It’s another week with multiple reasons to celebrate, including National Margarita Day and Mardi Gras weekend. The tequila will be flowing with margarita specials and a free tequila tasting, and the good times will most certainly roll with a Mardi Gras brunch, gumbo cook-off, and even a parade. Break out the beads and boas, and save room for some king cake, too.

Tuesday, February 22

National Margarita Day at Hopdoddy Burger Bar
The gourmet burger joint and cocktail bar will celebrate National Margarita Day with complimentary tasters of their Doble Fina Margarita. The concoction is shaken with silver tequila, house-made triple sec, and lime juice served garnished with a salted rim. (One per customer.) Or party at home by ordering “The Roadie,” a 64-ounce frozen margarita to-go available in multiple varieties like the Paloma or Cran-Hibiscus.

The Ultimate Taco Challenge at El Chingon
At El Chingon in the West 7th area, guests can get $2 house margaritas (and draft beers) from 4-6 pm. Stay late for a taco-eating contest set to start at 8 pm. Teams of four will compete to eat 42 tacos. Whoever finishes first wins $500 in cash and bottle service including Don Julio 1942. Teams must register beforehand and team check-in begins at 7 pm.

Thursday, February 24

Meet the Maker: Clase Azul Tequila at Toro Toro
Sample Clase Azul’s tequilas and mezcal during this complimentary tasting at Toro Toro downtown. There’ll be bites for pairing along with happy hour pricing on cocktails at the bar. Visit anytime from -7 pm.

Tablas Creek Vineyard Wine Dinner at Ellerbe Fine Foods
The celebrated farm-to-table restaurant will feature wines from Paso Robles’ Tabla Creek Vineyard, a biodynamic, certified organic winery with Rhone varietals. Four courses from Chef Molly McCook will be paired with four wines. Menu highlights include croque monsieur, chicken coq au vin, and pâte à choux with caramel pastry cream for dessert. Dinner is $120 per person, plus tax and gratuity, and begins at 6:30 pm.

Highland Park Whiskey Dinner at Winewood Grill
The Grapevine restaurant will feature Highland Park Whiskey paired with a four-course dinner. Menu items include a charcuterie board, salad, blackened New Zealand lamb, and brandy apple crisp. The dinner is $100 per person and begins at 6:30 pm.

Saturday, February 26

Mardi Gras Brunch at B&B Butchers & Restaurant
The Shops at Clearfork steakhouse knows how to throw a Mardi Gras party. There’ll be live music by James Hinkle, face painting, New Orleans-inspired brunch dishes, specialty cocktails, and swag. The party goes on from 11 am-3 pm.

12th Annual Barleywine and Swine at Flying Saucer
The downtown Fort Worth draught emporium will celebrate barleywine — which is not actually wine but instead a dark and malty beer — with flights and pork platters for pairing. Get a “swine platter” and a flight of four barleywines for $30. Separately the flight is $16 and the platter is $14.99. The specials will be available all day or until sell-out.

Dusty Biscuit Beignet Pop-Up & Beer Launch at Martin House Brewing Company
An acclaimed taste of New Orleans-style beignets is close to home thanks to The Dusty Biscuit, who’ll make an appearance at Martin House Brewing Company to celebrate Mardi Gras. Beignets and crawfish etouffee will be for sale from the food truck, and the brewery will launch The Dusty Biscuit Beignet Beer. The beer is a 7 percent blonde brewed with powdered sugar and biscuit malts for a liquid version of the fried treat. Wristbands good for four pours and a souvenir pint glass will be $15 and sold from 12-5 pm.

Mardi Gras at Neutral Ground Brewing Company
The Race Street brewery will offer chef-made king cake and boudin king cake to pair with its King Cake beer in celebration of Carnival season. Grab a seat on the covered patio to watch the Race Street Mardi Gras festivities, which will include a street festival with local vendors, live music and a parade at 12:30 pm.

3rd Annual Gumbo Cook-Off at Twilite Lounge
Sample up to 20 gumbos from home chefs who’ll compete to win prizes for the “House Favorite,” “Twilite Favorite,” and “Popular Vote.” Entry fees benefit the Hope Center for Autism. The tasting is from 6-8 pm and a New Orleans jazz band will go on at 9 pm.

Monday, February 28

Central Market Online Cooking Class with Chef Chris Williams
Part of Central Market's Black History Month chef series, this virtual class will feature Houston chef Chris Williams, who has made a name for himself serving up refined Southern food with international infusions at Lucille's. Cook along with the chef to make smoky citrus salmon on the half shell, coconut rice, and collard green salad. Watch him cook online only for $10, or for $80 per household, pick up a kit with ingredients the day before and cook along with the chef (registration deadline is February 24). The class runs from 6-7:30 pm, and tickets and information are here.