When someone mentions social distancing, Mardis Gras probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind, since the celebration is most associated with bright colors, close-quarters drunkenness and about any kind of excess you can imagine. It’s usually about the bad decisions, not the smart ones. But, this year is obviously a lot different, and a few local establishments want to keep the spirit of Mardis Gras alive in a safe way in the age of COVID.    

22nd Annual Crawfish Boil  |  Mag Bar  |  1398 S. Second St.  |  Search Facebook  |  7 p.m.  |  Prices vary

A classic crawfish boil is not just a meal, but a communal experience, meant to be an astonishing amount of food, full of good conversation, with an eat-until-you-can-no-longer-move approach. Mag Bar wants to bring that experience, but in a safer and more distanced dynamic since COVID has changed the whole everyone-grab-what-they-want thing. There will be all of the delicious eats, with some new safety measures. They even added a to-go option. $10 all you can eat. $5 take home box. $5 hurricanes.   

Mardis Gras 2021  |  Lou Lou Food + Drink  |  108 Sears Ave.  |  No cover  |  11 a.m.

Lou Lou Food + Drink is throwing a party on its outdoor, heated patio that will feature music, food and, of course, the Mardis Gras headliner, booze. There will be an authentic Cajun menu all day, with favorites such as crawfish etoufee, red beans and rice, jambalaya, seafood gumbo, shrimp po’ boy, shrimp and grits, king cake, muffuletta, bayou dip and more. Hurricanes will be served, music starts at 5 p.m. and reservations are recommended.