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Mardi Gras on Galveston Island
Did you know that Galveston has the third largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States? And, did you know Galveston has celebrated Mardi Gras since 1867? So, this qualifies Galveston for your bucket list for Mardi Gras celebrations. Yes, there are beads, parades, music, and all the Mardi Gras revelry your heart desires.
Here are our tips to make the most of Mardi Gras in Galveston:
- Book your vacation rental early. Both weekends of Mardi Gras are big in Galveston so plan ahead and book your preferred weekend well in advance. This year Mardi Gras! Galveston is Friday, Feb. 18 through Fat Tuesday, March 1. Parades and concerts are scheduled on the weekends. Fat Tuesday is also a popular draw for one last hurrah.
- First weekend (Feb. 18 – 20, 2022) highlights:
- Friday, 7 p.m., George P Mitchell Award Honoree Parade
- Friday, 8:30 p.m., Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade (Tip: You can sign up, decorate your own umbrella, and join in the fun)
- Friday, 10 p.m., Mardi Gras! Galveston Parade
- Saturday, 11 a.m., Jolly Jester Jaunt (Official Mardi Gras! Galveston 5K)
- Saturday, 12 p.m., Mystic Krewe of Acquarius Parade (Tip: This parade starts on the Seawall and makes its way downtown)
- Saturday, 1 p.m., Zaniest Golf Cart Parade
- Saturday, 3 p.m., Krewe D i’Heart Media Parade
- Saturday, 6 p.m., Krewe of Gambrinus Parade (Tip: This parade also starts on the Seawall and makes its way downtown)
- Sunday, 1 p.m., Fiesta Gras Parade #1 (Tip: Sunday is a celebration of Hispanic Heritage)
- Sunday, 4 p.m., Fiesta Gras Parade #2
- Second weekend (Feb.25 -27, 2022) highlights:
- Feb. 25 – First Responders Day. (Tip: Veterans, active serviceman, and all first responders enjoy free admission into the Mardi Gras Entertainment District.)
- Friday, 7 p.m., Danny Weber Memorial Firetruck Parade
- Friday, 8 p.m., Krewe Babalu “All Krewe” Parade
- Friday, 9:30 p.m., Krewe de Yaga’s Parade
- Saturday, 11 a.m., Krewe d’Espirit Parade
- Saturday, 1 p.m., Z Krewe Parade
- Saturday, 2:30 p.m., Mardi Gras Kings Parade
- Saturday, 3:30 p.m., Ben E Keith Parade
- Saturday, 6 p.m., Bumpin’ Bus Parade
- Saturday, 6:30 p.m., Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade (Tip: This is the biggest parade of Mardi Gras in Galveston. Its stars on the Seawall and makes its way downtown)
- Sunday, 12 p.m., Shriners Hospital for Children and Sunshine Kids Parade
- Sunday, 1:30 p.m., Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Parade
- Sunday, 3 p.m., Firefighter’s Children’s Parade
Most of the parade and the entertainment is in the Downtown Entertainment District. General Admission tickets are $11.50 or $15 depending on the day. You can also purchase balcony access tickets on the Mardi Gras! Galveston website. If you want to get out of the crowds, we highly recommend purchasing balcony party tickets. You can also purchase tickets to ride in the parade.
Have fun! And, remember to be responsible. You can always call a cab, Uber, or Lyft to schedule a ride back to your vacation rental or have a designated driver. If you’re staying on the west end, expect a wait and most of the activity for Mardi Gras is in town.
Celebrate with King Cake! Order a King Cake from Maceo’s Spice and Import Company, Patty Cakes, or Sunflower Bakery. Remember, whoever finds the baby in the cake is king for the day.
Thank you for choosing Galveston to celebrate Mardi Gras. Make the most of these travel tips and enjoy all the Mardi Gras revelry in Galveston. Ryson Vacation Rentals offers more than 250 properties across the island that provide plenty of reasons to visit Galveston this year. If you need help planning your visit, Gulf Coast Concierge can assist.