Lent is fast approaching on the Christian calendar and that means only one thing:  You’ve got to live it up before you give it up. Mardi Gras, AKA, Fat Tuesday, happens on Tuesday, February 13 this year. Traditionally associated with New Orleans, Mardi Gras is also popular in Denver. So if you want to let the good times roll, enjoy these fun parties in the Mile High City.

Badda Boom Brass Band, Dazzle
Go out with a bang before Lent as Denver’s own Badda Boom Brass Band performs at Dazzle on Tuesday, February 13. Beads and masks encouraged. Tickets start at $15 per person and can be purchased on Dazzle’s website. (1512 Curtis St.; 303-839-5100)

Carnival at The Clocktower, Clocktower Cabaret
On Tuesday, February 13, get a little naughty at Carnaval at The Clocktower as Bella Diva Dance performs. Hosted by Naughty Pierre, this thrilling evening of dance will include a second line through the crowd and guests are encouraged to wear Mardi Gras masks. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased online. Doors open at 7 PM and show begins at 8 PM. (1601 Arapahoe St.; 303-293-0075)

Crawfish Boil, Stoney’s Bar and Grill
Let the good times roll at Stoney’s on Saturday, February 10, when the bar hosts its annual Crawlfish Boil, featuring 1000 pounds of crawfish. Enjoy live music by Blue Krewe and Tivoli Club Brass Band, eat tasty King Cakes and drink 3-for-1 Hurricanes. Crawfish will be sold in two and five pound increments and guests can pre-order their pounds on Stoney’s Facebook page. (1111 Lincoln St.; 303-830-6839)

Mardi Gras Weekend, Bayou Bob’s
Enjoy not just one night, but a weekend full of Mardi Gras celebrations at Bayou Bob’s downtown. The fun begins on Friday, February 9, and goes through Tuesday. Enjoy boiled crawfish, Hurricane specials, free beads, and face painting. (1635 Glenarm Pl.; 303-573-6838)

Mardi Gras Celebration, Viewhouse Ballpark and Centennial
Starting at 10 AM on Tuesday, both Denver locations of Viewhouse will offers a fun and festive party all day featuring an $11 Shrimp Po’boy special and $5 Hurricanes. The Viewhouse will also be giving away beads and masks and guests can jam to New Orleans jazz. (Ballpark, 2015 Market St.; 720-306-9132: Centennial, 7101 S. Clinton St.; 303-816-3160)

Mardi Gras Gumbo, Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox
Bring on the da noise; bring on da funk on Saturday, February 10, at Ophelia’s when Gumbo le Funque hits the stage. This New Orleans party band will have you dancing in the aisles. New to this performance is Lady Speech, artist extraordinaire from Denver. From her bag of tricks she does tarot and energy readings, motivational speeches, daily affirmations and, as an ordained minister, she can even marry you and your sweetheart. Tickets are $13-27 per person and can be purchased on Ophelia’s website. Doors open at 8 PM. (1215 20th St.; 303-993-8023)

Mardi Gras Rumpus, Call to Arms Brewing Company
This festive soiree will happen on Saturday, February 10, and offer delicious New Orleans-style food from Rolling Smoke Food Truck and Mardi Gras-inspired sweets from Copia Confections and Good Sugar Baking. Add in Call to Arms beers and you’ve got a party. Enjoy the World’s Tiniest Mardi Gras Parade led second-line style down Tennyson Street by Mile High Brass Band. The parade will feature mini-floats from local breweries including Avery, Bierstadt Lagerhaus, Goldspot, Mountain Sun, Station 26, Little Machine, and Beryl’s.  Brewery opens at noon and the parade starts at 4 PM from the brewery parking lot. The band will play until 6 PM. (4526 Tennyson St.; 720-328-8258)

Photo via Danya Henninger