Off-campus and community events for March 3

Want to start out March with a bang? This week brings chocolate, basketball, jazz, and an Italian festival!

Have a sweet tooth for all things chocolate? We’ve got the cure for you! The Chocolate Lovers Festival returns to downtown Fairfax this weekend. A full schedule of events can be seen on the festival website.

Calling all basketball fans! The Harlem Globetrotters 2011 World Tour comes to the Patriot Center Friday. If you are unable to attend on Friday, the Globetrotters will also make an appearance at the Verizon Center Saturday at 1 p.m. Tickets are on sale here.

Craving a taste of Louisiana cuisine and some good ol’ jazz?  Mardi Gras week starts this Wednesday, and lasts until Tuesday (Fat Tuesday). Head into D.C. and stop in at the Bayou on Pennsylvania Ave. which is home to New Orleans inspired cooking and world class blues music.  The Bayou welcomes Laissez Foure, “an acoustic swing jazz quartet that plays traditional New Orleans style jazz from the 30s and 40s”. The quartet will perform on Sunday, March 6 at 7 p.m. For more details, check here.

Il Fornaio Restaurant and Bakery in Reston Town Center is hosting “Carnivale”, a three-day celebration this Sunday thru Tuesday. Costumes, face painting, masks, music, and a special menu from the region of Trentino, Italy (home of Venice) will be available. Hours are from 3 to 10 p.m. daily. Check out the restaurant’s website for more information.