Highlight your calendars in purple, green and gold for the return of Gaslamp Mardi Gras on Fat Tuesday February 24, 2009 from 6:00pm to Midnight.

Gaslamp Mardi Gras Club VIP tickets get you into the infamous Gaslamp block party in addition to the front of the line access, with no cover, at 9 participating San Diego clubs and over $500 of special treats all night long - get your VIP tickets here.

2009 Gaslamp Mardi Gras will take place on Fat Tuesday, February 24, 2009 from 6pm to Midnight. Mardi Gras is a fenced-in 21-and-up block party, and the parade route is a straight shot down 5th Avenue. The entertainment lineup looks better than ever, with multiple stages of live music and interactive performances. 

Check out the SoCo Zone with DJ Art, DJ Fingaz and DJ Brent Bartel alongside hip-hop dance crews and breakdancers; the Candy Factory stage welcomes DJ Kiss, DJ Shortee and DJ Diamond – all female DJs with a crew of glamorous go-go dancers; the Market Street Cirque is a thematic display of aerial acrobatics, balancing feats, fire dancing, magical puppetry, contemporary vaudeville, and much more. Want to get in on the Mardi Gras action? Enter the Best Mardi Gras Costume Contest and win double your weight in cash. Check out 2008 Mardi Gras photos for costume ideas.

If you opt for VIP entry to Gaslamp Mardi Gras, the block party is just your warm-up. Club VIP package benefits include: ticket to Mardi Gras, no line and no cover access to 9 participating clubs (Belo, Bondi, Red Circle, Double Deuce, and more) on Fat Tuesday ($90 value) and VIP drink and food specials ($390 value). 

Spend $40 and receive over $500 in value – get your VIP tickets here. Regular Mardi Gras parade and block party tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information about 2009 Gaslamp Mardi Gras in San Diego, visit gaslamp.org.

Re-live 2008 Gaslamp Mardi Gras with event photos here.