A diverse entertainment line-up highlights Mardi Gras festivities.
Country star Chris Janson and Austin music duo, Ghostland Observatory give headline performances on the Corona Extra stage at Mardi Gras Galveston taking place Feb. 10-21, 2023. Additional live entertainment performances fill two stages within the festival area on both event weekends.
This year’s Fiesta Gras! features two Latin groups and a day full of Hispanic heritage celebrations. Texas-based Secretto, known for a diverse playlist of Latin pop and rock to regional Mexican and mariachi music, plays Sunday, Feb. 12 at 2:30 p.m., and Honduran group, Kazzabe opens the festivities at noon with their infectious dance hits. Fiesta Gras also features two parades, a balcony party, shopping, and dining options. A second decorated Jeep parade has also been added to the schedule for 4 p.m. the same day.
“Buying tickets early gets you into multiple concerts for less than $15,” explained Mike Dean, event organizer. “There are so few events you can go to these days that are this affordable and pack in this much entertainment.”
From classic hits and country to rock, pop, and funk and soul, The Corona Extra Stage in Saengerfest Park and the Salute to Texas Stage host more than 22 concerts during Galveston’s two-weekend-long Mardi Gras event.
Austin’s favorite, Ghostland Observatory came back in 2021 with a new album, Vultures and has now returned to touring live performances. The pair’s electro space odyssey still flashes back to Krautrock, Freddie Mercury glam, and Daft Punk worship, but in minimalist terms compared to the maximum bombast of Ghostland Observatory. On their title track, Behrens inhabits a subdued timbre that distorts behind the fuzz/drone percussion that teeter-totters between French electronica and proto-industrial. They have appeared at Coachella in Indio, CA, and Voodoo Experience in New Orleans, LA, and will make their Mardi Gras debut Saturday, Feb. 11 at 6 p.m.
Country star Chris Janson, known for songs ‘Buy Me a Boat’ and ‘Fix Me Drink’ headlines the second-weekend festivities on Friday, Feb. 17 at 10:30 p.m. Also, first responders, active military, and veterans receive free admission on this day in celebration of First Responders Day.
Balcony parties with front-row concert viewing access are the best way to experience these events. Starting at $52 for the first Friday, balcony tickets include entrance into the entertainment district, and impressive stage and parade views all in the center of the Mardi Gras action. Balcony all-access passes can also be purchased for a full weekend of fun for a limited-time price of $230.
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. Tickets are available now at discounted rates. Ticket prices do increase closer to the event, so buying early is recommended. Concert admission is included in the general admission ticket. For a full line-up of entertainment and event details visit. www.mardigrasgalveston.com.