This community may seem at times a bit SE-Michigan-centric, I know. In the interest of balancing the scales, the following is a short list of happenings to celebrate Fat Tuesday in varying degrees of bacchanalia away from the thenar eminence of the Mitten State (with that fish thingy floating over it).

  • Fat Tuesday Party
    Tuesday, February 13, 8:00am – 6:00pm
    The Coffee Factory (FB) 1402 Hudson St, Muskegon, MI [Map]
    Wares from many local businesses, featuring Mardi Gras-themed lattes, bouquets, spices and more. Books, games, drink and food specials all day.
  • Saugatuck Second Line - A Mardi Gras Pub Crawl
    Tuesday, February 13, starting at 4:00pm
    Official website
    306 Butler St, Saugatuck, MI [Map]
    The Saugatuck Second Line is an annual brass band parade & Mardi Gras Pub Crawl through downtown Saugatuck’s favorite pubs. You’re invited to join in the experience, walking or dancing in the “second line” following the band, sharing smiles and laughs as we look forward to the seasons ahead. Dress for the occasion, twirl parasols and wave handkerchiefs, or come as you are.
  • Mardi Gras Celebration
    Tuesday, February 13, 4:00pm – 9:00pm
    Riverdog Tavern
    117 E Main St, Middleville, MI [Map]
    Caricature Artist, Chris LaPorte Artist Fan Page, Crawfish Boil, Beignet Bar, Macarons by Tender Lovin’ Cakes, Hurricanes & Mardi Gras Jello Shots! Best mask will win a $50 gift card!
  • GR Mardi Gras Glow Sidewalk Parade
    Tuesday, February 13, 7:00pm – 11:00pm
    Grand Rapids Public Museum
    272 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI [Map]
    Dress in your best Mardi Gras gear and join the parade through Downtown Grand Rapids. The celebration peaks at Uccello’s with a fantastic dance party—immerse yourself in the music and dance the night away with friends, old and new, in true Mardi Gras spirit.
  • Mardi Gras Party featuring Slavistar
    Tuesday, February 13, 7:00pm
    Albion Malleable Brewing Company
    420 S Superior St, Albion, MI [Map]
    Bust out the beads and masks and join us on Fat Tuesday for our annual Mardi Gras Party! We will have cajun food specials, fresh fried beignets for dessert, and a special tapping of a new little experiment - Hurricane Villains! Then at 7pm we welcome back one of our all time favorite music acts - Slavistar! A fusion group that incorporates Slavic folk jazz, New Orleans tradition, and funk.
  • Mardi Gras at The Crow with Ziggie and The Nationals
    Tuesday, February 13, 7:00pm
    The White Crow Conservatory of Music (FB)
    3736 Mackinaw, Saginaw, MI [Map]
    The Northern King of Cajun Music, Zydeco Ziggie and The Nationals, celebrating Fat Tuesday at The White Crow Conservatory of Music in Saginaw MI! Kicking Cajun & Zydeco music, New Orleans’ beignets and beads!
  • Mardi Gras Roller Skating Party
    Tuesday, February 13, 6:00pm – 9:30pm
    RollerFox (FB)
    12189 Apple Ave, Ravenna, MI
    Join the Points North Riders 4-H Club and let the good times roll at our Mardi Gras Skating Party. For the first 100 skaters, there will be beads, coins and king “cup” cakes along with other prizes.
  • Holden Green Tavern Mardi Gras Party
    Tuesday, February 13, 4:00pm – 11:00pm
    Holden Green Tavern
    151 S Broadway St, Cassopolis, MI [Map]
    Come join us for homemade Gumbo, Red Beans & Rice, Hurricanes, Sazaracs, Paczki Collins and much more.

Laissez les bons temps rouler, Michigan!

Photo by Robson Hatsukami Morgan on Unsplash