Austin lies 500 miles from New Orleans, the traditional American home of Mardi Gras, and can be an experience for people celebrating under the Violet Crown. The Texas Capital has one advantage over New Orleans, for Mardi Gras; Travis County law. Sixth Street in Austin is described by many as a safer, simpler version of Bourbon Street, with live music and controlled chaos. To add to the connection, many former New Orleans Residents make Austin their home. For those looking to enjoy Mardi Gras, Austin doesn’t have an official Parade, but has a general time of revelry downtown and a multitude of events, some suitable for the entire family.
Why Austin?
Austin is the seat of Travis County, a county with a peculiar law, owing itself to the progressive nature of the Texas capital. In Travis County, women are legally allowed to bare their chests wherever men are able to, which legalizes typical Mardi Gras behavior. Austin is known as the City of The Violet Crown. Austin’s unique history and population have led to a progressive slant to local politics, which managed to draw in migrants fleeing hurricane Katrina, and later, Hurricane Rita. Many of these migrants came from New Orleans.
Revelry
Revelers in Austin can find events familiar to those found in New Orleans, due to numerous bar specials, especially on Sixth Street. The parade traditionally ran down Sixth Street, and without a parade, it’s still the center of the action. J. Black’s Feel Good Lounge on West Sixth Street will be offering Drink Specials, Gumbo, and a Best Mask Contest on Fat Tuesday, February 21st. Rogue Running offers a pub run, running 4 miles and stopping at 4 bars, also on the 21st. Other clubs and bars will be running drink specials, including but not limited to: The Shangri La, Soho Lounge, Coyote Ugly Saloon, and Suite 101
Family Friendly Events
In spite of the reputation, Mardi Gras is a celebration with roots firmly planted within religion; as such it spawns family friendly activities. Before Fat Tuesday, Central Market will be hosting the Austin Cajun Aces from 6:30-9 pm on February 18th. Peace Lutheran Church in Austin runs a Mardi Gras party from 5:30-9 pm on the 18th as well, including live Blues-Jazz and a traditional shrimp boil. The Cypress Grill in Austin runs an event to celebrate the creative spirit of Mardi Gras, and will be showing art from the 15th through the 29th.
In Closing
Austin may not have a Mardi Gras parade this year, but for those interested in celebrating without traveling to Galveston or New Orleans, Austin is a great place. The drink specials, family friendly affairs, and specific county laws make Austin an excellent place to enjoy Mardi Gras. So, if you are looking for a safe, unique experience under the Violet Crown of Austin’s sky, come on down for Fat Tuesday. Many of these opportunities, along with others, can be found at Austin360.com, check the link at the end of the article.