Red Bean’s Bayou Grill memorial Fat Tuesday dinner is back after a two-year break
One of the fun things about Fat Tuesday: You just never know when it’s going to land on the calendar: Last year, it was in mid-February. This year, it’s in early March — Tuesday, March 4, to be exact.
But you can be certain that several local bars, restaurants and organizations in Wichita will be putting on Mardi Gras parties complete with music and Cajun food.
This year, the owner of Blue Moon Caterers — who’s also the former proprietor of the one-time Wichita Cajun favorite Red Bean’s Bayou Grill — is bringing back his popular Red Bean’s memorial dinner. The one-night affair revives many of the favorite dishes of the restaurant, which has been closed since 2014.
But the dinner, which has been on hiatus since 2022, is happening a bit early this year: on Saturday instead of Tuesday.
Following is a list of places offering Fat Tuesday food and fun in and around Wichita. If you notice that one’s missing, e-mail dneil@wichitaeagle.com
Red Bean’s Bayou Grill Memorial Fat Tuesday dinner, 3-8 p.m. Saturday, Villa Luna Venue, 8406 W. Central: This popular dinner returns on Saturday and will feature an all-you-can-eat buffet of Red Bean’s favorites, including jambalaya, red beans and rice, shrimp and crawfish etouffee, corn fritters, tomato bisque and firecracker pasta. Diners also can get hurricanes at the bar. It’s $32 for adults, $15 for ages 4-12 and free for ages 3 and under. No reservations will be accepted: The meal is first-come, first served. Cash or credit cards will be accepted at the door.
Second Annual Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball, 7 p.m. Saturday, Wichita Art Museum: This upscale event will feature a live band, dancing, Cajun cuisine by Georges French Bistro, and a cash bar. Formal attire and masks are encouraged, and people must be 21 or older to attend. Proceeds will benefit scholarships, youth initiatives and community service projects in Wichita. Tickets are $125 a person at eventbrite.com
St. James Episcopal Church all-you-can-eat oyster dinner, 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, 3750 E. Douglas: This church’s annual dinner features oysters on the half shell, breaded and fried oysters, and oyster stew as well as beer and wine on tap. Tickets are $60 a person. They’re available online through Monday at stjameswichita.org/engage/oyster-dinner. After that, they can be purchased in person at the church or by phone at 316-683-5686.
Fat Tuesday at Central Standard Brewing, 156 S. Greenwood: This brewery’s Fat Tuesday celebration will start at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, and the evening will include Cajun specialties being sold by Mamacita’s and a free show by The Moonpie Brass Band.
This story was originally published February 26, 2025 at 5:03 AM.
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