Mardi Gras is coming. In some places — New Orleans, Rio de Janeiro, Venice — people have been celebrating for days or weeks, since Mardi Gras is the culmination of Carnival season.
But in Hampton Roads, one day is typically the celebration. This year the day of feasting, parades and costumes, Fat Tuesday, lands on March 4 — as always, the day before Ash Wednesday and the start of the austerity of Lent.
This is the time to indulge, in rich meats, cheeses and pastries. To march and throw beads at events, wearing masks and costumes of purple, green and gold — for justice, faith and power.
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Here are our picks for Mardi Gras events in Hampton Roads, many of them on the Saturday before:
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Experience Mardi Gras at Portsmouth Olde Towne Farmers Market, featuring Taste of Port City. Shreveport, Louisiana, native LaTasha Willis will serve her tasty gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish etouffee and red beans. Attendees are encouraged to wear their best costumes and masks for an opportunity to win a prize. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. 400 High St., Portsmouth; bit.ly/MGatPOTFM, 973-219-6194
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Let the good times roll at Power Plant Hampton Roads. This Mardi Gras party includes a king cake eating contest, indoor shopping cart parade and beads. $15; advance purchase includes a drink ticket. Starts at 7 p.m. Saturday. 1976 Power Plant Parkway, Hampton; bit.ly/PBRHMardiGras, 757-827-8100
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Waterside District is hosting its annual Mardi Gras celebration. It will have a specialty food menu, a king cake eating contest, silent disco and other merriment. $20 general admission. Tickets include one drink ticket good for Miller, Coors or Blue Moon draft, a call cocktail, a glass of house wine, house hurricane mix or any nonalcoholic drink. Starts at 7 p.m. Saturday. 333 Waterside Drive, Norfolk; bit.ly/MardiGrasNorfolk, 757-426-7433
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Party with friends at Gloucester Brewing Co. The brewery will provide the drinks, and Gumbeau’s Catering will serve Southern Louisiana classic dishes. (A menu wasn’t available as of Thursday.) 1 -8 p.m. Sunday. Hard Times Band starts playing at 3 p.m. 6778 Main St., Gloucester; bit.ly/MDatGBCo, 804-210-1407
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Bring your best gumbo for Reaver Beach Brewing Co.’s Tuesday Mardi Gras contest. The best recipe wins a prize. Also enjoy some king cake and sip a Hurricane Seltzer. Free. 3 -9 p.m. Tuesday. 1505 Taylor Farm Road, Virginia Beach; bit.ly/MardiGrasRBBCo, 757-563-2337
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Rekaya Gibson, 757-295-8809, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com
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