Quick Question Resource List:
What is Mardi Gras?
When is Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp?
DJ Set Line-Up & Entertainment?
Tickets?
Directions - Driving to Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp?
Parking for Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp?
Taking the NCTD COASTER / SDMTS Trolley to Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp?
Recommended Taxi Drop-Off Locations?
Taking a Bicycle to Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp?
Mardi Gras Parade?
Can I Have a Float in the Parade?
Main Gates?
VIP tickets?
What is the Gated Area?
Discounted Tickets?
What's Prohibited in Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp?
Attire/Costume?
Hotels in the Gaslamp?
Age Restriction for Mardi Gras?
Media Inquiries?
What is Fat Tuesday?
“Mardi Gras” means “Fat Tuesday” in French. It refers to the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and follows the Christian calendar of Lent. Traditionally, Fat Tuesday is the final day of indulgence before the 40 days and 40 nights of Lent. It is a day that is celebrated worldwide - Each Mardi Gras celebration has its own unique character, whether it's in Rio, New Orleans or here in San Diego. As the largest Mardi Gras celebration on the West Coast, Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp has become a signature San Diego event (we're celebrating our 18th year!), with a distinct Southern California flavor. We embrace the tradition of Fat Tuesday with our own spin as a night of decadent indulgence in the heart of Downtown San Diego.
When is Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp?
Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 from 6:00 PM to Midnight.
Will there be live entertainment at Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp?
Yes, Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp is proud to feature world-renowned headlining DJs performing non-stop from 6:00 PM to midnight as well as dancers, street performers and, of course, the Incredible Masquerade Parade! Many of the bars and restaurants will feature their own live entertainment as well. Go to the Mardi Gras Entertainment Page to see the full Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp DJ set listing & entertainment line-up.
How much are general admission tickets to Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp?
Tickets are just $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event at the Main Gates.
Where can I purchase Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp tickets?
There are a number of different options for purchasing tickets to Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp. Day of tickets will sold at the gates beginning at 6:00pm on Tuesday, February 21st. Tickets are also currently on sale online on TicketDerby.com as well as these great locations throughout San Diego: Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp Ticket Options
How do I get to Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp?
There are several ways to get to Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp. You can drive, walk, take a cab or hop on the COASTER/Trolley.
Driving to the Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp:
From I-5 South
Drive past the airport toward Downtown. Take the Front Street/Civic Center exit. Continue down Front Street twelve blocks to Market St and turn left (east). The intersection of 5th and Market is the center of the Gaslamp Quarter.
From I-5 North
In Downtown San Diego, take the 6th Ave. exit. Go left (south) on 6th Ave. In nine blocks you will cross Broadway to enter the Gaslamp Quarter at it's top.
From Highway 94 West
The highway ends and becomes F Street in Downtown San Diego. Continue west down F Street twelve blocks to enter the Gaslamp Quarter at Sixth Ave from it's east.
From Highway 163 South
Drive south through Balboa Park and the highway becomes 10th Ave. Continue south on 10th Ave six blocks to F Street. Turn right (west) on F Street and go four blocks to enter the Gaslamp at 6th Ave near the north end
Where can I park at Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp?
Download and print up your own Gaslamp Parking Map.
Tip #1 - Parking in the Garages!
Surface parking lots are the easiest to see, but they fill up fast. Look for the "6th & K Parkade" OR "Park-it-on-Market" at 6th and Market St. These 2 garages provide easy access and have reasonable rates! Also look for two big garages off 7th ave, just north of E St., Try Horton Plaza or the garage at the Convention Center, which has public parking available on most days.
Tip #2 - Office Buildings
Try parking at office buildings. There are hundreds of parking spaces intended for daytime use only, located inside office buildings. A little research on the Downtown Parking Map will pay off when driving in San Diego's Centre City.
Tip #3 - Park & Ride.
San Diego MTS Trolley provides many great locations for you to park your car and ride a short distance into downtown. Try the San Diego Transit Trip Planner - it's free!
Can I take the COASTER/Trolley to Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp?
YES!
Coming from North County? Take the COASTER!
For the first time in the history of Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp, the COASTER will operate train service after midnight to offer revelers a safe ride home. Party-goers can also take advantage of two-for-one train ticket prices throughout Fat Tuesday. Purchase any COASTER ticket/pass, and a friend rides along free. The North County Transit District offers free parking at all of its transit centers (except Santa Fe Depot), which offers a stellar driving alternative for people coming from North County and beyond. Mardi Gras festivities are only a few blocks from the COASTER's last stop at Santa Fe Depot. For more information and special Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp COASTER schedules, go to GoNCTD.com.
Taking the SDMTS Trolley?
You can ride the San Diego Trolley to the Gaslamp from the Mexican border, South Bay, East County, Old Town or Mission Valley. Ride the Orange Line to the Gaslamp Quarter Station at the south end of Fifth Avenue or get off at the 5th Avenue Station and walk one block south on C Street. SDMTS runs a special event schedule that will get you to Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp with plenty of time to spare for the party. MTS also has extended hours through 1:00am. More details, see the SDMTS Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp Trolley Guide.
If I take a taxi, where should I be dropped off?
There are two Main Gates that will get you into Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp. The North Gate is located at 5th Avenue between Broadway & E Street. The South Gate is located at 6th Avenue and K Street.
I’m going green and plan to ride my bicycle to Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp. Will there be a place to park my bike inside of the event?
While we strongly promote going green, bicycles will not be allowed inside the gated area, though there are a number of designated bike racks located in and around the district where you may lock your bicycle.
Will there be a parade at Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp?
Of course! Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp would not be the same without our signature Incredible Masquerade Parade. The parade will start at 9:30 PM and is expected to be bigger and better then ever!
How can I get my float in the Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp parade?
Check out some of the parade details at the Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp Incredible Masquerade Parade Page and call McFarlane Promotions at (619) 233-5008 for more information.
How do I get inside Mardi Gras at the Gaslamp?
There are two main gates that will get you in to Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp. The North Gate is located at 5th Avenue between Broadway & E Street. The South Gate is located at K Street & 6th Avenue. Tickets do not include in-and-out privileges.
Are VIP tickets available at Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp?
For those looking to elevate their Mardi Gras experience, Club VIP upgrades are currently available and on sale at: Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp Club VIP
Why do I have to pay to get into Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp?
As much as everyone loves a free party, there are many elements that go into making Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp a success. All proceeds go towards covering the costs of the event, including street closures, entertainment, security, maintenance and safety.
What is the Gated Area?
The gated area is where Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp takes place. All of the DJs and performers will be located inside of this area, mainly on 5th Avenue between Broadway all the way down to L Street.
Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp starts at 6:00 PM, where can I get dinner?
It will be business as usual in the Gaslamp Quarter. Many restaurants are outside of the gated area and will not charge extra. If you decide to eat inside the gated area, you must buy a ticket to the event. Take a look at the Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp Dinner Deals! Once inside you are free to dine at any of our fine restaurants within the gated area. Please note, however, tickets do not include in-and-out access.
It’s Taco Tuesday at Fred’s Mexican Café on the same night as Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp. Do I have to pay extra to get in to Fred’s?
YES! You must purchase a ticket to get into the gated area. Tickets cost $20 in advance and $25 the day of the event. Once inside the gated are you are free to go to any of the bars, clubs, restaurants or other business.
Are there any discounted tickets?
There are a few ways to get discounted tickets to Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp:
1) Gaslamp Insiders will have to opportunity to win tickets on Facebook and Twitter.
a. “Like” the Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp Facebook Fan Page
b. Follow the Gaslamp Quarter on Twitter
2) Sign up for our Gaslamp Insider e-newsletter for special promo codes and ticket giveaways!
3) Purchase a “Dinner & Ticket Package” for $30 to any of the following locations. Purchase includes entry to the festival ($20 Value) and a $20 voucher toward a dinner entrée at the location of your choice! Select the restaurant you wish to dine, order your ticket through our online service at Ticket Derby, then call the restaurant and make your reservation beginning at 6:00 PM. See full details at the Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp Dinner Deals Page.
What if it rains during Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp. Can I bring my umbrella?
No, umbrellas are not allowed into Mardi Gras at the Gaslamp. There are plenty of locations to duck inside if Mother Nature decides to rain on us.
Can I bring in my video camera?
No video cameras are allowed inside of the gated area with the exception of media.
But my cell phone has a camera feature. Does this mean I can’t bring my cell phone?
Cell phones are allowed.
My dog loves beads. Can I bring him to Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp?
As much as we love animals, pets are not allowed inside of the gated area. To show our appreciation for pets and their owners the Gaslamp Quarter holds an annual Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade in December. Don your dog in all of the Mardi Gras beads you get at Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp, and he can be in the running for best costume!
I’ll be coming straight from the gym and have so much to carry. Will there be a place to store my gym bag/back pack?
Large bags such as gym bags and back packs will not be allowed inside of the gated area. You might want to skip the gym and burn calories by dancing the night away instead. There will be six hours of heart pounding music from an array of fantastic DJs (see Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp DJ Set Line-Up)
Are weapons allowed in Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp?
No weapons will be allowed at Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp. This includes guns, knives, mace, brass knuckles, or any other object that is considered a weapon. Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp is a time to indulge in the good things in life so no need for weapons. Also, while we love to see sparks fly, fireworks are prohibited within the event.
I would like to sit down and watch the parade. Can I bring my lawn chair?
Lawn chairs are not allowed at Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp. Many of the restaurants along 5th Avenue have patio seating available for parade viewing.
Can I bring in outside food and drink?
No outside food or beverages are allowed inside of the gated area. This also means no coolers or glass containers. There will be plenty of places to quench your thirst and grab a bite to eat at Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp.
Skateboards and roller blades are my main methods of transportation. Can I bring these wheels to Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp?
Even though it is a fun way to roll around, skateboards and rollerblades will not be allowed at Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp.
What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended. That way you can walk around the entire 8 block party scene and not have to worry about blisters. But who are we to tell you what to wear. It’s Mardi Gras!
Can I wear a costume to Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp?
Many people dress in costume during Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp. Think feathers, boas, masks, gold, purple, satin, leather and lots of beads!
I would like to spend the night downtown after the Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp celebration. Got any recommendations?
Visit our Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp Featured Hotels Page to decide on a comfy place where you can rest up and count the beads you've earned after the "Party Gras." The Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, The Sofia Hotel and the Hard Rock Hotel are offering special Mardi Gras packages where you will receive two complimentary tickets to the event when you book your stay that night!
Can I bring my kids to the Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp parade?
No, Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp is a 21 and over event.
Will media be allowed into Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp?
Yes! Call GQA Marketing & PR Manager, Brandy Shimabukuro at 619-233-5227 IN ADVANCE for more information on media requirements. Be prepared to supply the full name, job title, and publication/station/etc. of your team members that will be covering the event and require media access. They will be required to check in at the Media Gate.
Have more questions? Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 619.233.5227!
MUST BE 21 OR UP WITH VALID ID – NO REFUNDS FOR ANY REASON
