The Gaslamp Quarter transforms into the French Quarter on March 4 as thousands gather, hurricanes in hand, to celebrate Fat Tuesday.

Presented by Southern Comfort, the Bud Light Mardi Gras promises one of the largest events in Downtown’s history with three stages of live entertainment and encompassing the entire Gaslamp Quarter, including Market Street. From 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. the streets will be lined with vendors tempting party goers with food, T-shirts, party favors and hats. Beads, coveted like gold during Mardi Gras, of course will be available.

The festival, which began in 1996, boasts eight bands this year. The Bayou Stage will be located at Sixth Avenue and G Street, the Bourbon Street Stage will be at Fourth Avenue and J Street and Club Creole, presented by Fred’s Mexican Café, will be staged on Fifth Avenue between J and K streets.

Revelers must be 21 years or older with identification in order to enter the festival, which includes parade viewing.

Every block will be its very own party with balloon artists, stilt-walkers, fortune-tellers, belly dancers and face painters. Mardi Gras would be incomplete without lively libations. This year, six outdoor bars will be preparing drinks to go, as Mardi Gras invites revelers to walk the streets with beverage in hand. The Masquerade Parade will begin at 8 p.m. at Fifth and E Street and will travel through the Gaslamp ending at Fifth Avenue and K Street.

Plan to arrive early as there are no advance tickets this year. Tickets are only available at the gate on the day of the celebration for $10. For more information, contact the Gaslamp Quarter Association at (619) 233-5227 or visit www.gaslamp.org.

— San Diego Metropolitan Staff Report