The Island Bar’s Bourbon Street Mardi Gras

Overview

If you can't make it to New Orleans for this year's Bourbon Street Mardi Gras, take a ferry to Cockatoo Island instead. On March 8 and 9, the Island Bar will transform into the famous French Quarter to host a mini-version of 'The Greatest Free Show on Earth'.

Jester-hatted street performers, vivacious blues singers and jazzy marching bands will take over the bar for two days. New Orleans-style fare, including soft shell crab Po' boys, gumbo, spicy Cajun chicken wings and banana crepes with vanilla cream cheese and pecans will be on the menu. There'll even be cocktail-making classes, where you can learn to mix a mint julep like a master.

Not sure what to wear? The good news is that you'll have some help. Arriving guests will be greeted with the Mardi Gras-style masks and bright beads that are part of the New Orleans tradition.

The festival will run from 12:30 till late each day. To get there, catch a ferry from Circular Quay or book a water taxi.