Didn't make it to Fat Tuesday in New Orleans or San Diego?
Well, the party is on again this Saturday, February 20th, in Downtown Long Beach, which is much closer than NOLA or SD (see Cheap Date Idea #106 for next year). This event is more family friendly if that's a factor for you. Mix and mingle around Rainbow Harbor at the Aquarium of the Pacific (see Cheap Date Idea #15), Shoreline Village and The Pike. The Long Beach Mardi Gras will essentially be a huge block party like the one on New Year's Eve (see Cheap Date Idea #64). (Tip: Make sure to wear comfy shoes.)
Mardis Gras Party mask.
Originally uploaded by Firefighter with a camera
Originally uploaded by Firefighter with a camera
The FREE entertainment runs all day (Noon - 6 PM) with about 10 live bands and DJ's at various stages between the 3 areas, fire dancers, mask/bead making, carnival games and more. Best of all, the parade starts at 3 PM. Check the website for a detailed schedule of events at each location. Although these activities end by 6 PM, the party does not stop there! Pre-sale tickets for the Mardis Gras Concert are available online for $15 pp. No parking information appears to be available at the moment, but check the info listed on Cheap Date Idea #64.
This weekend will be hopping in LA with another FREE huge celebration, the Golden Dragon Parade on Saturday and the Lunar New Year Festival on both days (see Cheap Date Idea #107). If you enjoy the Long Beach area, check out FREE Shark Lagoon Nights (Cheap Date Idea #15). By the way, the weather bunny has changed their mind, rain is not expected til Tuesday, so have fun outdoors this weekend!
UPDATE 02/19/10: Rain is expected to start tonight and should end by tomorrow noon, just in time for the event. Have fun!
UPDATE 02/19/10: Rain is expected to start tonight and should end by tomorrow noon, just in time for the event. Have fun!
Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free Admission.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Idea by @yelp