Mardi Gras revelers can enjoy a free, safe, family-friendly viewing area with covered seating and food truck court on Tuesday, Feb. 21. The Lake Charles Downtown Business Association is hosting its “Downtown Mardi Gras Block Party” at the corner of Broad and Ryan Streets. The purchase of a VIP event ticket includes brunch and an upstairs view of the area overlooking the live music stage.

“Broad Street, between Ryan and Bilbo, will be closed to traffic and the setting for live music, art, craft vendors and plenty of activities for the family,” according to the Visit Lake Charles website.

Downtown restaurants and shops will be open.

The Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana will provide a giant Jenga, bubble machine, Tic-Tac-Toe, sidewalk chalk, colors sheets and more.

Grab a spot to see Jeeps on Parade at 2 p.m. and Krewe of Krewes Parade at 5 p.m.

Art vendors will include Monica Brown Art and Veronica Lopez, Lavet Face & Body Artist.

Creole Hidden Garden, Soul Sisters Food and Catering, Oh Taste and See, Citizens Choice, Crazy Cajun Tamales and Kona Ice Food Trucks will be parked on site and ready to serve.

Listen to live music on the Broad Street Stage from Brandon Broussard and Chez dez Bon Temps beginning at 1 p.m.. Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band go on at 3:30 p.m.

“We’re looking forward to delivering high-energy, swamp-funky zydeco on Fat Tuesday,” said Carrier, the Lafayette-based entertainer.

Last Minute Big Band will take the stage at 7:30 p.m.

VIP tickets, $50 each,  include a Mardi Gras Brunch Buffet at Panorama Music House and admission to the Panorama upstairs VIP area all day with a complimentary cocktail and buffet in the exclusive rooftop bar overlooking the outdoor stage, private bar and restroom and free entry to the After Party with music group, Zydecane. Buy tickets here: http://bit.ly/3Y83UbL.