With the blizzard behind us, it’s now time to start sipping Hurricanes. Mardi Gras is on the horizon, and in true Charm City style, the parties are starting a few days early, and running through the holiday itself. Get your beads on, Baltimore. 

Cafe Troia
This spot in the heart of Towson is starting the party early with a celebration on Friday, February 5, with king cake and cocktail specials. Beads encouraged. (31 Allegheny Ave., Towson; 410-337-0133)

Power Plant Live!
Also a few days before Fat Tuesday itself, the 7th Annual Mardi Gras Festival is happening February 6 at Power Plant Live!. Not only will the festival feature a float parade, Cirque-style performances, and live Zydeco music, but food options inspired by the holiday will abound. Bring your beads for tossing from the balcony. Tickets include bottomless Southern Comfort Hurricanes, select domestics, party favors, and entrance into nine of the venue’s bars/restaurants from 9 PM–12 AM. Tickets are available here. (34 Market Pl.; 410-727-5483)

Mother’s Grille
On Saturday, February 6, join Mother’s in Federal Hill for their annual party featuring samples of Abita beers, free gumbo with a purchase, Hurricane specials, beads, and a DJ. Mother’s will keep things going with a Phat Tuesday party as well. Tuesday, February 9, will see similar specials to Saturday’s Mardi Gras festivities. (1113 S Charles St.; 410-244-8686) 

Mt. Vernon Marketplace
Starting at 7 PM on February 9, the newly opened Mt. Vernon Marketplace is welcoming Mardi Gras revelers to party on Fat Tuesday to the backdrop of live jazz by Big Bertha’s Rhythm Kings and join in the Crawfish Boil at the Local Oyster as well as drink and food specials throughout the market. Come in costume (masquerade masks encouraged) for the chance to win prizes from vendors. (520 Park Ave.)

Kooper's Tavern and Slainte Irish Pub
Celebrate Mardi Gras at Mardi Gras North. Both Kooper's Tavern and Slainte Irish Pub will have Cajun food specials, drink deals, live music, beads, boas, and more. (1702 Thames St.; 410-563-5423; 1700 Thames St.; 410-563-6600)

Green Turtle Towson
Join Green Turtle in Towson for Mardi Gras and get $5 Frozen Hurricanes all day, live DJs at 9 PM, and special happy hour and late night happy hour deals. From 3–7 PM, enjoy $2 domestic drafts, $2.75 domestic bottles, $3.95 microbrews, $4.95 rail drinks, $2 off wine, and $5 and $7 appetizers with a power hour from 5–6 PM with all drinks on 2 for 1 pricing. At 9 PM the specials change to 2 for 1 domestics & rails, $3.50 Smirnoff bombs, and $2 jello shots. (408 York Rd.; 410-825-3980)

Mad River Baltimore
Mardi Gras runs from Fat Tuesday through Friday, February 12, at Mad River. Grab $5 Hurricanes, $9 burgers, the chef's special gumbo or jambalaya, 2 for 1 drinks, and free drinks. (1110 S Charles St.; 410-727-2333)

Photo by Danya Henninger