Mardi Gras lands on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and while New Orleans may be the headline act, Nashville is bringing plenty of energy to Fat Tuesday this year.
From downtown bar crawls to Cajun comfort food, live jazz, and rooftop celebrations, Music City has more than a few ways to lean into the purple, green, and gold.
Here's where to celebrate Mardi Gras in Nashville this year.
Nashville Fat Tuesday Bar Crawl (February 17)
If you want the full festive experience, beads, drink specials, and a packed downtown atmosphere, the Nashville Fat Tuesday Bar Crawl delivers. Expect multiple stops, themed cocktails, and a high-energy crowd moving through some of Broadway's most popular spots.
It's the closest thing to parade-level momentum Nashville offers.
Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar (Printer's Alley)
A longtime Nashville staple, Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar is known for leaning all the way in on Mardi Gras. Expect live music, crawfish, second lines, and that unmistakable NOLA-style atmosphere tucked inside Printer's Alley.
If you're looking for authenticity, this is it.
Rudy's Jazz Room (February 17)
Rudy's Jazz Room is hosting a special Fat Tuesday performance featuring The Crescent City Hoodoo All-Stars, bringing that New Orleans jazz sound straight to Nashville.
Dim lighting, strong cocktails, and live brass, it doesn't get more fitting for Mardi Gras.
The Gumbo Bros (East Nashville)
The Gumbo Bros is serving up the essentials, crawfish, po'boys, and even King Cake Milk Punch. If Mardi Gras is about food (and it is), this is an easy way to celebrate properly.
Perfect for dining in or grabbing takeout for a small gathering at home.
Barrel Proof (February 12—17)
Barrel Proof is bringing a high-energy, New Orleans-inspired atmosphere all week long. Expect bold, barrel-forward cocktails and a lively crowd building toward Fat Tuesday itself.
If you prefer your Mardi Gras celebration with a stronger pour, this is your move.
L.A. Jackson (February 17)
For something a little more polished, L.A. Jackson is hosting a rooftop celebration complete with skyline views, NOLA-inspired food, and themed cocktails.
It's Mardi Gras, elevated.
Fat Bottom Brewing (February 17)
If you're celebrating earlier in the day or with family, Fat Bottom Brewing is hosting a Fat Tuesday bash featuring Hurricanes, gumbo, and even a kids' craft corner.
It's festive, approachable, and easy for a wider crowd.
Nashville Knows How to Do Fat Tuesday
Mardi Gras may belong to New Orleans, but Nashville understands the assignment when it comes to live music, strong food culture, and gathering well.
Whether you're joining a downtown crawl, listening to live jazz, grabbing crawfish in East Nashville, or toasting from a rooftop in The Gulch, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate Fat Tuesday 2026 right here at home.
No flight required.
Sources: Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar, Do615, The Gumbo Bros
