The entire Fillmore district is partying for Mardi Gras, with a masquerade ball at the West Bay Conference Center and food and drink specials at all the area restaurants and bars (like 1300 on Fillmore, Yoshi's, Fat Angel, and Gussie's) with a special $10 wristband. They'll have live music in the plaza from 5-7 pm.

Brenda's is normally dark on Tuesdays, but they'll be open for Mardi Gras until 9 pm, with king-cake beignets, BBQ shrimp, and a live gypsy jazz band. Sister cafe Libby Jane will also have mini king cakes to go all this week.

On the menu at Boxing Room for the big night: roasted suckling pig, crawfish etouffee, and Abita Mardi Gras Bock. Beads, masks, and a live band will all be part of the celebration. Everything's a la carte, though reservations are recommended; the party runs from 5-11 pm.

Cajun Pacific is popping up at Brick & Mortar for Mardi Gras with favorites like fried oysters, gumbo, and jambalaya. A second line parade starts at 5 pm, followed by music from Wil Blades and two brass bands.

Town Hall's Mardi Gras bash is always a good time, with samba dancers, beads, live face painting, and music. For $75, you can eat and drink your fill of fried chicken, jambalaya, gumbo, oysters, Abita beer, and Hurricanes.

Here's an excuse to eat Just For You's famed beignets every day until Mardi Gras: you'll get a ticket each time you dine there that's entered in a drawing to win a gift certificate. On the big day, they'll have a menu of New Orleans specials, king cake, and T-shirts.

Come Fat Tuesday, look out for Bistro Boudin chef Misael Reyes’ offering of cinnamon sugar dusted sourdough beignets with vanilla gelato and berries, paired with a classic Hurricane cocktail.

Angeline's is selling whole king cakes (available for purchase by calling a day ahead, up until the day before Mardi Gras), as well as offering them by the slice on Fat Tuesday. On the big day, they'll have hurricanes and specials like fried alligator and shrimp & grits.

Picán's bar will be partying it up for Mardi Gras, with drink specials, pralines, crawfish etouffee, and a take on king cake.

Like its sister bar Brick & Mortar, the New Parish will be mounting a second line and hosting a food pop-up, this time from Sharon Lee of The Spot Catering (who formerly cooked under John Besh at NOLA's Restaurant August).