Mardi Gras Festivities: Boston Celebrations, Third Place Inspiration and More! 🎉💜
Boston Mardi Gras parties, a hidden HBS chapel for quiet reflection, & weekend fun—Boston’s buzzing! Get the details & let the good times roll! (February 24th to March 2nd, 2025)
WHAT'S POPPIN'
Mardi Gras Festivities in Boston This Week 🍻
💜 What Is it - Historically, Mardi Gras celebrates spring and fertility, similar to the raucous Roman celebrations of Saturnalia and Lupercalia. In France, the day before Ash Wednesday came to be known as Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday.” This came about as Mardi is the French word for "Tuesday," and Gras is the term for “fat.”
✨ What To Look Forward To - While Boston might be better known for its Irish pubs and Revolutionary War history, it knows how to throw down for Mardi Gras, too! From brass bands to beignets, the city embraces the spirit of New Orleans with lively parties, Cajun-inspired eats, and plenty of festive drinks!
5 Awesome Boston Mardi Gras Events:
Mardi Gras Drag Brunch & Bingo 🍹
Enjoy free entry to a dazzling event featuring fierce drag performances, lively bingo, and delicious themed cocktails available for purchase.
When: Saturday, March 1st | 12pm to 2:30pm
Where: Time Out Market, 401 Park Dr, Boston
Mardi Gras Beer Hall Bash 🍻
Live music performances from Annie and the Fur Trappers, The Soggy Po’Boys. Party favors and Mardi Gras beads and carnival masks provided. Food and beverages available for purchase!
When: Saturday, March 1st | 1pm to 4pm
Where: The Great American Beer Hall, 142 Mystic Avenue, Medford
Mardi Gras Beads & Brews Bar Crawl 💜
Join hundreds of crawlers at Boston's best bars to celebrate Mardi Gras in Boston. There will be live DJs at participating bars, as well as live bands at designated locations.
When: Saturday, March 1st | 5pm to 11pm
Where: Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington St, Boston
Beehive's Mardi Gras Celebration & Live Brass 🎺
Enjoy the soul of New Orleans in Boston with live brass from BT New Orleans Second Line (7pm – 10:30pm), bold Cajun flavors, and festive cocktails.
When: Tuesday, March 4th | 5pm to midnight
Where: 541 Tremont St, Boston
Mardi Gras Pop Up Bar 🍸
Celebrate Mardi Gras at this pop-up featuring new takes on popular New Orleans classic cocktails like the Hurricane, Sazerac, and more. Whether you’re out with friends, on a date, or just looking for a unique night out, this experience is for everyone.
When: Friday, March 7th | 6pm to 11:30pm
Where: Short Path Distillery, 71 Kelvin Street, Everett
HIDDEN GEM
Third Place Inspiration: Hidden Koi Pond Glass Room in Cambridge 🐟🌿
🌿 What Is It? - Tucked away on the Harvard Business School campus, the Class of 1959 Chapel is a stunning hidden gem designed for quiet reflection and connection. A gift from the MBA Class of 1959, this architectural masterpiece was designed by Moshe Safdie and Associates and completed in 1992. The chapel’s striking design features a cylindrical, copper-clad sanctuary, a glass pyramid, and a serene water garden that visitors pass through before entering. Inside, sunlight refracted through ceiling-mounted prisms cast mesmerizing rainbows on the otherwise minimalist cement walls, creating an ever-changing display of natural beauty.
🩵 A Beautiful Third Place - The Class of 1959 Chapel offers a rare space for peace and contemplation. This tranquil retreat is open to all, providing a quiet haven for reading, meditation, and personal reflection. The gentle sound of water flowing in the enclosed garden adds to the chapel’s calming atmosphere, making it the perfect third place. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful moment alone, a space for a special ceremony, or simply a hidden pocket of serenity in the city, this architectural treasure is worth discovering.
Class of 1959 Chapel 🐠🍂
Open: Weekdays, 9am to 5pm | Closed Weekends
Where: Class of 1959 Chapel, Gordon Rd, Boston
THIS WEEKEND
Harvard Art Museum at Night 🖼️
Wander over 50 galleries, as well as enjoy a live DJ, snacks, beverages, and network with locals.
When: Thursday, February 27th | 5pm to 9pm
Where: Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy Street, Cambridge
Spring is Queer Market 🏳️🌈
Celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of LGBTQ+-owned businesses, this event showcases a curated selection of unique and thoughtful gifts.
When: Saturday, March 1st | 12pm to 5pm
Where: Time Out Market, 401 Park Drive, Boston
Summer in the Winter: Dance Party ✨
Shed away your winter sadness with a tropical-themed dance party and cocktails in Remnant's neon-lit, EDM-fueled paradise.
When: Friday to Saturday, February 28th to March 1st | 8pm onwards
Where: Remnant Brewing, 2 Bow Market Way, Somerville
Small Mart Vintage Market 🛍️
Treat yourself to retail therapy and indulge in drinks from the bar, offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
When: Saturday, March 1st | 11am to 4pm
Where: Remnant Brewing, 2 Bow Market Way, Somerville
WINTERACTIVE Walkable Art Experience 🎉
Enjoy a free, walkable art experience featuring more than 15 artworks and interactive play elements as you stroll the streets of Downtown Boston.
When: January 15th to March 30th | All Day
Where: Winthrop Center, 115 Federal Street, Boston
