For those serious about giving up a vice during Lent, Mardi Gras—which falls on March 8 this year—is their last chance to eat, drink and party before the start of the period of penance. Long Beach’s Mardi Gras celebration begins with free, family-friendly activities and entertainment at the Pike, including a shrimp-eating contest at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. At 3 p.m., a parade to show off the crazy costumes traditionally associated with Mardi Gras runs from the Aquarium of the Pacific to Shoreline Village. Afterward, the party continues with live music, dancing, a costume contest and a beer garden. Although Long Beach’s version of this party-hard holiday is rather PG-rated, not to worry—there will be plenty of beads.
Sat., March 5, noon, 2011
