Did you miss Mardi Gras week in New Orleans? Don’t fret, we will bring Mardi Gras to Put-in-Bay Ohio instead! You know we are a bunch of suckers for a good party. Put-in-Bay will be celebrating an island-wide Mardi Gras weekend in early May. Get ready to collect some beads, because things are about to get crazy. Join your friends and head out to some of Put-in-Bay’s Best Bars for Mardi Gras-style celebrations.
“Mardi Gras” translates from French as “Fat Tuesday,” a name that captures the essence of indulging in rich, fatty foods on the last night before the Lenten season’s fasting begins. The celebration’s roots stretch back to medieval Europe, winding through Rome and Venice in the 17th and 18th centuries, eventually reaching the French House of the Bourbons. It was from here that the festive tradition made its way alongside France to its overseas territories. The introduction of Mardi Gras to America is credited to French explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville in 1699, who landed in what’s known today as Louisiana, near New Orleans.
The festivities of Mardi Gras are marked by parades, masquerade balls, and street parties. The parades, known for their spectacular floats, costumes, and the tradition of tossing beads and other goodies to onlookers, stand out as the highlight for many. A special cake, emblematic of the three kings, is a staple during the season. This treat, adorned in purple, green, and gold, conceals a small figurine. The lucky individual who discovers this figurine is tasked with hosting the next King Cake gathering. Beads, coins known as doubloons, and small toys are some of the treasures thrown from the floats to parade spectators, with catching these items being a cherished part of the Mardi Gras experience.
Need A Place To Stay For This Event? Check Out Our Favorites!
- Island Club Rentals (islandclub.com) – 216-898-9951
- Put-in-Bay Condos (putinbaycondos.com) – 216-898-1105
- Commodore Resort (commodoreresort.com) – 419-285-3101
- Victory Station Hotel (putinbayvictorystation.com) – 419-285-0120
- Bird’s Nest Resort (birdsnestresort.com) – 419-285-6119
And Here’s The Most Important Things To Know For a PIB Trip
- Island Attractions
- Getting Here: Ferry Details
- Renting A Golf Cart
- Eat and Drink: PIB Restaurants and Bars
Mardi Gras Weekend Favorites
- Reel Bar (check out this mouth-watering drink menu!)
- The Keys (where they have a great variety of FROZEN specialty drinks)
- Goat Soup and Whiskey (EVERYONE in your party will have a drink to choose from here!)
Put-in-Bay has so many amazing bars to choose from, we’re going to be partying like every day is Fat Tuesday! Would you rather sip your beverage between dips in the pool? Take your Mardi Gras festivities to The Sand Bar. They have plenty of room for Mardi Gras partiers with a 9,000 square foot ultra pool. If you’d prefer to stay dry, there are plenty of poolside lounge chair options to choose from. Relax by the pool with your drink of choice and a set of beads around your neck. Or take it even further and rent a private cabana for some additional privacy. Similar to the Big Easy’s Mardi Gras celebrations, you will be able to enjoy live music at any of these bars around the island. You are sure to find amazing local entertainment at The Round House Bar, just check out their schedule of events! Joe’s Bar also offers a laid-back atmosphere to relax and enjoy a drink!
Join us for Mardi Gras weekend on Put-in-Bay? For more details call 1-216-898-9951 and check our Lodging resource page to book your Mardi Gras getaway!