costumes, wild stories and definitely a foot-stomping good time.
8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., $15, 215-222-1400, worldcafelive.com
Cantina Los Caballitos
The Mexican restaurant is serving up New Orleans staples on Fat Tuesday, including frozen hurricanes, mint juleps, shrimp etouffee, po' boys, shrimp and okra hushpuppies and beignets. There are also masks, beads and music to keep the party going all night.
6 to 11 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, Cantina Los Caballitos, 1651 East Passyunk Ave., 215-755-3550, cantinaloscaballitos.com
Interstate Drafthouse
Drink $5 hurricanes and munch on $5 beignets dusted in powdered sugar at Interstate on Tuesday. There are also Abita beer specials and other traditional Cajun and Creole offerings. The restaurant is playing jazz and zydeco all night long, and if New Orleans food isn't quite your speed, there will also be $1 tacos.
4 p.m. Tuesday to 2 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13 to 14, Interstate Drafthouse, 1235 East Palmer St., 267-455-0045, interstatedrafthouse.com
Paddy Whacks Pub
Paddy Whacks is offering a full buffet and an open bar with domestic beers and mixed drinks to celebrate Fat Tuesday, if what you're looking for is an indulgent Mardi Gras experience.
6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, Paddy Whacks Pub, 150 South St., $30, 215-464-7544, paddywhackspub.com
West Philadelphia Orchestra
West Philadelphia Orchestra is transforming their weekly dance party at Franky Bradley's into a special Mardi Gras concert on Fat Tuesday. Expect celebratory tunes selected for the occasion, as well as food and drinks from the bar.
9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, Franky Bradley's, 1320 Chancellor St., $7 at the door, 215-735-0735, wpo.westphiladelphiaorchestra.com