Family-friendly festivities and grown-up fun can be found at many locations

On the eve of Ash Wednesday, celebrations around the Miami Valley are popping up for one last hurrah before ushering in 40 days of abstinence and prayer. While New Orleans typically is the city that claims most of the Mardi Gras attention, the first Mardi Gras is believed to have taken place in present-day Alabama. French-Canadian explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville decided to celebrate Fat Tuesday on March 3, 1699. A few years later, French soldiers and settlers feasted and wore masks as part of Mardi Gras festivities in the newly founded city of Mobile. 

With that Fat Tuesday fun fact, here are a few ways to make your own Mardi Gras traditions and memories right here in the Miami Valley: 

• Gem City Mardi Gras Threauxdown, Dayton: This ticketed event takes place from 5 p.m. to midnight Saturday, March 5, at The Brightside. Featuring live New Orleans-inspired music from The 2nd Line Marching Band, Phil’s Big A** Brass Band, Solistic, and dozens of other local musicians. Special Cajun-inspired menu by Kungfubbq Lansangan, NOLA-inspired sweets by Baker Benji’s Cakes and Desserts, live painting by Tiffany Clark, tarot readings by Marta Mari and more entertainment awaits revelers. All are encouraged to walk the sidewalks for “The Gem City Mardi Gras Parade,” which departs from The Brightside at 6 p.m. The parade route is just under 1 mile long and will end at the venue. 905 E. Third St., Dayton; (937) 410-0450

• Mardi Gras, West Carrollton: The city’s first event of the year will celebrate the start of Mardi Gras. Festivities will take place from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday in the Carrollton Centre area, specifically on the North Elm Street block between Central Avenue and Main Street downtown. Downtown West Carrollton, (937) 859-5181
• Watermark Mardi Gras, Miamisburg: Presented by Watermark and Backwater Voodoo, this ticketed event takes place 5-10 p.m. today at three different venues. Live entertainment, and a New Orleans-style buffet with Voodoo’s daiquiris and hurricane drinks available at all locations. 20 S. First St., Miamisburg; (937) 802-0891 
• Mardi Gras at Mudlick, Dayton: Head to Mudlick Tap House for New Orleans-inspired cocktails like sazeracs and hurricanes, alongside dishes like gumbo and beignets. Enjoy your own private Fat Tuesday party in one of the reservable igloos with up to 8 people. 135 E 2nd St, Dayton; (937) 895-4066

• Mardi Gras at the Brew Barn, Troy: It’s the last day to enjoy gumbo, hurricane cocktails and other features of the Mardi Gras festivities at Moeller Brew Barn in downtown Troy. 214 W. Main St., Troy; (937) 552-9430
• Fat Tuesday at Sugar’s, Dayton: Sugar’s Lounge in the Santa Clara neighborhood in Dayton is hosting a Mardi Gras celebration — costumes and masks encouraged! 1919 N. Main St., Dayton
• Fat Brewsday at Devil Wind, Xenia: This Mardi Gras celebration from 6-10 p.m. features live music by Big Al’s Speakeasy Jazz Band serving our collaboration beer with Solisitc, Fat Brewesday, as well as hurricanes, and other cocktails. Phatty Wagon will be whipping up Cajun cuisine. 130 S. Detroit St., Xenia; (937) 919-6417
• Mardi Gras Party and Debockery Dopplebock Release, Centerville: The fun at Bock Family Brewing kicks off at 5 p.m. Wednesday, featuring Cajun cuisine and the release of the new Debockery Doppelbock beer. 8150 Washington Village Dr., (937) 813-2000