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Mardi Gras! Galveston: Parades

Guide to Mardi Gras! Galveston parades

Each year, Mardi Gras! Galveston brings over 25 parades, themed nights, and festive crowds to the streets. With beads flying, bands playing, and balconies packed, the Island turns into a celebration like no other. Plan your visit and be part of this iconic coastal tradition.

Week One
Week Two
Fat Tuesday Parade
Mardi Gras Parade Route

Downtown Parade Route

Most of the parades that take place downtown are located between:

  • 20th–25th Streets
  • Harborside Drive to Mechanic Street
Mardi Gras Parade Route

Krewe of Aquarius & Gambrinus Seawall Parade

The Seawall route for Mystic Krewe of Aquarius on January 30th at 12PM and Krewe of Gambrinus on January 30th at 6PM, follows this path:

  • Start at 57th Street & Seawall Blvd
  • Travel east along Seawall Blvd
  • Turn north at 25th Street
  • Continue into downtown/the Entertainment District near Mechanic & Strand
Mardi Gras Parade Route

Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire Parade

The Seawall route for Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire on February 6th, follows this path:

  • Starts on 27th Street at Ave O
  • Travels south to Seawall Blvd
  • Turns west to 31st Street
  • Turns north to Ave N
  • Turns east
  • Travels back to 27th Street.
Mardi Gras Parade Route

Knights of Momus Parade

The Seawall route for Knights of Momus on February 6th at 6PM, follows this path:

  • Starts on 22nd & Seawall, going west.
  • Turns on 25th street and heads north
  • Turns east on Mechanic street
  • Turns north on 20th street
  • Turns west onto the Strand
Know Before You Go

Frequently Asked Questions

Parking

Downtown / Entertainment District

  • EZ Cruise Parking
  • Strand parking
  • Galveston Park n Cruise

Seawall Parking

  • Metered Seawall parking usually remains active during Mardi Gras
  • Overnight Seawall parking is often temporarily allowed during event weekends
  • Once parade barricades go up, you typically cannot leave until the parade ends
  • Cruise-Port Area Lots

Port Parking

  • Official Port of Galveston - Lot B
  • Port of Galveston Cruise Parking Terminal 10 North Lot

Typical Parking Tips

Arrive before noon on major Saturday parades
Bring cash/card for private lots
Screenshot your parking location
Wear comfortable shoes — many streets close completely
Expect surge pricing near parade routes
Rideshare pickup zones can be chaotic after parades

Tickets

Purchasing admission is required for the gated Entertainment District downtown. Pricing can be viewed here. Events on the Seawall, however, are free.

Street Closures

During Mardi Gras! Galveston, these streets are typically closed or heavily restricted around parade times — especially on the big weekends (Friday–Sunday):

Major Parade Route Closures

  • Seawall Blvd
  • Usually from about 61st Street to 19th/25th Street
  • Closed in phases several hours before parades
  • 25th Street
  • Main connector from the Seawall into downtown
  • Often closed between Seawall Blvd and Strand/Harborside
  • Mechanic Street
  • Strand Street
  • Harborside Drive
  • Core Entertainment District parade area
  • Common Downtown Closure Zone

Typical closure timing:

  • Morning parades: closures start around 7–9 AM
  • Evening parades: closures often begin 2–4 PM
  • Seawall can remain congested late into the night

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