Mardi Gras, historically signaling the end of pre-Lenten season, is the world's (or at least, New Orleans') grandest excuse to throw a party. Check out an array of Mardi Gras-themed events and specials around Austin,

Mardi Gras is just around the corner, and Austinites have plenty of ways to show up and show out ahead of the annual pre-Lenten tradition.

WHAT: Aaron Franklin’s Uptown Sports Club is bringing four days of soulful Mardi Gras celebration to East Austin with glitzy decorations and new menu items reminiscent of the New Orleans cuisine

"We danced, we talked, we laughed, we danced some more. He watched me take a shot and immediately throw it up (we’ve all been there), and then he brought me water. It was in that moment that I think I fell for him.

Get ready for beads, beats, and bites! Discover the best Mardi Gras celebrations, from parades to crawfish feasts and toe-tapping live music.

New Orleans hosts the East Texas A&M Lions after Kohen Rowbatham scored 20 points in New Orleans' 73-66 loss to the Northwestern State Demons.