Once Valentine's Day is over, the next big celebration to look forward to in San Francisco is Mardi Gras! Preceeding Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday, Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday," is a jubilant occasion to party, eat, and even dress up with your loved ones.
The city definitely loves a reason to go all out, and so if you're wondering where to go and celebrate this holiday, this list has got you covered with all of the best restaurant specials, dance parties, neighborhood parades, and more!
See also: Best SF Bay Area Restaurants For New Orleans Soul Food
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1560 Powell St / (415) 397-0577 / Website
Two North Beach favorites join forces to deliver their annual North Beach community parade! With this year marking their 10th iteration, you can guarantee extravagant festivities worthy of an entire decade. Expect free Creole food, affordable drink specials of Bacardi Hurricanes and Patron margaritas, a 15-piece brass band, and even a llama! Kicking off at 1pm, this is a celebration that will definitely be remembered for more years to come.
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1050 26th St; 900 Marin St / Website
Mardi Gras conveniently falls right into an already ongoing SF extravaganza- SF Beer Week! With this local libations-focused tradition, Mardi Gras easily integrates with it, as seen with The Midway's "Laissez les bons Bière rouler" beer tasting and live music with Harmonic Brewing. At 6:30pm, expect the Honor Brass Band filling Harmonic Brewing with talented sounds while you sample beers paired with a four-course meal of Crawfish in Toast, Chicken-Andouille Gumbo, Beignets, and more before being shuttled to The Midway for even more musical festivities.
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From 5-10pm in the vibrantly historic Mission District is Carnaval SF's grand neighborhood celebration that brings together a multitude of the local businesses. Costumes are encouraged as you enjoy performances by samba dancers, live cumbia and rumba performances, and more! This will truly be a heartwarming opportunity to familiarize yourself with the Mission's great residents and culture.
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2800 California St / (415) 928-3728 / Website
Scopo Divino is taking you down south with their $39 Mardi Gras-special prix fixe! Feel instantly transported as you indulge in their Cornmeal Fried Oysters, BBQ Shrimp and Grits or Crawfish Etoufee, and Beignets in several sweet varieties. A live band will also accompany the dinner, along with many drink specials to truly immerse you into New Orleans.
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155 Columbus Ave / (415) 617-0071 / Website
Comstock Saloon is a beloved San Francisco landmark in north Beach that effortlessly exudes swanky Prohibition-era refinement. Replete with vintage decor and ritzy architecture, this can't-miss cornerstone is the ideal place to enjoy French 75’s and Ramos Fizz’s at while also dining on irresistible crawfish and gumbo from their impeccable kitchen. There will also be a dazzling burlesque show after food is served from 4-10pm, but don't worry, drinks are served all night long.
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775 Valencia St / (415) 551-7306 / Website
Also in the Mission is Curio- a playful Valencia Street landmark known for fun cryptid-themed cocktails, impressive live music, and a casual lounge atmosphere that feels classy as they are cozy. This venue is the perfect spot to party, as there will be New Orleans cuisine of gumbo and hushpuppies, and Sazerac and French 75 cocktails, live performances from Underpass Brass, and a classic King Cake from Noe Valley Bakery with prizes if you find the coveted baby! The neighboring Chapel concert hall will also be alive with Afrobeat and Ethio jazz, and an unbeatable Curio prize entails winning two tickets to a show at this elegant venue.
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3158 Mission St / (415) 282-3325 / Website
Kicking off at 6:30pm is Mission Delirium's DJ dance party and drag show at the riveting back patio of the beloved El Rio. Hosted by Mama Dora, this electrifying party is gorgeously only $10 a ticket in advance or $15 at the door, and entails a long night of talented acts all underneath El Rio's cozy and brilliantly lit backyard. This is the first show Mission Delirium has put on since 2020, and so you can expect an absolutely showstopping evening.
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1100 California St / (415) 749-6300 / Website
The Carnivale Gala at Grace Cathedral will be an unforgettable night of opulent philanthropy, outstanding musical acts, and a divine dinner that all embody their fun "Bright Black Tie" theme. From 6-10pm there will be a VIP reception, an auction, entertainment from Matt Elson and The Chris Clouse Project, and The Late Night Revelry afterparty!
Whatever you choose to do for Fat Tuesday, just don't forget your beads!
See also: SF Bay Area Black-Owned Businesses To Know And Support
Photography by: Courtesy of Ekaterina Senyutina/Getty Images
