The 2009 Easthampton Bear Fest brought colorful painted bears to the streets of Easthampton, offering visitors a great stroll through town and even prompting bear theft. This year’s version of Bear Fest gets off to a Mardi Gras-themed start when the unpainted bears go on display in a Naked Bear Party. The party includes art, food from the Apollo Grill, Naked Bear Party merchandise, and jazz by Samirah Evans and her Handsome Devils. Tickets are available at the door or in advance (at ECA+ Gallery, 43 Main St., Easthampton) in the form of Mardi Gras masks. Feb. 23, 6:30-9 p.m., $15, Eastworks, 116 Pleasant St., Easthampton, www.easthamptoncityarts.com.