SAN DIEGO -- About 40,000 people are expected to flock into downtown San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter Tuesday night to celebrate Mardi Gras.
The 18th annual Gaslamp Quarter Mardi Gras event kicks off at 6 p.m. and will feature five stages of musical acts. There also will be a parade along Fifth Avenue, beginning at 9 p.m., organizers said.
General admission tickets are $25 at the gate. Revelers must be at least 21 years old.
Also kicking off at 6 p.m. is the Hillcrest Business Association's 11th annual Mardi Gras party. Music, a laser light show and other festivities will be set up along University Avenue between First and Fourth avenues, and Third Avenue, between Washington and Robinson streets.
Tickets for the Hillcrest party start at $20.
Alcohol is available at both Mardi Gras celebrations, so revelers were advised to use public transportation or go with a designated driver.
The San Diego Police Department announced that it would have additional DUI patrols throughout the city as well as a DUI checkpoint at an undisclosed location. Drivers caught driving while intoxicated face jail, license suspension, insurance hikes, fees, fines and other expenses that can add up to more than $10,000, officials warned.
