A First-Timer’s Guide to Mardi Gras! Galveston
What to eat, when to go, and everything else you need to know about the annual tradition on the Gulf Coast
Every February, over a million visitors flock to the streets of New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras. It’s an event marked by frolicking, feasting, and festivities leading up to Ash Wednesday, which begins a period of fasting and reflection during the Catholic Lenten season. But as Louisiana’s neighbors to the west, Texas is home to another Mardi Gras celebration worth joining:one that ranks as the third-largest in the country and brings its own brand of Gulf Coast flair.
Since 1867, Galveston has transformed into a Gulf Coast carnival of its own making during Mardi Gras,with over 400,000 people in attendance every year. The city becomes its own sea of purple, green, and gold fashions; boozy beverages and sweet king cake; beads tossed from balconies; and shoulder-to-shoulder concerts and parades.
This year’s 115th Mardi Gras! Galveston celebration takes place Feb. 6-8, 13-15, and 17 in Downtown Galveston and along Seawall Boulevard. If you’re new to Galveston’s Mardi Gras festivities, this is your roadmap to the parades, parties, and hidden gems that turn this festival into one of the Gulf Coast’s most unforgettable experiences.
PRO TIPS
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Come prepared
Much like any other festival, there are restrictions on what you’re allowed to bring. There’s a full list of prohibited items here, but to sum it up: leave behind cans; weapons; alcohol; silly string; glass containers; coolers; backpacks; outdoor furniture (even lawn chairs); strollers after dark; and transportation items like skateboards, bikes, and the like. In other words, bring yourself, your most festive attire, and essentials: comfy shoes, a small bag, sunscreen, and a sealed water bottle (up to 1 liter each).
LAY OF THE LAND
Intense planning and preparation goes into this highly attended event, so you’ll want to invest an equal amount of time to prep and research. If you plan on staying in town, try to lodge close to the downtown events and the seawall to catch all the parades, concerts, and events within walking distance. Lodging in the area sells out fast, so act immediately if you plan to stay nearby.
Most of the action happens in Downtown Galveston within the Mardi Gras Entertainment District, covering the area from 20th to 25th Streets between Harborside Drive and Mechanic Street. You’ll find parades and festivities along Seawall Boulevard, as well, running from 25th to 57th Street.
PARKING
For Mardi Gras in Galveston, overnight parking is permitted on Seawall Boulevard only from Thursday at 5 a.m. to Sunday at 5 a.m. during event weekends. Paid parking is also available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the day on the seawall. If your car is parked along the seawall during parades, you must stay until the end because the road will be closed during the action. In the Strand District, streets start closing the Thursday before each Mardi Gras weekend for event staging and prep, and with parades running downtown, road closures along 25th Street, Postoffice Street, Market Street, and Ship Mechanic Row are to be expected.
If you aren’t within walking distance of Mardi Gras events, consider using ride-shares, parking at the cash-only lots on Market, or using any metered street parking you can find nearby. Designated parking garages and lots near downtown will also be available.
COST
Aside from some free-entry occasions on days like Family Gras! and Fat Tuesday, celebratory events within the Entertainment District require a ticket. Thankfully, tickets are customizable. There are single-day and multi-day passes, plus balcony-viewing experiences at spots like Headquarters Balcony at 23rd and Strand (it’s worth the splurge). A balcony-viewing experience—for viewers 21 and up only— provides access to the heart and soul of the celebration, and the chance to mingle with attending musicians as well.
For a more budget‑friendly option, purchase your tickets online, as gate prices are higher on the days of the events. Keep in mind, too, Entertainment District admission is free for kids 12 or younger with a parent or guardian, and the seawall parades and festivities are free to attend. On Feb. 13, First Responders Day, first responders and military members with valid identification, plus one guest, receive free admission to Mardi Gras.
On The Schedule
The Main Events
LIVE CONCERTS
This year’s live entertainment lineup includes over 20 concerts spanning numerous genres and days. Country music fans can catch popular acts like Logan Ryan and Waco’s Wade Bowen, followed by Houston rapper Lil’ Keke, hopefully performing his major hit “Southside.” Millennials are also in for a treat with Gym Class Heroes. Speaking of dancing, this year’s schedule showcases plenty of DJs and electronic music at the Electric Mardis Gras! stage on 21st and Strand. Check out the full music line-up here.
PARADES
The parades are one of the best parts of Mardi Gras. Kids especially get a kick out of these colorful, high‑energy processions filled with live music, colorful beads (an estimated 3 million are dispensed during the celebrations), and larger‑than‑life themed floats. High school marching band students come from across Texas to be a part of processions that stretch for miles. This year’s schedule is packed with a bounty of events, including an art car parade, a 1,000-plus umbrella parade, a pet parade, Family Day parades, and golf cart parades.
THE 5K RUN
Before you indulge in drinking, merrymaking, and other debauchery, consider the Jolly Jester Jaunt 5K . Participation in the official Mardi Gras! Galveston race also grants you admission on Feb. 6 and 7. Runners of all speeds and ages sport Mardi Gras tees; goofy, statement-making socks; and jester hats as they weave through the Entertainment District on Feb. 7. If a mid-morning run during Mardi Gras sounds downright daunting, rest easy because it ends with free drinks.
Fiesta Gras!
On Feb. 8, attendees can join in on a lively celebration spotlighting Hispanic heritage in true Texas fashion. Music is the big draw on this popular day with acts like Little Joe y La Familia, but attendees are also in store for folklorico dancers, extravagantly decorated Jeeps, and themed floats. It’s a major showcase of culture and community.
The Carnival
New to the celebrations this year is a street circus performing throughout Mardi Gras that will make you feel like you’re stepping into a pop‑up carnival. Stop by 22nd Street and the Strand on Feb. 6, 7, 13 or 14 and be amazed as aerialists, sword performers, and fire-breathers amp up the stage with high‑energy, daring acts that have to be seen to be believed.
On the Menu
FOOD & DRINK
At Mardi Gras, food is a main component of the celebration. There will be street vendors throughout Mardi Gras serving typical fried fare, but there are also on-theme highlights, such as gumbo, étouffée, red beans and rice, and po-boys aplenty served by local restaurants like Hearsay On The Strand, The Gumbo Diner, Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar, and Sugar & Rye. And if you’re craving that classic cinnamon-sweet dessert,king cake, you’ll find iterations adorned with cream cheese and the like, with places like Maceo Spice & Import Company on hand to satisfy your sweet tooth.
MASQUE & PLUME
WHAT TO WEAR
Mardi Gras fashion is all about excess. Embrace the event’s signature purple, green, and gold hues, of course, but don’t be afraid to overly accessorize with feather boas, top hats, prismatic socks, statement-making sunnies, frilly tutus, plastic beads, body glitter, playful wigs, and any accessories that make you feel part of the spectacle.
If you’re more of the conservative spectator, lean into subtleties that play to the theme without going full‑blown flair. Above all, keep your eye on the unpredictable forecast and wear the coziest sneakers possible because a lot of walking and standing is guaranteed.