Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Carnivale. These are all different names for the celebrations between the Epiphany and Ash Wednesday, culminating on the hedonistic day where we load up on rich, fatty foods before the fasting season of Lent of the Christian calendar. It’s also a big excuse to party. Here are a few places where you can celebrate Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday and Carnivale in Denver.

Mardi Gras 2015
The biggest party in Denver will be at Dave & Buster’s where Mardi Gras 2015 will take over the entire establishment. Join a few hundred of your new best friends in multiple music rooms and environments and play some great video games. The party also includes a live performance by Top Flite Empire. “Belle” tickets are $10 and include a D&B $5 game card. “Bloke” tickets are $20 and also include a $5 game card. Private tables can be reserved for groups up to eight. (200 S Colorado Blvd.; 303-759-1515)

Mardi Gras Bar Crawl 2015
Join the fun at this downtown pub crawl on Saturday, February 14. Hey, wait, that’s Valentine’s Day. The crawl includes six of our favorite bars: The Pour House, Society, Tilted Kilt, Blake Street Tavern, Scruffy Murphy’s and The Celtic Tavern. Tickets include gift cards to each participating bar, drink specials, entertainment, mask, beads and more. Tickets can still be purchased online at the “Super Early Bird” special of $5. The crawl starts at 2 PM, but guests can check in starting at 1 PM. All guests must be checked in by 4 PM.

Bayou Bob’s
This popular Cajun spot does it up big for Fat Tuesday. The fun starts with a kickoff party Friday, February 13, featuring the music of The Delta Sonics and continues Saturday (Valentine’s Day) with live music from Biff Gore and Friends. Food and drink special in effect both nights. On Fat Tuesday, the real bash begins 11 AM with Zydeco music, beads, face painting, mug bugs, tasty Cajun delights and drink specials all day. (1635 Glenarm Pl.; 303-573-6838)

Jake’s Food and Spirits
Enjoy $6 Hurricanes and $4 King Cakes at Jake’s Mardi Gras party on February 17. Guests will also receive free beads with purchase. (3800 Walnut St.; 303-303-295-3800)

Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret
Enjoy an evening of dance with Carnivale Glitz and Glam by Bella Diva Dance at Lannie’s Clocktower. Along with outrageous dancing, enjoy some specially crafted Mardi Gras cocktails from the bar. Come in costume for a chance at some fun prizes as well. (1601 Arapahoe; 303-293-0075)

Odyssey Beerwerks
Enjoy a Crawfish and Shrimp Boil at Odyssey by East Coast Joe’s. There will also be a special Mardi Gras beer and Cajun music from The Social Livers. (5535 2. 56th Ave., Ste. 107; 303-421-0772)

Stoney’s Bar and Grill
Come to Stoney Gras and enjoy a crawfish boil on Saturday, February 14, with music by the Blue Krewe at 5 PM and DJ Jesse James at 9 PM. On Fat Tuesday, February 17, enjoy a special New Orleans food menu and free King Cake all day and VJ Aaron in the evening. Sip up on 3-for-1 Hurricanes and Abita Amber Beers on both days. (1111 Lincoln; 303-830-6839)

ViewHouse
Both locations of the ViewHouse will be cooking up some southern comfort for Mardi Gras. Enjoy Crawfish and Sausage Gumbo, Crispy Crawfish, Chicken and Andouille Jambalaya or grilled Lobster Etouffee from Tuesday, February 16, through Friday, February 20. No Mardi Gras meal would be complete without this classic cocktail. The Hurricane will be available for only $8. (Downtown, 2015 Market St.; 720-878-2015; Centennial, 7101 S Clinton St.; 303-790-VIEW)

Photo by Danya Henninger