It's Mardi Gras, Baby

It's Mardi Gras. Whatever it is you like to do in excess, Tuesday is the day to get it out of your system. Here's how to do it in Oak Park:

• Thousands and thousands of paczki will fly out of the door of Oak Park Bakery, 904 S. Oak Park Ave. Tuesday morning, as the longtime institution once again celebrates Paczki Day. For the uninitiated, paczki are a traditional Polish treat — sort of like a jelly donut but richer and somehow tastier. 

• FitzGerald's in Berywn, 6615 Roosevelt Road, is throwing a Fat Tuesday dance party, with New Orleans style jazz from Roy Rubenstein's Chicago Hot Six at 7 p.m., followed by Expo 76. The four-piece band will rock the legendary roadhouse with dance friendly cover songs with a New Orleans twist. Also at Fitzgerald's on Tuesday? Smoked duck gumbo. 

• Tuesday at The Perfect Dinner, 809 South Blvd., the kitchen will be serving take out portions of jambalaya, ($24, $32 and $47), Bourbon pork tenderloin with rice ($23, $37, $51) and Cajun-rubbed roasted chicken with black beans and mac & cheese ($24, $33, $41).

• Also on Tuesday, the Lake Street Kitchen + Bar will continue serving some of their Cajun menu specials. They'll also be pouring Lakefront Brewery's Big Easy Imperial Maibock. 

• On Saturday, St. Giles Parish, 1025 Colombian Ave., is hosting a Mardi Gras themed ball and auction, with proceesds heading to Misericordia and the National Parkinson Foundation. Music, food, raffles and a silent auction. Tickets cost $25 and will be available at the door.