Galveston knows how to throw a party—and Mardi Gras! Galveston is the biggest one on the Texas Gulf Coast. If you’re planning a trip, here’s the insider-friendly guide to dates, parades, and can’t-miss events—plus how to book a stay that keeps you close to the fun without sacrificing your peace and quiet.
Mardi Gras! Galveston 2026 dates
Mardi Gras! Galveston runs February 6–17, 2026. Festivities span two big weekends plus Fat Tuesday.
2026 parade schedule (highlights + times)
Below are the key parade times pulled from the official schedule. (Always double-check day-of updates before you go.)
Friday, February 6, 2026
- 5:00 PM – The Fab 5 Block Party (kickoff)
- 7:30 PM – George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award Honoree Parade (Entertainment District)
- 8:30 PM – Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade
- 10:00 PM – Da Krewe du Roux’s Gumbeaux Gras Parade (new for 2026)
Saturday, February 7, 2026
- 11:00 AM – Jolly Jester Jaunt 5K
- 12:00 PM – Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Parade (Seawall → Entertainment District)
- 1:00 PM – Zaniest Golf Cart Parade
- 3:00 PM – Art Car & Jeep Parade
- 6:00 PM – Krewe of Gambrinus Parade (one of the “super parades”)
Sunday, February 8, 2026 (Fiesta Gras!)
- 1:00 PM – Fiesta Gras! Parade
- 4:00 PM – Los Locos Vaqueros, Jeeps & Golf Carts Parade
Friday, February 13, 2026
- 6:30 PM – Danny Weber Memorial Fire Truck Parade
- 7:30 PM – Krewe Babalu “All Krewe” Parade
- 9:00 PM – Mardi Gras! Galveston Parade (night parade)
Saturday, February 14, 2026
- 11:00 AM – Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire Parade
- 1:00 PM – Z Krewe Z Parade
- 2:30 PM – Mardi Gras! Galveston Parade
- 4:00 PM – Ben E. Keith Parade
- 5:00 PM – Jumpin’ Jays Bumpin’ Bus Parade
- 6:00 PM – Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade
Sunday, February 15, 2026 (Family Gras!)
- 12:00 PM – Shriners Children’s Texas & Sunshine Kids Parade
- 1:30 PM – Krewe of Barkus & Meoux (pet parade)
- 3:00 PM – Firefighters Children’s Parade
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (Fat Tuesday)
- 6:30 PM – Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Fat Tuesday Parade (downtown route)
More than parades: signature events to plan around
A few standouts from the official schedule that are worth building your trip around:
- NEW: Mardi Gras! Street Circus (multiple nights) – a rotating “big top” style street show with aerialists and a fire-breathing finale.
- Jolly Jester Jaunt 5K – a fun way to start Saturday with costumes and a party vibe.
- Fiesta Gras! – Sunday celebration of Hispanic Heritage with parades and entertainment.
- Family Gras! – Sunday built for families (kids’ parade + pet parade energy).
Insider tips from locals (aka: how to do Mardi Gras like a pro)
As a locally owned Galveston Island team, we’ve learned the little things that make a big difference:
- Pick your “vibe” day: Want the biggest crowds? Aim for the Saturday super parades. Want more breathing room? Friday night or Family Gras is your sweet spot.
- Stay close—but not too close: Downtown is electric during Mardi Gras, but it can be loud and parking can be a headache. Many guests prefer staying on the West End and commuting in for parade windows.
- Plan your parade windows: Choose 1–2 “must-see” parades per day and leave space for food, breaks, and beach time.
Where to stay for Mardi Gras in Galveston (and why it matters)
Mardi Gras weekends book fast—and the right home base changes your whole trip.
The Pacific way to Mardi Gras
Pacific Properties Management (Stay with Pacific) specializes in curated, luxury vacation homes on Galveston Island—so you can go big during parade time and come back to a place that actually feels like a vacation.
What guests love most:
- Space for groups (multi-generational families, couples, and friend trips)
- Resort-style amenities (including private pools in many homes)
- Hotel-quality housekeeping and a high-touch guest experience
- Local support when you need it
Ready to book your Mardi Gras stay?
If you’re planning Mardi Gras! Galveston 2026, don’t wait—inventory tightens quickly for the peak parade weekends.
Explore Pacific’s luxury Galveston vacation rentals and lock in your dates: **www.StaywithPacific.com**