Want to avoid the crowds the weekend at the Spanish Town Mardi Gras parade? The Friends of the Capitol Park Museum are selling tickets to a closed viewing party. The event will feature food catered by The Pelican House and a cash bar, plus activities, crafts and face painting for kids.

The viewing party will be open this Saturday, Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the parade rolls at 12 p.m.

Tickets are available online for $35.