Celebrated as a last hoorah of decadence before the Catholic holiday of Lent, Mardi Gras (also known as Fat Tuesday,) always falls 46 days before Easter and the day before Ash Wednesday. Carnival is the season of merriment, which always begins on Jan. 6. Mardi Gras is known for it bright colors: Purple stands for justice, green for faith and gold for power.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010 | 6 p.m. till midnight
Ultimate Mardi Gras VIP Experience through CLUB VIP!
This VIP package includes the event ticket and no cover VIP access to 13 of the hottest venues in the Gaslamp. It features six welcome shots, additional VIP passes on your next visit, parking discount, and food and drink specials valued at over $500! Participating venues include 923, Bare Back Grill, Belo, Bondi, Double Deuce, Krust, Red Circle, SIN Niteclub, Sway, The Bitter End/The Tipsy Crow, The Keating Hotel, The Merk, Thin, Vin De Syrah and Voyeur. This is one of San Diego’s largest outdoor carnival featuring the Incredible Masquerade Parade, seven stages and entertainment lounges, Cirque Magic, Roller Derby Girls, Candy Factory, Nocturne and more! 21 and up.General Admission: $20; Club VIP (general admission included): $40
Saturday, February 13, 2010 | 5 p.m - 10 p.m.
Carnevale in San Diego's Little Italy
The Little Italy Association is proud to bring a little taste of Italy to San Diego. Come and celebrate a fabulous, fun-filled event of Venetian mask and costume competitions, several vignettes of entertainment and retail shops open house. This event will be held throughout Little Italy. The costume competition will be held at the Piazza Basilone (India and Fir Streets).
Saturday, February 13, 2010
| 8 p.m.
San Diego Brazilian Mardi Gras Ball
Carnival is the annual "Celebration of Life" that takes place all over Brazil. It is an all-consuming party of fun, feathers, fantasy and outrageous costumes.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010 | 7:30 & 10 p.m.
Gaslamp Mardi Gras Celebration and Parade
Grab your purple, green and gold beads and head down to the Gaslamp Quarter. Join thousands in celebrating one of the world's largest Mardi Gras celebration this Fat Tuesday. Don't miss out on the Incredible Masquerade Parade (7:30 p.m. & 10 p.m.), beads toss, multiple outdoor stages and entertainment lounges, top bands, mega DJ stage, go-go dancers, street performers, Hurricane beer gardens and more at San Diego's BIGGEST STREET PARTY of the year.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010 | 6 p.m.
Hillcrest Mardi Gras Street Party
Entering its eighth year celebrating the glitz, glamour and gluttony of Fat Tuesday, and the coming of spring, join us at Hillcrest's yearly neighborhood street party that plans to be just as fabulous as ever. Mardi Gras is a 21+ event with magical street performers entertaining the crowd all-night long. Tons of food, drinks and beads will be flowing, and don’t forget to visit the dance tent with a laser light show and other spectacular sights.
