Never been to Mardi Gras? It is a BLAST! Thought this year is different, here are ways we can all enjoy it this year! Thanks to goodhousekeeping.com
Mardi Gras for All Y'all
Today host Kota Hotb is set to host a three-night celebration starting Friday, February 12. The 4 1/2-hour online event will not only give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the sights and sounds of the Carnival, but it'll also feature performances and interviews with top talent, including Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Emeril Lagasse.
Stream Mardi Gras for Y'all on February 12, 13 and 14 at 8 p.m. CT each night on the NOLA.com and theadvocate.com websites, YouTube and Facebook Live.
Krewe of House Floats
Following the parade cancellation, New Orleans residents took matters into their own hands by decorating their houses to look like parade floats. On February 1, Krewe of House Floats will release a map of all of the decorated houses, so that local residents can take a socially-distant tour. If you want to take in their beauty from afar, you can still see photos of the 5,000+ house floats on the official map.
The virtual and in-person tours are free, but everyone is encouraged to donate to Krewe of House Floats’ campaign, which is hoping to raise $100,000 for anyone affected by COVID-19 restrictions and Mardi Gras event cancellations. Click here to get your map and donate.
Virtual Mardi Gras Cookie Decorating
Kick off Mardi Grass with something that the whole family can enjoy. Pick up a Mardi Gras-inspired cookie decorating kit, complete with 12 cutout sugar cookies, icing, and sprinkles. Then follow along on Facebook Live as Cake Time shows you how to make your Fleur-de-lis, mask, and crown cookies look as pretty as theirs. (FYI: You don't need to purchase a kit to participate in the virtual event!)
Tune in to the Facebook Livewith Cake Time on Tuesday, February 16 at 5 p.m. ET.
Purina Pet Parade
Cast your votes for Purina's dog costume contest up until February 9 and then watch the panel of celebrity judges crown the winner on Facebook Live. Everyone is encouraged to donate to Open Door Animal Sanctuary when they vote, but Purina is committed to donating $1 for every vote cast, up to $10,000 total.
Watch the judges choose the top costume on Soulard Mardi Gras' Facebook on February 16.
Virtual Mardi Gras 5K
Take the party outside by participating in the Mardi Gras Virtual 5k, hosted by The Virtual Run Challenge. Pick a time, date, and location that works best for you, and then walk or run at least 5k (just over 3 miles) to earn a medal and serious bragging rights.
Registration costs $45 per participant and includes a Mardi Gras Virtual 5K Finisher medal, race bib, and Finisher t-shirt. Click here to register.
Mardi Gras in a Box
Experience all that Mardi Gras has to offer in the comfort of your home, all thanks to this curated box from Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery. Inside, you'll find a King Cake big enough to serve 16 people, Pat O’Brien’s signature Liquid Hurricane Mix for the adults in the house, a murder mystery game, and tons of festive party supplies.
Mardi Gras at the Workhouse
Along with their in-person cooking classes, bead demonstrations, and comedy shows, Workhouse Arts Center will be hosting several virtual events during the final days of Mardi Gras, teaching viewers how to make festive face masks, yard decorations, and Mardi Gras-inspired cocktails.
Details for the online demonstrations are still up in the air, so check the Workhouse Arts Center Facebook page for the specifics as the dates draw near.
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