While Valentine’s Day finally arrives on Tuesday (see that dining list here), Mardi Gras-themed events definitely dominate this week’s list. Fat Tuesday is officially February 21, and Cowtown seems ready to celebrate with tasty festivities leading up to the big day. Save room for gumbo, crawfish, hurricanes, and plenty of king cake.

Wednesday, February 15

Girl Scout Cookies and Wine at Two Brothers Winery
The annual cooking pairing tradition is back at this Keller winery. Learn what varietals go best with Girl Scout Cookies during this tasting, which will include five cookies and five wines. Tickets are $30, plus tax and gratuity, and the tasting will start at 6 pm.

Thursday, February 16

Martis Gras – Fat Thursday at Martin House Brewery
The Riverside brewery is officially designating the Thursday before Mardi Gras as Fat Thursday, or “Martis Gras.” Visit from 4-8 pm for the launch of two new Mardi Gras-inspired beers: King of King’s Cake beer and Frozen Hurricane, a hurricane-flavored sour. Both will be available on draft and in cans to-go. The Dusty Biscuit will also be on-site frying up fresh beignets and serving jambalaya and gumbo. There’ll be music and hurricane glassware, too. Wristbands will be $15 good for four beers and a souvenir glass.

Crazy for Crepes and Wine at Landon Winery Grapevine
Both sweet and savory crepes will be paired with Texas wines during this sweet tasting in Grapevine. Crepes will be prepared hot to order by Crepes on the Go out of McKinney. Limited tickets are available for $45, and the pairing will run from 6:30-8 pm.

Friday, February 17

Love is in the Air Wine Tasting at Wine Thief
The intimate wine bar inside the Omni Fort Worth Hotel downtown invites patrons to keep the Valentine’s vibes going with this love-themed wine tasting. A guest speaker will guide participants through several varietals paired with small bites. The tasting is $45, plus tax and gratuity, and visitors can drop in anytime between 5 -7 pm.

Saturday, February 18

Mardi Gras Brunch at B&B Butchers & Restaurant
The Shops at Clearfork steakhouse will showcase its Mardi Gras spirit during this festive themed brunch. There’ll be face painting, specialty cocktails by Barcardi brands, free swag, DJ music, and brunch specials. Reservations are encouraged and the brunch will run from 11 am-3 pm.

Mardi Gras Brunch at The Bearded Lady
The South Main Street gastropub will go over the top with Mardi Gras-themed brunch specials – get your stretchy pants ready. First, The Dusty Biscuit will provide king cake doughnuts to be used for bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwiches. Also save room for shrimp po’ boys, a Cajun beer cheese dip, Cajun eggs Benedict with hash fritters in lieu of English muffins, and a muffuletta grilled cheese sandwich. Wash it all down with Cajun bloody Marys with fried shrimp and fried Best Maid pickles, and king cake shots. Brunch will be served from 11 am-3 pm and arriving early is recommended.TX Whiskey Sippin’ Saturday: A Taste of Louisiana

Whiskey Ranch goes Cajun during this Saturday afternoon party that will feature Louisiana cuisine and Mardi Gras cocktails. Two food trucks with major Crescent City-inspired cred – A Taste of Louisiana and The Dusty Biscuit – will be on-site to feed guests. There’ll also be live jazz music to add to the fun. Tickets are $10 and include your first cocktail. The event will run from 12-5 pm.

Beads, Beers & Bugs at Birdie’s Social Club
Gather your “krewe” and channel Louisiana vibes during this Mardi Gras party at Birdie’s. The Wild Cajun will bring a true taste of the Bayou with crawfish plates available for preorder or at the bar while supplies last. The $20 plate includes two pounds of crawfish with traditional fixings. There’ll be live music, drink specials, and even dogs and kiddos are welcome. An RSVP is encouraged for free entry, and gates open at 2 pm.

4th Annual Gumbo Cook-off at Twilite Lounge
Twenty contestants will share their best gumbo recipes during this cook-off to win $500 cash. The public can taste the entries starting at 6 pm but arriving earlier starting at 5 pm is encouraged. While you wait to sample, sip the New Orleans-inspired craft cocktails Twilite Lounge is known for, like the classic Pimm’s Cup and Sazerac. The Beignet Bus will be on-site from 7-9 pm, and there’ll be live music and shopping from Morgan Mercantile. The event is free to enter and proceeds will benefit Hope Center 4 Autism. Minors are welcome until 9 pm.