NATCHEZ — Mardi Gras is underway and will be a highlight in Natchez this weekend as area Mardi Gras krewes host black-tie balls and festivities leading up to the main event — the annual Krewe of Phoenix Mardi Gras parade Feb. 21 in downtown Natchez.

The Krewe of Phoenix annual Call Out Ball is Saturday starting at 8 p.m. at the Natchez City Auditorium. Adults who are older than 21 and are not members of the Krewe of Phoenix may purchase tickets for $25 each, said Call Out Ball chairman, Kristin Jordan.

Drink tickets would be sold separately for $10 for a set of 10 tickets, she said.

Unlike the Grand Ball, which is more about a formal presentation of the 2019-2020 Krewe of Phoenix Royal Court, Jordan said the Call Out Ball is more about entertainment.

“This year’s theme is ‘Party Like a Rockstar’ and each of the dukes and duchesses have been given a rock star to portray,” Jordan said. “It’s entertaining to watch your friends and locals get out there and dance.”

Jordan said proceeds support future events, the parade and the John S. Callon Scholarship fund.

Tickets would be sold Friday at the City Auditorium box office and Saturday at the door. Doors open at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jordan said.

“We expect 900 to 1,000 people and it has been growing for the past five years,” she said. “It’s all entertainment driven, and we will have a fun band (Radio Inc. from Nashville) performing after the show.”

Robert Gardner, president and founder of the Krewe of Heart and Soul out of Vidalia, said the krewe’s 7th annual Grand Ball would also take place at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Natchez Convention Center. Doors open at 7 p.m., Gardner said.

Gardner said this year’s theme is “A Royal Evening on the Nile” and will allow Egyptian royalty to grace the Mardi Gras court.

The event is strictly black-tie — black tuxedos and floor-length gowns required.

Tickets for non-members are $30 each, Garnder said, adding space is limited.

“We were sold out and actually decided to do another table,” he said. “We have 15 tickets still available.”

To inquire about tickets, Gardner said to contact him at 318-719-5702, Regina Harris at 601-896-1058 or Shandria Hueing at 318-416-0769.