San Diego Mardi Gras Events

Mardi Gras is no joke in San Diego. People are ready to party and celebrate, eating an abundance of food and enjoying a carnival-like experience.

This holiday that has been around for hundreds of years started as pagan holiday celebrating spring and fertility rites. When Christianity arrived in Rome, the Christians adopted the holiday as an entry point into the season of Lent. Rather than trying to destroy the cultural practice, they integrated this season of gluttony and celebration to lead into a season of minimalism and the 40 days of penance leading up to Easter. 

When French explorers landed in Louisiana the night before the holiday, they deemed New Orleans the “Point du Mardi Gras” where they joined together to celebrate. Some changes were made as the Spanish made their way to town, and eventually when New Orleans gained its independence they adopted practices from Paris to bring the tradition back to life. Today this colorful holiday is celebrated all over the world, including our own backyard.

The Gaslamp District is the place to be for Mardi Gras in San Diego. Celebrate the tradition on Saturday, February 25th, with a party hosted by Club VIP. Tickets for this exclusive event include a tour to presenting venues, welcome shots at 10+ bars, an opening party at Coyote Ugly, a finale party at Parq, live entertainment, extended happy hour, reduced parking costs, and more. Get ready to dance the night away as you bar-hop around San Diego with hundreds of others who will be journeying with you. Pre-sale tickets start at just $25. 

Continue the party on Fat Tuesday, with similar benefits as the party above, but with a parade and block party included! Find artists Diamond Pistols, Yodah, Wolfgang Alexander, Eric Medina, and even Brazillian dancers on the various stages throughout the event. Participant Emy H. says, “You don’t have to go to New Orleans to experience Mardi Gras! I will definitely recommend SD Mardi Gras to Anybody who wants to have Fun!” Join her and others in the celebration this February.

The countdown is on for beads, parades, food, drinks, and lots of dancing. The streets in the Gaslamp District will be blocked off during the event, so if you’re planning on driving around that day, keep that in mind. For all ticketed participants, you will receive $3 off parking in designated lots, and complimentary overnight parking to make sure you get home safe.

Not only does your ticket give you access to amazing deals and welcome shots at local bars, it gives you an opportunity to give back to the town! A portion of ticket sales goes toward The Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving the historic area and educating people on the history of this part of our town. It also goes toward the Gaslamp Quarter Association, a merchants association that supports the 400+ businesses in the Gaslamp that play a vital role in the ongoing life of the town as it exists today.

Brief Schedule

Mardi Gras Party Hop: Sat. Feb. 25 from 5PM – 2AM
Bring your ticket to Will Call between 5-9PM to get your passes, drink tickets, and a map of the bar-hop route.
Tickets

Mardi Gras Block Party, Parade, & Celebration: Tues. Feb. 28 5PM-12AM
Block Party – 5PM-12AM
Parade – 9PM-10PM
Grab all the details here.