District law forbids you from drinking on the street, but in this weather, why would you? Instead, take the masks and beads indoors and celebrate Mardi Gras near campus.

Rumors’ Bourbon Street Bash (1900 M St. NW)
You’ll find a Cajun hot wing eating contest and live funk music performed by the band Higher Hands at the 14th Annual Bourbon Street Bash. The dance club will be decked out in Mardi Gras colors, and there will be masks and beads for anyone in the Fat Tuesday spirit. Entry is $5 in advance.

Fat Tuesday Pub Crawl (1825 M St. NW)
For a $10 registration fee, join the party that begins after class and ends at closing time: From 5 p.m. until 2 a.m., many bars in the area will have specials in honor of the Carnival celebration. Ozio Restaurant & Lounge will offer $4 cocktails, while Café Citron will give a free shot “to those in the Mardi Gras spirit,” along with $3 tacos and empanadas. The festivities begin at Sign of the Whale.

Parade and Bayou Buffet (2519 Pennsylvania Ave. NW)
The eclectic group Yamomanem – which includes a hodgepodge of congas, horns and electric guitars – will lead a parade down New Hampshire Avenue from the Dupont Circle fountain to Bayou. The restaurant will have an all-you-can-eat buffet for $25 from 5 to 9 p.m., as well as live tunes until midnight.

“Purple, Green & Gold Affair” at Stone Fish Grill (1708 L St. NW)
Grab dinner like New Orleans Fettuccine (shrimp and chicken andouille tossed in creamy Cajun sauce) or jumbo lump crab cake on a brioche bun before you work it off dancing. The restaurant and club will have doubloons and the usual Big Easy fare to transport you to NOLA for the evening. Entry is $10 in advance and $20 at the door.

GW Masquerade Celebration (South Hall)
For a mellow Mardi Gras, consider staying on campus for desserts provided by the German and French clubs. Complete with crepes and a chocolate fountain, this is the sweetest way to treat yourself before a night in Gelman Library, cramming for that midterm on Wednesday. The event begins at 7 p.m.