A few years ago, West Hollywood used to toss a festive Mardi Gras celebration in the alley next to the post office off San Vicente Boulevard.
Sensual riffs wafted through the starry night, as bejewelled party-goers sipped on exotic cocktails, nibbled on Cajun cuisine, and jockeyed for beads tossed from the upper levels of balconies and back stoops.
But, the celebration fizzled away into oblivion, and the locals are now left to fend for themselves in nightclubs & house parties 'round town.
Of course, there is another option!
Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego's downtown is where it is happening tonight!
Mardi Gras (West Coast-style)!
According to organizers, it's going to be a scintillating night of glitz, glamour, and gluttony!
There will be a bevy of magical street performers, tons of food, and enough shiny-colored beads to satiate any glittering baubble Queen.
In fact, SoCo & Lime Hurricanes! are being touted as the Southern California alternative to the big fat one in Louisiana.
The New Orleans-style street fair includes bands, street performers, and an incredible masquerade parade.
All attendees must be 21 years of age or older to enter.
For folks coming in from out-of-town for an all-nighter, some of the hottest new hotels in the Gaslamp area include the Hard Rock Hotel, Horton Grand Plaza & Hotel Solamar (4 diamond rating).
If you're looking for cheap hotels, you may have to go away from the frenzied Gaslamp hub a bit.
500 West is one of the cheapest (lowest priced) Hotels downtown and the nearest perimeter hotel accommodations to Gaslamp.
Info: gaslamp.org
