Bust out the beads: Mardi Gras is here at last. Folks down in New Orleans are just getting warmed up for Tuesday’s massive celebration. Here in Colorado, this weekend is the time to cut loose.
Tonight, The Church (1160 Lincoln St.) hosts its sixth annual Mardi Gras Bead Party.
The big attraction, besides drinking and dancing, is a bead collection contest for the ladies. The woman who acquires the most necklaces during the evening will take home a cash prize. Arrive early to start amassing your necklaces — either to keep or to give away.
The party is open to revelers age 18 and up; doors open at 9 p.m.
As mentioned in a previous column, Kevin Larson and company are throwing the biggest Mardi Gras party in town at the Denver Marriott Tech Center (4900 S. Syracuse St.) on Saturday.
They’re taking over the hotel, including 140 rooms with balconies overlooking the Mardi madness below.
Tickets are still available, as are discounted rooms at the hotel. Visit for full details.
The Lotus Clubs keep it real with a three-venue Mardi Gras blowout that’s actually on Fat Tuesday.
Wednesday may turn into a sick day after this one: Three of the Lotus properties — Suite Two Hundred (1437 Larimer St.), Oak Tavern (1416 Market St.) and 24K (1414 Market St.) — are teaming up to throw one giant Mardi Gras bash.
Move between the venues and watch the carnival unfold. Stilt walkers and fire artists will be roaming about, with live music at Oak Tavern and 24K. Love to dance? Join in a go-go dancing contest for some major prizes, like $200 cash and a trip for two to Las Vegas.
Reserve a table by calling 720-560-4433 for Suite Two Hundred or 303-888-0655 for Oak Tavern and 24K.
Can’t muster up the Mardi Gras spirit this weekend? Low on cash? The Fox Theatre (1135 13th St., Boulder) is hosting a free Fat Tuesday throwdown on March 12, a few days after the main event.
The party features live music from New Orleans’ own Dumpstaphunk, starring two members of the city’s famous Neville family: Ian and Ivan.
Doors open at 8:30 p.m.; it’s a 21-and-older show, kids. And, yes, it’s free.
Uncork a party.
El Camino Community Tavern (3628 W. 32nd Ave.) is a place to go to drink tequila and eat tacos. This much we know.
Now, however, El Camino is working to build its reputation for wine with “WOW” — Wine on Wednesdays.
The first WOW is slated for March 9: Look for half-price bottles of wine from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. A wine consultant will be on hand from 6 to 9, as well, to help guests ferret out the best buys.
Pair your wines with “Mexican-style” charcuterie and Latin-inflected lounge music. It all sounds very — how do you say it? Muy romantico.
Art in the RAW.
Explore Denver’s art scene at the “ARTCade” at Jet Hotel (1612 Wazee St.) on Thursday.
Presented by RAW, a collective of local creative types, the event showcases works in a variety of media: photography, paintings, fashion, music and even hair and makeup. Hear a live performance from local groove-rockers Petals of Spain, sip cocktails and tour the exhibits.
Presale tickets for ARTCade are $10, available at . The party starts at 8 p.m. Thursday.
That’s vision with a second “s.”
No Mardi Gras gimmicks here: Richard Vission takes over Funhouse Saturday at Beta (1909 Blake St.) this week. Stay tuned for Australian remixer and DJ Bass Kleph, visiting the club on Thursday.
Tickets for both shows are $10 at .
