Ah, Mardi Gras. The annual bacchanal of food, drink, more drink, bared breasts and parades. Can’t make the trip to New Orleans this year? Next Tuesday, Feb. 8, a couple of local events will try to recreate some of the spirit of the season here in our own backyard.

The annual Clarendon Mardi Gras parade will kick off at 8:00 p.m. at the corner of Wilson Boulevard and North Danville Street (by the Whole Foods), travel up Wilson, turn around at Clarendon Ballroom, and then journey back down Clarendon Boulevard to Whole Foods. There will be beads, trinkets, and “promotional throws” from floats sponsored by the local chapter of the LSU alumni (sponsorship opportunities available!), Mexicali Blues restaurant, Whitlow’s on Wilson as well as local firefighters, dog owners, and community groups. While beads, candy and trinkets abound, don’t expect any public nudity or open-air alcohol consumption — the event is billed as a “festive, fun-filled atmosphere suitable for the entire family.” For the best bead-catching opportunities, warm up with drinks at Harry’s Tap Room and catch the floats on the much less crowded Clarendon Boulevard side of the route.

For an event that approximates the raucousness of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, D.C.’s Lulu’s Club Mardi Gras party will feature large crowds, lots of alcohol, zydeco music and a variety of performers.