5 places to let the good times roll during Mardi Gras 2015

Fat Tuesday revelry isn’t limited to just one Tuesday (Feb. 17, this year) in New Orleans. For some Big Easy flavor around the Sacramento region, check out these five festive ways to celebrate Mardi Gras from the foothills to the grid.

Nevada City Mardi Gras
Feb. 14-15 Valentine’s Day and Fat Tuesday collide at this Masquerade Ball at Miners Foundry Cultural Center, where guests 21 and over can nosh on Cajun food while a live band performs. On Feb. 15, a free morning street fair in Historic Downtown with food, drink and crafts will take place, followed by a festive parade at 2 p.m. and a Carnevale (2:30-5:30 p.m.) featuring New Orleans-style food, Cajun music, and a full bar for adults. Masquerade Ball is $12 in advance; $15 at the door. 325 Spring St. Nevada City. 530-265-2692. nevadacitychamber.com

Second Line March
Feb. 17 Sacramento’s most traditional Mardi Gras celebration follows Peter Petty, Dana Moret and the Elements Brass Band through the streets of midtown and into downtown in a Big Easy-style “Second Line” parade—where crowds can join behind the “main line” band. Hit the road at Mulvaney’s B&L at 4:30 p.m., stopping along the way for food and drink specials at The Porch and Easy on I, then either join up with or continue the march down to the Torch Club at 8 p.m., for some jazz tunes and blues by the 10-man band Earles of Newtown. Festivities start at 4:30 p.m. Various locations. 443-2797. torchclub.net

Gold Country Rotary's Mardi Gras Celebration
Feb. 21 Come all jesters, royals and masked guests for a packed evening of costume contests and hurricanes (the eggnog of Mardi Gras) at the Gold Country Fairground in Auburn. Indulge in food and drinks from Auburn Alehouse and Joe Caribe Bistro & Café—known by the Auburn community for its ethnic and Caribbean flavors—and live music by A Stones Throw band. $17. 6 p.m. 1273 High St. Auburn. 530-887-1670. goldcountryrotary.org

Mardi Gras and Wine Club Pick Up Party
Feb. 21 Recover from all the Mardi Gras madness with a mellow post-celebration at Miner’s Leap Winery, where visitors can sip some vino on the outdoor patio, tuck into Cajun eats and listen to live jazz music while relishing the beautiful grounds in Clarksburg. Miner’s wine club members receive discounts on wine purchases, but all guests are welcome. RSVP and reservation required. 1-5 p.m. $20 ($15 for members). 54250 South River Rd. Clarksburg. 813-6909. minersleap.com

Ettore’s
Through Feb. 21 The beloved European bakery takes Fat Tuesday beyond colored beads, instead offering up the holiday’s classic king cake. Served with green, gold and purple icing and sprinkles to top it off, the sweet tradition honors the biblical three kings in one last hurrah before Lent. Ettore’s cake comes in sugar-glazed apple or cherry flavors with cream cheese-filling, or in chocolate with almond filling. (And, of course, look for the traditional baby trinket that accompanies every cake.) $23.50 per cake (ordering at least one day in advance is recommended through Feb. 17 and required afterward; slices will be available for purchase through Feb. 17). 2376 Fair Oaks Blvd. 482-0708. ettores.com

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