Mardi Gras! Galveston is held annually during the two weeks preceding Lent. The 2026 celebrations will take place February 6-17th, 2026, with festivities held on both weekends (Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays) and Fat Tuesday.

As long as the Easter date changes, Mardi Gras will also change, since it is based around Easter. The liturgical Christian calendar determines when Mardi Gras falls each year. Fat Tuesday is a day of indulgence and celebration before Ash Wednesday, which begins the fasting season of Lent. The period of Lent ends on Easter.

The bulk of Mardi Gras festivities take place in Galveston’s historic downtown in the Mardi Gras Entertainment District, with activities running in the area bordered by 20th to 25th Streets and Harborside Drive to Mechanic Street. Many parades and events also take place along the beachfront on Seawall Boulevard between 25th Street and 57th Street.

If you want to get the most out of your experience, buying a ticket is recommended. While some parades and celebrations happen outside of the Entertainment District, the bulk of the celebration happens inside the gates. All concerts will also happen inside the gates.

Tickets are required to enter the gates of the Entertainment District during the first Friday, first Saturday, first Sunday, second Friday, and second Saturday. No tickets are required to enjoy the second Sunday and Fat Tuesday.

No, there is no official theme for Mardi Gras! Galveston. Although, some parade krewes choose annual themes for their individual parades.

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. For ticket information, click here.

Admission to the entertainment district is FREE for children 12 years or younger accompanied by a parent or guardian. Seawall parades and festivities are free to attend.

Mechanic Street at 20th, 21st, 23rd and 25th st / 21st and Harborside Drive

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. Since Mardi Gras! Galveston is such a popular festival, it is best to book your hotel a few months in advance to secure a room.

Visitors can also choose from a variety of bed-and-breakfasts, condominiums or vacation rental homes. Please check www.galveston.com/lodging for contact information or to book direct.

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.

Cash-only parking lots are located at:

• 1813 Market St
• 1828 Market St
• 1913 Market St
• 2011 Market St
• 1819 Postoffice St
• 1918 Postoffice St

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.

All interested exhibitors, please email rray@yagasevents.com or call 409-770-0999. More information can be found here.

Interested in entering your float into a parade? Contact info@yagasevents.com.

Yes. The following is a list of prohibited items:

• No Cans
• No Alcohol (alcohol is sold at the festival)
• No Food or beverages, except for 2 factory-sealed water bottles up to 1 liter each
• No Silly String
• No Strollers After Dark
• No Glass Containers/Bottles
• No Coolers
• No Skateboards
• No Roller Blades
• No Bicycles
• No Scooters
• No Backpacks
• No Weapons (except legally permitted firearms)
• No Large Umbrellas
• No Fireworks or explosives
• No Large chains or spike jewelry
• No Pets (except service dogs)
• No Outdoor/Indoor Furniture
• No Professional still camera equipment. No detachable lenses, tripods, big zooms or commercial use rigs
• No Professional video equipment.
• No Illegal vending is permitted. No unauthorized/unlicensed vendors allowed.
• No Unauthorized solicitations, handbills, sampling, give-aways etc…