The 15th Annual Clarendon-Courthouse Mardi Gras Parade comes back to the area Tuesday evening.

The free parade evokes the spirit of New Orleans with nearly 50 floats from the Arlington community, including entries from Arlington County Fire and Rescue and the Arlington Food Assistance Center. 

See: Clarendon Mardi Gras Parade Founders Celebrate 15th Anniversary 

The Batala Washington marching drum band leads the parade and the Ballou High School Marching Band, fresh off their performance at the Presidential Inauguration Parade, are also scheduled to perform.

"It’s a nice community festival with just a broad range of participants," said Matt Hussmann, head of the Clarendon Alliance. "It shows the diversity of Clarendon."

The parade itself, which does not require tickets, runs from 8 to 11 p.m. Tuesday down Wilson Boulevard.

Eats

It all kicks off at 5 p.m. at the Bayou Bakery in the Courthouse area, with a block party just outside the restaurant on 15th Street. They’ll be serving up favorites like spicy crawfish tamales and andoulille and shrimp gumbo. Find out how to get tickets to that event online.

Road Closures

Arlington police have announced the following road closures. Participants are encouraged to take the Metro because street parking will be restricted. If your vehicle is towed from a public street, call 703-558-2222.

• Wilson Boulevard from Veitch Street to Barton Street will be closed from 6:45 to 9:30 p.m.
• Adams Street and Wayne Street, between Clarendon Boulevard and Wilson Boulevard, will be closed from 6:45 to 9:30 p.m.
• Wilson Boulevard from Barton Street to Irving Street will be closed from 7:45 to 9:30 p.m.
• Courthouse Road at North 15th Street — Bayou Bakery will be hosting a block party from 5 to 8 p.m., with setup beginning at 3 p.m. and cleanup ending at 10 p.m.