The colors. The parades. The beads. The incredible food, music, and more fun for all ages.
Discover the excitement of Mardi Gras! Galveston, the third-largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States! With two weeks of parades, balls, balcony parties, live music, and colorful celebrations, Mardi Gras! Galveston is your ultimate festival destination. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or an adults-only night out, there’s something for everyone.
Date(s): Jan 29 - Feb 9, 2027
Mardi Gras! Galveston comes alive in two main areas: the bustling Mardi Gras Entertainment District in Historic Downtown and the scenic stretch of Seawall Boulevard along the Gulf. Downtown’s lively celebrations fill the streets from 20th to 25th, with dazzling parades, balcony parties, and concerts.
Seawall Boulevard offers a more relaxed setting, where parades roll between 25th and 57th Streets with the beach as a stunning backdrop.
There is a gate fee for attendees to enter the Mardi Gras downtown entertainment district where the majority of parades, headline concerts, balcony parties, vendor booths and other festivities are held. Once in the district, there is NO additional fee for attending concerts and parades. Balcony parties require an additional ticket.
Admission to the entertainment district is FREE for children 12 years or younger accompanied by a parent or guardian. Seawall parades and festivities are also FREE to attend.
No, there is no official theme for Mardi Gras! Galveston. Although, some parade krewes choose annual themes for their individual parades.
Making your packing list? Don’t forget to add a little sparkle! Many people celebrating Mardi Gras! Galveston tend to get into the spirit of things and dress up for the occasion! You will see a variety of costumes, sequined outfits, flashy hats, and colorful wigs. The best advice to follow is to dress properly for the weather and dress comfortably. Don’t forget: Galveston is an island and is in Texas, but it still can get chilly in February, so bring a jacket along with your super wild attire.
Yes. Mardi Gras! Galveston is a family tradition for most attending. Daytime parades are great to attend with your family, and the downtown district hosts a ‘Family Gras’ celebration on the first Sunday of Mardi Gras! Galveston. Parade schedules can be found here.
Please be advised that children are allowed in the downtown entertainment district with their parent or guardian but once nighttime rolls around, the atmosphere may not be suitable for children.
Family-Friendly Parades Along the Seawall and Beyond
Mardi Gras! Galveston offers plenty of opportunities for families to join the fun, especially along the Seawall, where parades roll with the Gulf as a scenic backdrop. These celebrations bring all the excitement of Mardi Gras—colorful floats, lively marching bands, and plenty of beads—in a more laid-back setting. Downtown’s Family Gras on the final Sunday of Mardi Gras features even more kid-friendly events, including pet parades and a special children’s parade hosted by local firefighters.
Cash-only parking lots are located at:
There is also metered street parking.
A taxi stand will be located on 23rd and Market for pickup and drop off of guests to the entertainment district.
Seawall Parking Rules for Mardi Gras
Here's a friendly reminder about the Seawall parking guidelines for Mardi Gras:
Overnight parking is allowed on the Seawall beginning Thursday at 5 a.m. until Sunday at 5 a.m. during the first weekend of Mardi Gras only. The spaces are available first-come, first-serve beginning Thursday morning.
Before Thursday, overnight parking is not allowed, and there are increased fines ($250) associated with parking overnight on the Seawall in the days leading up to Mardi Gras to discourage the practice while crews prepare for the weekend parades.
Remember that paid parking along Seawall Boulevard remains in effect during Mardi Gras. Paid parking is enforced per licensed vehicle; vehicles and trailers parked along Seawall Boulevard must display a license plate and pay for parking ($2 per hour) between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. seven days a week. Please note towing will be enforced.
Available parking spots along Seawall Blvd. are likely to fill up quickly on Thursday in anticipation of the first weekend parades. The Galveston Police Department reminds residents and visitors:
There will be areas along the Seawall designated as no parking zones or restricted access areas marked off so please follow traffic signage. We’re looking forward to a safe and fun Mardi Gras celebration.
We have many hotels on the Island to fit all comfort levels and budgets. Certain hotels do offer Mardi Gras packages, which can be found here. If you wish to stay at a hotel not on that list, please contact them directly.
Mardi Gras! Galveston can bring up to 350,000 people. Because of this, it is important to plan your lodging ahead of time. Check out local Bed and Breakfasts that will be the perfect place to relax and regroup during the carnival. Visitors can also choose from a variety of bed-and-breakfasts or vacation rental homes.
