BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The renowned holiday of Mardi Gras, also known to some as Fat Tuesday, is here.

New Orleans is known to have its take on the holiday with big parades, bands in the streets and beads covering the ground. But here in Bellingham, local artists and businesses have prepared some unique events to entertain the community in their own Bellingham way.

Here are some options on how to spend your Mardi Gras evening this year all over Bellingham.

Baby Cakes Mardi Gras Celebration

Presented by Bayou on Bay and Wild Buffalo House of Music

When Bayou on Bay broke the news that Mardi Gras would be their final night of business, the Bellingham community was heartbroken. After nearly 18 years of business, the downtown Bellingham institution will be closing its doors for good on March 4. The restaurant has teamed up with its neighbors at the Wild Buffalo to celebrate Mardi Gras in a big way.

Bellingham’s Baby Cakes will be taking the stage at 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.

Mardi Gras celebration with Sleepy Alligators and Brasscadia

Bellingham’s oldest craft brewery, Boundary Bay, is opening the taproom doors for an evening with Sleepy Alligators and Brasscadia. Sleepy Alligators plays the music of the Grateful Dead, so this event will be perfect for beer lovers and Dead heads alike.

Doors open at 5 p.m., and the music starts at 6 p.m. A parade is in the plan as well that will take you down Railroad Avenue with Brasscadia leading the way. Tickets and information can be found here.

Fat Tuesday Dance Party with the Atlantics

Firehouse Arts & Events Center

At the Firehouse Arts & Events Center in Fairhaven, the Atlantics will be celebrating the music of New Orleans and Mardi Gras. Since 1981, the band has performed a mix of funk, rhythm and blues for the Bellingham community. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and seating is limited.

Le Mardi Gras

The Temple Room

Inside of The Orion on Holly Street, you will find The Temple Room, a semi-hidden bar and event space hosting another unique Mardi Gras event. Bellingham’s Analog Brass will be playing with support from Shrimp Street. Music begins at 8 p.m.
A suggested donation of $10 is requested, and the event is 21+.