Mardi Gras doesn’t take place until Tuesday — the phrase translates to “Fat Tuesday,” after all — but that won’t stop revelers from getting in several days of celebration. Events in the area include parades, galas, balls, brunches and more.
FORT SMITH MUSEUM OF HISTORY MARDI GRAS
WHEN — 6 p.m.-midnight today
WHERE — Immaculate Conception Church Parish Hall in Fort Smith COST — $75, which includes dinner and drinks
INFO — 783-7841
ABOUT — A live auction, a dance featuring music by Mr. Cabbagehead and the Screaming Radishes and more. The event is a fundraiser for the museum.
MARDI GRAS PARADE
WHEN — 2 p.m. Saturday
WHERE — Downtown Eureka Springs
COST — Free
INFO — eurekaspringsmardis gras.com
ABOUT — The parade, led by the Krewe of Krazo, travels along Spring and Main streets in downtown Eureka Springs. Walking groups and decorated floats will be featured. Immediately following the event will be the Krazo Kostume Kontest at 3:30 p.m. at New Delhi Cafe on Main Street.
PARADE OF FOOLS
WHEN —2 p.m. Saturday
WHERE — Downtown Fayette ville
COST — Free
INFO — fayettevillemardisgras.com
ABOUT — After launching on the Fayetteville square, the annual Parade of Fools in Fayetteville will then march down Dickson Street. A collection of beads, fl oats and costumes, the family-friendly event will this year feature Cary Arsaga as grand marshal.
MARDI GRAS KARAOKE PARTY
WHEN — 5:30-10 p.m. Saturday
WHERE — Mulligans at the Highlands in Bella Vista
COST — Free; dinner specials will be offered
INFO — 855-8114; reservations suggested
ABOUT — A karaoke party, featuring beads and other surprises, will take place at Mulligans.
BEAUX ARTS BALL
WHEN — 7-11 p.m. Saturday
WHERE — Basin Park Hotel ballroom in Eureka Springs
COST — $20 per person or $200 for a table for eight
INFO — reserveeureka.com or 253-8737
ABOUT — The ball follows the Mardi Gras parade in downtown Eureka Springs. Music will be provided by Ultra Suede, and activities include a costume contest, Mardi Gras royalty, a king cake and line dancing.
JAZZ BRUNCH NEW ORLEANS STYLE
WHEN — 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday
WHERE — Crescent Hotel Crystal Ballroom in Eureka Springs
COST — $25
INFO — Reservations recommended. Calling 253-9652
ABOUT — A buffet-style brunch and champagne will be served up for the jazz brunch, which features live entertainment.
SECOND LINE PUB CRAWL
WHEN — 4:30 p.m. Tuesday
WHERE — Various venues in Eureka Springs
COST — Participation is free; drinks are not INFO — eurekaspringsmardisgras.com
ABOUT — Costumes or masks are required of participants. Umbrellas are also encouraged. The crawl starts at the Pied Piper Tavern.
FAT TUESDAY CELEBRATION
WHEN — 7:30 p.m. Tuesday
WHERE — Downtown Fayetteville
COST — Participation is free; drinks are not
INFO — fayettevillemardis gras.com
ABOUT — A new king and queen of the Demented Krewe will be crowned at 8 p.m. at Jose’s Restaurant and Club on Dickson Street. Live music starts at the venue at 7:30 p.m., and it also serves as the launching spot for the foot parade, which departs at 8:30 p.m. and visits many Dickson Street establishments.