3rd Largest Mardi Gras Celebration in U.S. Offers Beachfront Revelry on the Texas Coast
If you’re looking for a unique Mardi Gras experience in 2023, hit the beach and the historic downtown of Galveston Island!
Mardi Gras! Galveston, the third largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States, offers the unique chance to experience sand between your toes and gorgeous beach sunsets while taking in the revelry and lavish parades known to dominate Galveston Island during carnival season.
The island’s 112th Mardi Gras celebration, to be held Feb.10 – 21 is expected to draw more than 350,000 attendees for live concerts, parades, balcony parties and several elegant balls. And, this island-style Mardi Gras has plenty of personality. Find your Mardi Gras style with these highlights:
- Classic Revelry & Endless Parades– Galveston’s historic downtown entertainment district will put you in the center of classic Mardi Gras revelry complete with crowds and plenty of beads. Nearly all parades go through downtown, where you can enjoy the view from the street or from above at a balcony party. Main concert stages are also located downtown, where the event’s headline performances take place. The festival’s largest parades also run along the beachfront on Seawall Boulevard.
- Upscale Mardi Gras– If you’re looking to catch any of the colorful beads to be thrown from parade floats and downtown balconies, you don’t have to stand in the streets to do it. Mardi Gras! Galveston’s elegant side will feature several masked balls where black-tie attire, lavish buffets, live performers, dancing and parade viewing invoke the evening festivities.
- Fiesta Gras! – Sunday, 12 brings the return of the Hispanic heritage celebration with live entertainment performances from Grupo Secretto, Kazzabe and even Mariachis, themed parades, vendors and exclusive meet & greet balcony parties.
- FamilyGras – Sunday, Feb. 19 is Family Gras at Mardi Gras! Galveston, featuring live family entertainment, plus the Krewe of Barkus & Meoux pet parade, Mardi Gras Children’s Parade, and the Shriners Hospital Parade in the downtown entertainment district.
Added Excitement – Mardi Gras isn’t just about the party either. Join in on the Jolly Jester 5K Jaunt, participate in the official poster contest or join a uniquely themed parade like the Umbrella Brigade, known for their wildly decorated umbrellas.
Remember, if you don’t plan to keep your full Mardi Gras bead haul, you can return beads to a local collection bin to support the Beads for Needs program. The beads will have a renewed purpose in helping the students at Ball High in the life skills and entrepreneurial program.
Tickets are available now at discounted rates. Ticket prices do increase closer to the event, so buying early is recommended. Visit www.mardigrasgalveston.com for parade routes, entertainment schedules, balcony access and hotel packages.