Long Beach Mardi Gras is now more Venetian Carnevale than N'awlins Mardi Gras, although it still includes a Mardi Gras parade. The highlight of the event is a showcase of costumes characters in traditional Venice style, who will start posing for the cameras at 10 am. Bring cash to have your own mask an hair done in front of the Aquarium starting at noon. Live music and street performers join the costumed characters at Aquarium Plaza at 1 pm and the festivities continue all afternoon in front of Outback Steakhouse. At 3 pm the New Orleans Mardi Gras Parade will proceed from the Aquarium of the Pacific to Shoreline Village. The party will continue with a photo competition at 6 at Outback Steakhouse. Family festivities will stretch around Rainbow Harbor from Shoreline Village to the Pike and the Aquarium of the Pacific.
When: February 9, 2013, family festival Noon - 7 pm, Parade 3 pm
Where: Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach
Cost: Free
Parking: Paid parking at Shoreline Village, the Aquarium, the Pike or Convention Center, or metered street parking.
Metro: Blue Line to First Street Station
Info: longbeachcarnevale.com , www.lbmardigras.com
This year, Max Entertainment is moving their Brazilian-themed Carnaval bash for 21 and over to Lure nightclub in Hollywood on Saturday, February 9, 2013. Tickets are $25-60. For more information, visit www.maxentertainmentgroup.com.
If you can't make it to Rio de Janeiro for Carnaval, you can still celebrate in the Brazilian tradition at the annual Brazilian Nites Brazilian Carnaval Exotica. This year the event is at Club Nokia at L.A. Live. Samba bands and sequin-clad dancers will embody the festival spirit. Dance floor tables sell out, so act soon if you hope to get a ticket.
When: Saturday, March 2, 2013, 8 pm - 2 am, show starts at 9
Where: Club Nokia at L.A. Live, 800 West Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Cost: $45 Advance General Admission. At the door, add $10 to all seats if available
Info: (818) 566-1111, www.BrazilianNites.com
Bonus: Check www.goldstar.com for half price tickets.
Whimsic Alley, the Harry Potter-themed venue in Mid-Wilshire, sold out the first night of their Masquerade Ball on March 2, so they added another night on March 1, 2013. The 18 and over costume party, which includes hors d'oeuvres, open bar and DJ music for $98. www.whimsicalley.com, check Goldstar.com for discount tickets.
Top Photo © 2011 Kayte Deioma, used with permission, bottom photo courtesy of BrazilianNites.com