Arts + Entertainment

Buffalo Mardi Gras preview

blog by Ben Tsujimoto • February 20, 2012 @ 10:26am

One of the best parts of Fat Tuesday is that it’s essentially a weekend party night in the middle of the week. Glittery masks, decorative floats and bead necklaces mark this New Orleans-inspired holiday, and 46 venues all over Buffalo and its surrounding suburbs are primed for Cajun celebration.

Artvoice hosts a Mardi Gras Parade and Festival beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday with a parade that departs from behind the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. Even though registration has closed to enter a float in the parade, the route is clearly marked on an interactive map found here. Led by speedy cyclists from Green Options Buffalo, the parade visits the three major party sectors of the city—Elmwood, Chippewa and Allen—where the revelry will continue following the parade’s completion.

[Browse through Chuck Alaimo’s photos of the 2011 Artvoice Mardi Gras Parade].

One $5 bracelet can be purchased at any of the participating venues, and you won’t have to pay cover at any other participating bar the rest of the evening. It’s a great excuse to bar-hop and see how the Mardi Gras experience on Chippewa varies from Allen or Elmwood.

[Check out Chuck Alaimo’s gallery from the 2011 Mardi Gras after-parties.]

Proceeds from bracelets bought on Allen and Elmwood benefit the Give For Greatness campaign, an initiative that drives funds to the arts and cultural organizations in need throughout Buffalo. Nearly $100,000 has already been raised. Bracelets purchased in the Buffalo Entertainment District will go to support Hospice.

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