Where to Mardi Gras in Midland

Get your beads handy. Mardi Gras and Midland are coming together in a big way this weekend. Events throughout town are highlighted by a four-day downtown festival presented by Do 432 and Mode Communications. Get ready for a helping of crawfish with a side of live music topped with a multitude of festivities for families and adults.

The event is not only a party, but also a fundraiser. With food, music and beads galore, Mardi Gras downtown will also work to raise awareness.

“Do432 is so excited to be working with Midland Area AIDS Support (MAAS), Atmos Energy and the Downtown Midland Management District to make this incredible four-day Mardi Gras event happen in Downtown Midland,” said Elizabeth McLlellan, Mode marketing coordinator.

Proceeds from the event will benefit MAAS. Donna Bruno and Steven Palma were named Mardi Gras king and queen for raising nearly $4,000 for the organization.

“We are so very thankful for being chosen as the charitable beneficiary for the Mardi Gras event,”MAAS board member Luke Morrow said. “We are excited for MAAS and for Midland to get something new and exciting to do in our wonderful downtown area.

“It is our hope that Midlanders will come out in full force to celebrate this event and support the life-changing work of MAAS in our community,” he said.

Passes for the entire event, which range from $89 to $475, are available at doyourcity.us/mardigras.

“This is the best Mardi Gras celebration west of New Orleans and not one to be missed,” McLellan said.

All events will be located at or by One Wall Plaza, 300 W. Wall St., unless otherwise noted. For more information, visit doyourcity.us/mardigras.

Mardi Gras isn’t limited to the downtown events. Crawfish boils, jazz music and pancakes highlight other events around town.

Friday | Vertices Fitness, 1304 N. Loop 250 W, will host a different kind of party. Friday Night Fitness Fandango has a masquerade theme for Mardi Gras. Open to all levels of fitness, the center focuses on aerial, cardio, pole and yoga. Wear a mask along with exercise wear. The party is free for members and $15 for nonmembers.

Space is limited so registration is required and can be made by visiting verticesfitness.com. Door prizes will also be given and there will be a contest for best mask.

Saturday | Basin Bayou catering will host its first Crawfish and Shrimp Boil beginning at 10 a.m. Diners can purchase by the pound along with a side of potatoes and corn.

The outdoor event will be held at 2215 N. Midland Drive.

Saturday | Beginning at noon, Cajun bistro Rue 432, 106 S. “A” St., will host a Mardi Gras Crawfish Boil with blues music by Marfa Lake Social Club.

Saturday | For a creative celebration, join Kidds And Canvas Parties’ Adult Paint and Sip at Johnny Carino’s Italian, 4711 W. Loop 250 N. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. and feature paiting “Crowning Glory,” which depicts a queen. Reservations are $35 per painter; to make reservations, visit  kiddsandcanvasparties.com.

Saturday | Crawfish and Krewes is an all-you-can-eat crawfish boil with a New Orleans style Mardi Gras procession featuring floats by local companies.

Procession begins at 4 p.m. The boil opens at 5 p.m. Leighton Fields and Mase Rutledge perform at 5 p.m. and the Tim Kreitz Band will perform at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for the event are $45 general admission , $20 general without crawfish and $75 VIP.

Sunday | Experience the legendary Cafe du Monde with brunch, beignets and mimosas created by the chefs of the Mercy Cafe, soon to open downtown. Debbie Kelly and Kaylee Cochran perform at 11 a.m.  

Seating times are every half hour from noon to 2 p.m. VIP seating begins at 11 a.m. $35 general admission, $65 VIP, $600 VIP table .

Monday | Spend an Evening at Antoine’s as five area chefs replicate the menu of the oldest French-Creole fine dining restaurant. The five-course dinner will be prepared exclusively for Mardi Gras VIPs. Musical entertainment by MOSC harpist Vincent Pierce.

Cocktail attire required. Seats are $100.

Monday | Shrimpfest 2017 is the annual Ellen Noel Art Museum fundraiser. The Mardi Gras-themed event will feature the signature Cajun-style shrimp recipe based on the one used by Pascal's Manale restaurant in New Orleans.  Sponsors cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m. Event at 7 p.m. at Ector County Coliseum, 4201 Andrews Hwy in Odessa. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door and are now on sale online or by calling 432-550-9696.

Mardi Gras: Fat Tuesday: Beads and Buskers caps off the festivities with food and entertainment on Midland’s “Bourbon Street” -- the 100 block of Colorado Street between Wall Street and Texas Avenue. The Corbell Blues Band kicks off the night at 6 p.m., followed by Michael Lee and the Wartime Limousine at 8 p.m.

Tickets for the event are $15 general admission, $35 VIP, $2,000 for a balcony suite.

Tuesday | Breakfast for dinner is always a good idea. Break out the syrup and celebrate at the 55th Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at First Methodist Midland, 300 N. Main St. The full breakfast buffet begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are $5.

The event also wraps up the church’s month-long campaign 28 Days of Nothing but Love.

Tickets will be available at the door or may be purchased in advance at firstmethodistmidland.com/55th-annual-pancake-supper.