It’s time to get ready to gear up for Buffalo’s 17th annual Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday celebration. Each year Artvoice ‘goes to town’ by delivering a city-wide party at a bunch of your favorite watering holes. Before the post parade revelries come to pass, a host of partygoers take to the streets on their bicycles and form a bike brigade parade that leads the 30+ Mardi Gras floats down Elmwood Avenue. Although there is still a nip in the air, many people consider the outdoor event a precursor to the Saint Patrick’s Day festivities that take this city by storm soon after.
On Tuesday, February 21 (kicks off at 5pm), Green Options Buffalo will lead off the activities with a Big Fat Bike Ride. Riders are asked to arrive at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery at 4pm – be sure to dress extra warm. The parade wraps up in Allentown where revelers then head to one or more of the 46 participating bars and restaurants. $5 bracelets* will be issued at the door, with proceeds benefitting the Give for Greatness campaign. Once inside the venues, guests will be entertained by “drag queen performers, Cajun cuisine, live music, festive paper mache’ masks, beads and post parade floats.” To learn more about the day’s activities, check out this official Mardi Gras website.
*Bracelets sold in the Buffalo Entertainment District will be benefiting Hospice this year.