Mardi Gras festivities culminate on Tuesday, Feb. 28, also known as Fat Tuesday. Several festivities are planned throughout the Greater Houston area to celebrate Carnival season and Mardi Gras.
Here are seven Mardi Gras-themed events open to the public.
Thursday, Feb. 23-Sunday, Feb. 26 & Feb. 28
Beer, Bugs & Blues
The Mardi Gras-themed celebration, hosted by Willie's Grill & Icehouse in Jersey Village, features live music, a crawfish boil, beer, face painting, a balloon artist and Cajun cuisine. Cost and time varies. No cover charge for live music. Willie's Grill & Icehouse, 17492 Hwy. 290, Houston.
www.williesgrillandicehouse.com
Friday, Feb. 24-Sunday, Feb. 26 and Tuesday, Feb. 28
Mardi Gras Galveston
The multi-day celebration features more than 10 parades, two stages with musical artists and balcony parties. The celebration features family-friendly parades on Sunday, Feb. 26. Times vary. Parades are free to attend. Entertainment prices vary: $19 (general admission), free (ages 12 and under). Historic downtown, Galveston.
www.mardigrasgalveston.com
Saturday, Feb. 25
Houston Creole Heritage Festival & Mardi Gras Parade
Hosted by Houston S.H.O.P Ministries Inc., the event features various musical performances, vendors and a parade through downtown Houston. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. $10 (general admission), free (ages 11 and younger). Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney Street, Houston.
www.houstoncreolefestival.com
Saturday, Feb. 25
Mardi Gras Pub Crawl
The event includes 15 participating bars and includes a complimentary backpack, cup, wristband, drink koozie, LED flashing pin and beads. 3-9 p.m. $30 (in advance), $35 (day of event). Downtown Houston.
www.htxpubcrawls.com
Saturday, Feb. 25
Mardi Gras on The Stroll & Cajun Ready Mix Cookoff
The city of Magnolia celebrates its annual event with family-friendly activities and a cookoff. The festival includes local artisans and vendors and an umbrella stroll parade for all ages. Live bands, children's activities and Cajun cuisine are featured during the event. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free (admission). The Magnolia Stroll, FM 1488 to Sanders Street, Magnolia. 281-356-2266.
www.cityofmagnolia.com
Saturday, Feb. 25
Mardi Gras Festival and Parade
Town Center Park Kingwood hosts the annual family-friendly event featuring live music, arts and crafts, food and drink vendors and a parade. Noon-6 p.m. Free (admission). Kingwood Town Center, 8 North Main St., Kingwood.
www.towncenterevents.com
Tuesday, Feb. 28
Mardi Gras Celebration
The Woodlands Children's Museum hosts the celebration in the spirit of Carnival and Mardi Gras with beads, masks, parades, art projects, music and a king cake. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the event is recommended for children ages 7 and younger. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $6 (children age 1 and older). The Woodlands Children's Museum, 475 W. Panther Creek Drive, Ste. 280, The Woodlands. 281-465-0955.
www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org