It has been 8 years since the infamous Seattle Mardi Gras Riots of 2001 but KIRO TV is reporting that some people are still avoiding Pioneer Square in their article Police Preparing For Mardi Gras Crowds:
Adrian Mowbray, who works at the Central Saloon, said a lot of partygoers are heading to other night spots such as Belltown or Capitol Hill. He said the previous acts of violence and the extra police force on big nights are to blame.
Six weeks ago, three people walking near Pioneer Square were shot by a man who stepped out of an alley and started firing a gun.
Seattle police maintain they need to have extra officers on duty for Mardi Gras to keep a watchful eye on partiers.
Tuesday night, a number of Pioneer Square bars and restaurants are offering joint cover charge promotions and splashy New Orleans-style shows for Fat Tuesday to attract business.
Here are a few things going on:
1) Ryan Hazy offers A Hazy Mardi Gras event, that he is emphasizing as “free,” at Cafe Amore at 5th and Bell in Belltown.
2) Seattle Erotic Ball at Trinity Nightclub may be a good bet for $25 at the door. There are also tickets here for $20 in advance.
3) R Place will have the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence serving food and handing out beads later tonight as they raise funds for charity.
4) The Cuff says they have “Fat Tuesday” tonight on their website but no DJ and I have confirmed that they have their normal Beareoke event from 8pm to midnight and nothing special.
I will update post throughout the day as I find other events.