Bring out the beads!  On February 21st, 2012, San Diego will enjoy its 18th annual celebration Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp!  The largest Fat Tuesday party on the West coast notably stepped up the entertainment line-up in 2011, but 2012 is looking to be even more over-the-top!  From 6pm to midnight, get ready to indulge in a night of costumes, superstar DJs and topped off with the Incredible Masquerade Parade.  The entire event is 21+, so drinking is recommended!!

The Gaslamp Quarter’s soundtrack for the night will be provided across four stages; the Electric City (K + L St., between 4th & 6th Ave.) featuring Paul Oakenfold, Scooter & Lavelle and Craig Smoove; The Sideshow (Island Ave + J St., between 4th & 6th Ave.) featuring Kele Okereke of Bloc Party (DJ set), G*Roy and Erick Diaz; Club Rio (Market Street, between 4th & 6th Ave) featuring Alex Dreamz, Brett Bodley and Ayla Simone; and the Red Light District (F St., between 4th & 6th Ave) featuring Colette, Frankie M. and Jon Dadon.  Also not to be missed is Cirque Noir (G St., between 4th & 6th Ave.), with interactive entertainment and performances by: the Critical Brass Band, Capoiera Brasil, Platt Brothers, Super Sonic Samba School and Maculele; and the Voodoo Ground (E St., between 4th & 6th Ave.), with interactive entertainment and performances by Kruciaal Element.

Advance tickets to the event are available for $20 online and at several locations around San Diego, otherwise cover will be $25 at the door that night (VIP options are also available).  As a bonus, many hotels offer complimentary tickets if you book a room there that night, which is by FAR the best way to enjoy the event!  Surrounding restaurants are also offering special dinner deals if you choose to dine out as well, so definitely take advantage.

One more tip: a big event like this always means that parking will be a drag, so make sure to check out the Coaster and Trolley schedules to relieve you of the stress!

For all other details about Mardi Gras 2012 in the Gaslamp Quarter, check the event’s official site.