Celebrate Mardi Gras at Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Are you on the lookout for something fun to do this weekend? Are you ready for second winter to wrap up? Us too. But we also have more good news. One of the biggest happenings within Shadyside is the celebration of Mardi Gras!

What better way to spend a truly amazing night out with friends than at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens? On Friday, March 1, the Party in the Tropics event will have a Mardi Gras theme and we’re very excited.

photo from Phipps Conservatory

This event will surround you with the beautiful greenery and rushing waterfalls inside of Phipps. You’ll also have the chance to try sweet and savory morsels, indulge in unique cocktails and enjoy seasonal beer selections. Plus, you’ll be able to dance the night away with the live DJ.

Sounds like an awesome way to de-stress after a long week of work.

Curious about how Mardi Gras became the great celebration it’s known for today? Looks like great minds think alike. We were curious, too.

Many communities and cities are known to host great, fabulous parades in celebration of Mardi Gras. But, did you know the first American Mardi Gras took place in New Orleans in 1699?

The annual festival occurs the day before the Christian celebration of Lent. Mardi Gras is also known as Fat Tuesday or the last opportunity to eat rich foods before the fast of Lent begins.

Another fun fact that’s tied to Mardi Gras is this famous saying, “laissez les bon temps rouler” (pronounced lay-say le bon tom roo-lay). It means, “let the good times roll.”

It’s a very traditional thing to say during Mardi Gras so there’s a good chance you’ll hear it many times during your night out at Phipps

Now that you’re armed with some Mardi Gras trivia, we’ll give you the finer details of the Phipps event.  

The 4-hour party starts at 7 pm and is for anyone 21 years or older. Keep in mind the Party in the Tropics event is free with Phipps admission, but space is limited.  

Don’t forget to come with a mask and beads!