Mardi Gras

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Happy Fat Tuesday — It’s Fat Tuesday, the traditional day of feasting (or partying) before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. To celebrate the occasion, the annual Clarendon Mardi Gras parade will be held tonight, starting at 8:00 p.m. See our list of local Mardi Gras happenings for additional festivities around Arlington.

Three Arrested After Ballston Fight — Three suspects were arrested following a fight near the Ballston Metro station Monday evening. The fight broke out in the area of Fairfax Drive and N. Stuart Street. Fairfax Drive was partially blocked by police vehicles following the incident. Additional details were not immediately available.

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Events

Bring Out the Beads for Mardi Gras Celebrations

By Katie Pyzyk

Arlington’s main event is the Clarendon-Courthouse Mardi Gras Parade. The free event starts at 8:00 p.m. More than 40 local groups will march in the event, some with floats and the quintessential beads. The parade will run along Wilson Blvd from N. Barton St to N. Irving St. The following street closures will be in effect:

In addition, street parking in the area will be restricted. Motorists should be on the lookout for temporary “No Parking” signs. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed. Parade-goers are encouraged to use Metro.

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Events

Clarendon Mardi Gras Parade Two Weeks Away

By ARLnow.com

The parade — featuring homegrown floats, Mardi Gras beads, and people and animals in costume — will take place on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 8:00 p.m. The parade route will take marchers up Wilson Boulevard from N. Barton Street to N. Irving Street.

Groups expected to participate this year include the Ballou High School Band, the Washington Nationals and the D.C. Rollergirls. The all-women, Afro-Brazilian/samba-reggae percussion band Batala Washington, meanwhile, will serve as the parade’s new drum corps.

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Events

Fat Tuesday Events Within Walking Distance of the Parade

By ARLnow.com

Ragtime (1345 North Courthouse Road) — Ragtime is holding its 10th annual Mardi Gras party tonight. The restaurant is serving a special Cajun menu all day, Hurricanes and Cyclones are on special, and the Le Bon Temps Krew will be playing New Orleans jazz music from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. And yes, there will be beads.

Iota Club & Cafe (2832 Wilson Blvd) — Iota is hosting a parade viewing party on its front porch. After the parade, local southern acoustic rock outfit Brother Shamus will take the stage. Admission is $5 after the parade, free before.

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Around Town

Road Closures for Tonight’s Clarendon Mardi Gras Parade

By ARLnow.com

The parade is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 p.m., but motorists may want to make note of some road closures that will take effect before the parade.

Wilson Boulevard will be closed from Veitch Street to Barton Street starting at 6:45 p.m. to allow parade floats to line up. Adams Street and Wayne Street will both be closed between Clarendon Boulevard and Wilson Boulevard at 6:45 p.m., for the same reason.

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Events

To Do Tonight: Celebrate Fat Tuesday

By ARLnow.com

Ragtime Restaurant in Courthouse is the place to be tonight for the food, drinks and music of New Orleans. Ragtime is offering an expanded Cajun menu, including fried oysters, shrimp and crawfish. That’s in addition to the usual Tuesday raw bar special.

The food may be tempting, but it’s not Fat Tuesday without some festive drink specials. Two beers from Louisiana brewery Abita are on special tonight: Abita Turbo Dog is on tap for $3, and Abita Purple Haze bottles are $3.50. Ragtime is also offering $6.50 Hurricanes and Cyclones.

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