Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, the end of Carnival — this raucous celebration falling somewhere between February and March each year is known by a variety of names and celebrated with an array of traditions by cultures around the world. But in most instances, it’s a day (or sometimes week) of feasting and frivolity preceding the Christian observance of Lent — 40 days of fasting and prayer. This year’s holiday falls on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Here are some options for how and where to celebrate in the Mile High.
Get a King Cake
Rich, sweet, buttery, and colorful, the King Cake is synonymous with Mardi Gras, though its symbolism is actually rooted in the Biblical story of Jesus’ birth, but that’s another story for another newsletter. What you need to know is that the confection is delicious, and if you find the plastic baby in your slice, you’ll supposedly have good luck all year.
Where to find King Cake in Denver:
- Katherine’s French Bakery | Belcaro
- Maggie and Molly’s Bakery | Cherry Creek
(with cake pop and cookie options, too!) - Marczyk Fine Foods | North Cap Hill / Hale
- D Bar | North Cap Hill
- Rheinlander Bakery | Arvada
(psst, they have 8 varieties!)
Let the feasting begin! (bhofack2 / Getty Images)
Feast!
Foster the spirit of a true New Orleans-style Mardi Gras feast at these locales dishing up special menus for the holiday featuring Nola staples like red beans and rice, hushpuppies, gumbo, and more.
- SAME Café | City Park West
- Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar | Multiple locations
- School House Kitchen and Libations | Arvada
- Rooted Craft Kitchen | West Highland
Party Like You’re on Bourbon Street
If you’re looking for the full Mardi Gras shebang — sequined masks, live jazz, bead throwing, crawfish boils — here’s where you’ll want to go:
- Spangalang Brewery | 6-10 p.m. | Five Points
- Nola Voodoo Tavern | All Day | Cole
- Nola Jane | All Day | Free | Union Station
- Olde Town Arvada | 5 p.m. | Arvada
- Dickens Opera House | 3-11 p.m. | Longmont
