Bars and Thousands of Beads
If you've ever dreamed of catching beads in a sea of purple, green, and gold, dancing to the blare of a brass band, and sipping on a hurricane without hopping on a plane to Louisiana, then mark your calendar for Saturday, March 1, 2025. For one night only, The Banks is turning Cincinnati into the Big Easy with its annual Mardi Pardi, a street-wide celebration of music, revelry, and authentic New Orleans-inspired chaos.
This isn’t just another bar crawl. This is a full-blown, bead-throwing, brass-blaring, drink-sipping spectacle that will transport you straight to the heart of Bourbon Street.
🎺 Live Music That Brings the Spirit of NOLA
Nothing says Mardi Gras like the booming sound of a brass band cutting through the crowd, and Cincinnati has its own slice of New Orleans magic with the Queen City Krewe Brass Band. These guys aren’t just musicians—they’re a moving, high-energy celebration on foot, strolling up and down Freedom Way, stepping into bars, and filling the streets with funk, jazz, and soul. Inspired by icons like the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Queen City Krewe knows exactly how to turn a night into an experience.
🍹 Hurricanes, Hand Grenades, and Beads—Oh My!
You can’t have a Mardi Gras party without some seriously festive drinks, and The Banks’ best bars are rolling out the themed cocktails and shot specials. Whether you’re craving a classic Hurricane, a neon-green Hand Grenade, or something a little more adventurous (looking at you, Zombie shots), there’s no shortage of liquid courage to keep you dancing all night.
Here’s a taste of what’s being served:
✅ AC Upper Deck – $5 Zombie shots, $8 Hurricanes, and an $18 Shrimp Po’boy
✅ Moerlein Lager House – $7 Neon Voodoo, hot gumbo, and live Cajun music from Lagniappe
✅ Tin Roof – $19 Hand Grenades (yes, the massive 32oz kind)
✅ Jefferson Social – $6 Hurricanes, $5 Fireball shots, and $5 Lemon Drop shots
✅ Killer Queen & The Stretch – Specialty Hurricanes served in souvenir cups to keep as proof you survived the night
But this isn’t just a drink fest—it’s a full-scale food and flavor explosion. From Cajun gumbo to a Mardi Pardi Burger, every bite will have you wondering if you somehow wandered into a side street in the French Quarter.
🎭 Costumes, Beads, and the Full Mardi Gras Experience
Let’s be real: Mardi Gras is not the time to play it cool. This is your chance to go all out—throw on a glittery mask, rock some purple and gold, layer yourself in beads, and embrace the spirit of the night. Thousands of beads will be flying through the air, so don’t be shy about catching them (or, you know, earning them).
🎉 The Banks is the Perfect Setting for the Ultimate Mardi Gras Takeover
There’s a reason The Banks is Cincinnati’s go-to entertainment district—it’s walkable, packed with top-tier bars, and set against the scenic backdrop of the Ohio River. Whether you’re stopping for a bite, dancing in the streets, or just soaking in the wild energy, this is where Cincinnati comes alive.
The best part? It’s completely free to attend. No tickets, no cover charges—just grab your krewe, show up, and dive into the madness.
Laissez les bon temps rouler, Cincinnati!
Mardi Pardi at The Banks is shaping up to be the party of the season, and if you miss it, well… you’ll just have to wait another 365 days for your next chance. Don’t let that happen. Get ready to drink, dance, and celebrate like you’re in New Orleans—right here in the Queen City.