Mardi Gras returns to Shoreline Village in Long Beach on Saturday, Feb. 10, and the whole city is invited to celebrate free of charge. Visit Shoreline Village from 1-5 p.m. and feel like you’ve been transported to New Orleans with the sights and sounds of all things Fat Tuesday. Music, beads, food, entertainment, and nonstop dancing, the family-friendly event is suitable for children of all ages.
Joining this year as the Mardi Gras Queen to lead the parade is First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas. Her council staff will act as her court. Masks and beads will be sold, with proceeds going to the YMCA of Greater Long Beach.
“Mardi Gras is about community, inclusion, and togetherness which are all necessary for a city to thrive,” said Councilwoman Zendejas. “It’s fun to celebrate different cultures that have become American, and Mardi Gras is one of those iconic events.”
The Louisiana Zydeco music starts at 1 p.m., carnival costumes are encouraged to add to the celebration. Music will be provided by Zydeco Mudbugs, deejays, and a drum-core band from 1-5 p.m. Face-painting and balloon twists are free for children. More fun traditions of New Orleans will be featured throughout Shoreline Village, including hot, fresh beignets, and of course a full array of New Orleans Cajun cuisine at Louisiana Charlie’s restaurant.
The parade will begin at 2:30 at Famous Dave’s restaurant (near 300 Pine Ave.).
The second liners in the parade are from the Charles Favors Louisiana Cultural Foundation of California, featuring the Louisiana Culture Street Steppers. If you choose to march along in the parade, please sign-up at https://shorelinevillage.com/long-beach-mardi-gras-registration/ (no sign-up necessary to observe).
All the fun is located at 401-435 Shoreline Drive, Long Beach, CA 90802. The Shoreline Village parking lot fills up fast, so please consider ride shares, the free Passport Bus, the Circuit shuttle and other parking options.
For alternate parking, visit https://www.parkLB.com.
Shoreline Village, a premiere property of Pacific Ocean Management, offers year-round waterfront shopping and dining on Long Beach’s Rainbow Harbor. For more information about the center and its activities, visit www.ShorelineVillage.com.