Laissez les bons temps rouler! Today, February 17, is Fat Tuesday—the grand finale of the Mardi Gras season. Whether you’re looking for a high-energy brass band, a community pub crawl, or a unique paranormal investigation, Northwest Arkansas is keeping the party alive.
While the famous parades in Eureka Springs and Fayetteville may have wrapped up over the weekend, the "Fat Tuesday" tradition continues tonight with several marquee events across the region. Here is your guide to the best celebrations in NWA today.
Fayetteville: The Heart of the Party
Fayetteville is the place to be for those looking to "crawl" and dance the night away.
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Fat Tuesday Pub & Grub Crawl
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: W. Dickson St., Fayetteville
The Vibe: This community-wide crawl is the ultimate Dickson Street experience. Grab a passport, visit participating bars to earn stamps, catch plenty of beads, and enjoy live "Second Line" music as the celebration moves through the district.
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Fat Tuesday Party with Crescent City Combo
Time: 8:30 PM (Doors at 7:00 PM)
Location: George’s Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville
The Vibe: Authentic New Orleans-style brass and jazz on the historic Dickson Street stage. If you want to feel like you’re in the heart of the French Quarter, this is the premier show in the region. Tickets: $10.
Rogers: Soulful Brass in Downtown
Downtown Rogers brings a sophisticated yet high-energy spirit to the holiday.
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Mardi Gras SMP Brass Band
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: The Music Depot, Rogers
The Vibe: Curated by Music Moves, this performance is designed to bring the true spirit of New Orleans to the Ozarks. Expect a powerful, soulful brass performance that will have the whole room moving.
Eureka Springs: The Post-Parade Wind Down
Eureka Springs has already hosted its major parades, but the "party town" of the Ozarks isn't finished yet.
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Fat Tuesday Karaoke & Revelry
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: The Gravel Bar at Wanderoo Lodge
The Vibe: A local favorite for winding down the season. Expect a festive crowd of "post-Mardi Gras" revelers gathering for karaoke and seasonal drinks.
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Paranormal Investigation: Fat Tuesday Edition
Time: 9:00 PM
Location: Basin Park Hotel
The Vibe: For a truly unique "Eureka" twist on the holiday, join a guided ghost hunt through the most haunted hotel in the Ozarks, exploring the Lucky 7 gambling parlor and hidden caves.
What You Need to Know
Mardi Gras (French for "Fat Tuesday") is technically the same holiday—today marks the final day of indulgence before the start of Lent. Whether you head to the historic streets of Fayetteville or the haunted halls of Eureka Springs, make sure to grab some beads and enjoy the best of NWA's local culture!
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