As the city spends today celebrating Polish hero and honorary American Casimir Pulaski, ovens across Chicago are firing up in preparation for tomorrow's Fat Tuesday revelry, all to be punctuated by paczki galore. more ›

There's never a shortage of events going on in Chicago on Fat Tuesday, but we decided to highlight two shows from opposite ends of the musical spectrum that accompany the spirit of the holiday without falling into cliche. more ›

Who needs a drink after this year's primaries? Don't worry, with both Mardi Gras and Super Tuesday today, there's plenty going on around town where you can get your drink on, and watch the election returns. more ›

Here are some things to do this evening to consider bringing your voter receipt. more ›

Fish on Fridays and denouncement of vices may be just for Catholics in the upcoming Lenten season, but luckily the preemptive celebration of Mardi Gras seems to span all religious sects. And this Tuesday’s celebration is set to pack an extra punch considering it’s not just Fat, it’s Super. If your presidential pick is pulling up the rear and you need a place to drown your sorrows, check out our choices for the best Mardi Gras bashes in town. more ›

Fat Tuesday, Shmat Tuesday. As far as we are concerned, today is about one thing only, eating delicious deep-fried, fruit-filled, often-frosted paczkis. For the non-Polish, non-native Chicagoans, paczkis are traditional Polish donuts, often served on Fat Thursday, except in Chicago and Detroit where they are served today — today being Paczkis Day. more ›

So maybe they're not the best pancakes ever, but if you stop into IHOP today between 7am and 2pm, they'll give you a free short stack in celebration of National Pancake Day aka Shrove Tuesday aka Fat Tuesday, no strings attached.* more ›

Hurricanes be damned, the spirit of Mardi Gras is alive and well in New Orleans. This weekend, give it up Chicago style with several fundraising events happening around the city. more ›

Here at the Chicagoist offices we’re counting down the days to Ash Wednesday and one of our favorite times of the year- pointing out all the hungover Catholics with dirty foreheads and shag carpeting for tongues eating pepper and egg sandwiches. This weekend finds a literal smorgasbord of events leading up to Fat Tuesday itself: - Starting Friday Carnivale (702 W. Fulton) will feature a Mardi Gras–themed menu featuring dishes like Moqueqa --seafood stew with... more ›