
Mardi gras galveston

Mardi Gras Galveston: A Gulf Coast Tradition
Let the festivities begin! Mardi Gras! Galveston is back, where we’ve been adding our unique flair to this vibrant celebration for over 150 years! With a fascinating history, dazzling parades, and a whole lot of charm, Galveston's Mardi Gras is the perfect blend of fun and tradition. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this cultural treasure is sure to spark joy and excitement as you dive into the festive spirit! Let's explore all the magic this celebration has to offer!
A Party With A Past
Galveston's long tradition of celebrating Mardi Gras began with a masked ball and a rendition of Shakespeare's "King Henry IV" in 1867. Then, in 1871, Mardi Gras was celebrated on a larger scale due to the rivalry between two Mardi Gras societies, also known as "krewes.” The Knights of Momus and the Knights of Myths introduced the island to the magic of parades, extravagant balls, and a sense of community. By the late 19th century, Mardi Gras was thriving, with each year featuring new and elaborate themes, floats, and costumes. However, this long-standing tradition has faced challenges over the years. Wars, recessions, pandemics, and storms caused interruptions in the festivities throughout the early to mid-20th century. However, the unbreakable spirit of Galveston pushed through in the 1980s when George P. Mitchell and his wife, Cynthia, took it upon themselves to revive the citywide celebration, breathing new life into an event that had become a beloved tradition of the island.
The Thriving Pulse of Galveston’s Mardi Gras
Galveston's Mardi Gras has grown into the third-largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States, following New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama. Each year, the festival draws in hundreds of thousands of revelers eager to experience the magic. It hosts over 20 lively parades, thrilling live performances across various music genres, and a staggering 3 million beads tossed into the enthusiastic crowd.
Come party with us at Galveston’s Mardi Gras! Where the energy is infectious, and the celebrations are unforgettable! What truly sets Galveston's Mardi Gras apart is its heart. It's a time when the community comes alive, showcasing the island's unique heritage and spirit. It brings people together, supports local businesses, and highlights the island's distinct identity. Join us for a celebration that captures the essence of Galveston!

Parade
schedule

ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE
FEB
21
Party Gras! Procession | @5:00 pm
George P. Mitchell and Newe Krewe Award Presentations | @5:30pm
George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award Honoree Parade | @7:00 pm
The Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade (In memory of Mary Pregler) | @8:00 pm
Mardi Gras! Galveston Parade | @10:00 pm
FEB
22
The Jolly Jester Jaunt - Official Mardi Gras! Galveston 5K | @11:00 am
Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Parade | @12:00 pm
14th Annual Zaniest Golf Cart Parade | @1:00 pm
Art Car & Jeep Parade | @3:00 pm
Krewe of Gambrinus Parade | @6:00 pm
Fiesta Gras! Parade | @1:00 pm
Los Locos Vaqueros, Jeeps & Golf Carts Parade | @4:00pm
FEB
23
Salute to Texas - First Responder Day (free admission to veterans, active service members and all first responders)
Danny Weber Memorial Fire Truck Parade | @6:30 pm
Krewe Babalu “All Krewe” Parade | @7:30 pm
Mardi Gras! Galveston Parade | @9:00 pm
FEB
28
Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire Parade | @11:00 am
Z Krewe Z Parade | @1:00 pm
Mardi Gras! Galveston Parade | @2:30 pm
Ben E Keith Parade | @4:00 pm
Jumpin’ Jays Bumpin’ Bus Parade | @5:00 pm
Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade | @6:00 pm
MAR
1
Shriners Children’s Texas & Sunshine Kids Parade | @12:00 pm
Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Parade | @1:30 pm
Firefighters Children’s Parade | @3:00 pm
MAR
2
Mystic Krewe of Aquarius | @6:30 pm
MAR
4
FEB
21
Platinum Players | @5:15 pm | Corona Extra Stage
Brandon McDermott | @7:30 pm | Corona Extra Stage
The Line Up | @10:00 pm | Corona Extra Stage
Funky Uptown Umbrella Pre-Party | @7:00 pm | Salute to Texas Stage
DJ Otunes | @9:00 pm | Salute to Texas Stage
DJ Brony G | @10:00 PM | Salute to Texas Stage
DJ Zitro | @11:00 PM | Salute to Texas Stage
DJ Kyxx | @12:00 AM | Salute to Texas Stage
1st Weekend Headliner
Bret Michaels | @5:30 pm | Corona Extra Stage
Hayden Baker | @12:30 pm | Corona Extra Stage
Mambo Jazz Kings | @2:30 pm | Corona Extra Stage
Vegas Stars | @10:00 pm | Corona Extra Stage
Asterium | @2:00 pm | Salute to Texas Stage
Mid Life Crisis Band | @5:00 pm | Salute to Texas Stage
DJ 2Good | @7:00 pm | Salute to Texas Stage
DJ Nonstopp | @9:00 PM | Salute to Texas Stage
DJ Phon | @11:00 PM | Salute to Texas
FEB
22
Fiesta Gras! Headliner
La Fiera de Ojinaga | @2:30 pm | Corona Extra Stage
Fiesta Gras! Opening Act
TBA | @12:00 pm | Corona Extra Stage
FEB
23
2nd Weekend Headliner
Cameron Sacky Band | @10:30 pm | Corona Extra Stage
Ron Barrett | @5:30 pm | Corona Extra Stage
Cale and 45s | @8:30 pm | Corona Extra Stage
EMG Disco Pre-Party | @7:00 pm | Corona Extra Stage
DJ Icon | @9:00 pm | Salute to Texas Stage
FEB
28
2nd Weekend Headliner
Kevin Fowler | @2:00 pm | Corona Extra Stage
OGRE | @12:00 pm | Corona Extra Stage
Fred Andrews and Honeybrowne | @6:00 pm | Corona Extra Stage
The Red Wine Band | @10:30 pm | Corona Extra Stage
Ghost Bridge | @12:00 pm | Salute to Texas Stage
Steph Cash | @5:00 pm | Salute to Texas Stage
Ran Herrera | @2:00pm | Salute to Texas Stage
DJ Bryan Rhymez | @7:00pm | Salute to Texas Stage
DJ Nonstopp | @9:00pm | Salute to Texas Stage
DJ CRG | @11:00pm | Salute to Texas Stage
MAR
1
Asterium | @12:00 pm | Corona Extra Stage
School of Rock Clear Lake | @2:00 pm | Corona Extra Stage