THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Bringing New Orleans to Chicago for Mardi Gras!

Come join the fun this weekend as Chicago brings New Orleans to our great city for Mardi Gras, which falls on this coming Tuesday!

The 31st annual Krewe of Laff’s Mardi Gras Bash will be held this Saturday (8 p.m.) at City Winery (1200 W. Randolph St.) in the West Loop. Guests will experience an authentic Mardi Gras gala complete with NOLA-themed food and drink, beads, a second line parade, live music from New Orleans’ favorite trombone powerhouse Bonerama, and Chicago’s own Big Shoulders Brass Band to dance the night away! This year’s theme is “Speakeasy in the Big Easy” so be sure to don your fabulous prohibition era-themed costume to show off your Mardi Gras spirit. And, don’t miss the legendary raffle with proceeds benefitting the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic!!

Clark Street turns into Bourbon Street this Saturday for a Wrigleyville Mardi Gras Extravaganza. Your ticket for this event includes the before and after parties, 12 tastings including Jambalaya and other creole creations, drink specials at each stop, live music, Brazilian Swag dancers, photo ops, a trolley, and of course thousands of beads! Check-in from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the pre-party at Rizzo’s (3658 N. Clark St.) featuring live music from Rick King’s Royal Hustle (12 p.m.-2 p.m.) and free crawfish samples. The after-party (5 p.m.-7 p.m.) will be hosted at Sluggers (3540 N. Clark St.) featuring a live DJ, a costume contest, and giveaways! So, be sure to wear your best green, purple and gold Mardi Gras themed outfit and join the fun in Wrigleyville!!

As you may or may not know, the tradition of Carnival is celebrated throughout the world in a wide variety of ways. Here are the celebrations taking place this weekend in Chicago:

The first-ever Karneval (German Mardi Gras) will be held at the DANK Haus, 5th Floor Ballroom (4740 N. Western Ave.) in the Lincoln Square neighborhood on Saturday (7 p.m.-11 p.m.). Guests will enjoy an evening of dancing, food, entertainment, and all-around fun. Your ticket includes tasting stations featuring German-inspired food from Funkenhausen, local craft beer from Dovetail Brewery, and live music from Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles for an evening to remember! “Come dressed to impress” is encouraged!!

Dance the night away into the early morning at Carnival by Chicago Samba (a musical ensemble that plays authentic Brazilian dance music) on Saturday (9 p.m.-2 a.m.) at the Logan Square Auditorium (2539 N. Kedzie Blvd.) in the Logan Square neighborhood. This event features traditional ballroom Carnaval music, a samba dance lesson, a dance show with Carnaval costumes, DJ Nogueira, Brazilian food by Sinha Cuisine, and more!

Navy Pier’s Aon Grand Ballroom (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood will host on Sunday (1 p.m.-5 p.m.) Global Connections: International Carnivale Celebration. This afternoon celebration brings the fun and festive tradition of Carnivale celebrated by Brazil, Italy, Trinidad and Tobago, New Orleans, and more to life with vibrant art, music, dance, and food from across the globe!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago