Asheville Mardi Gras includes happenings in multiple venues throughout January and February, but the action kicks off with 12th Night — a celebration named for its timing after Christmas. This year’s festival theme, “Saints Versus Sinners,” promises to attract “all of this area’s most colorful, funky and artistic people,” according to a release from the community event organizers. At 12th Night, partygoers see the current AMG king and queen pass their crowns down to this year’s reigning couple. Royalty or not, though, all are welcome to dance their way into 2016 in an imaginative getup (optional). The kickoff event is at The Grove House Wednesday, Jan. 6, at 7 p.m. $10 at the door (free for active 2016 AMG members). ashevillemardigras.org. Photo by Carrie Eidson
Smart bets: Asheville Mardi Gras’ 12th Night

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