Gold, purple and green will adorn the Gaslamp Quarter, from Broadway to Harbor Drive between 4th and 5th avenues, on Tuesday Feb. 5 as San Diego celebrates Fat Tuesday with music, food, the traditional parade and a seemingly endless supply of entertainment. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. and wrap up at midnight.
While old traditions stand fast, the Gaslamp Quarter Association has new aspects to bring the event up to date.
This year the Masquerade Parade will step off twice, at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Revelers are encouraged to come in costume, either elaborate like those found at The Costume Shop, 2960 North Park Way, or simple like those thrown together with a feather boa and heavy make-up.
Those arriving not in costume shouldn’t worry. The beads will find their way across the entire quarter, even without flashing some skin.
In New Orleans tradition, beads are given in exchange for flashing, typically women baring their breasts, although that won’t be necessary during the Gaslamp’s festivities.
Almost 50,000 people are expected at the event to see not only the parade, which features elaborate floats by various San Diego institutions, but also the impromptu sidewalk performers and roving bands along with the stage performers.
Entertainment lounges and stages are located throughout the area for additional entertainment.
In addition to music, numerous area bars and restaurants will offer dinner and drink specials. Most nightclubs will forgo a cover charge, while many eateries will offer discounted dinner packages that include Cajun and Creole dishes, as well as entrance into the Mardi Gras festivities.
Food venders and retail booths will also be dispersed throughout the streets.
Once again the Gaslamp Quarter Association is offering advance purchasing of tickets online. Tickets will be available the day of the event at the entrance gates “” 5th Avenue and Broadway, 4th Avenue and Market Street or 6th Avenue and K Street “” for $20 each.
Advanced purchase tickets are $15, plus an additional $2.25 fee, and can be purchased at the Gaslamp Quarter Association Web site.
Public transportation is recommended, as parking will be limited.
The trolley will run special event service. For schedule and stop information visit the San Diego Trolley Web site, www.sdcommute.com, and click on the Special Events Services link.
No cameras, video cameras, large backpacks, umbrellas or skateboards will be allowed inside the gates.
For more information and to order tickets in advance, visit www.gaslamp.org or call (619) 233-5227.