It only happens once a year, but people from all over flock to Gulf Shores to celebrate Mardi Gras. There are beads, masks, costumes, and parades galore. Many people think of New Orleans as the birthplace of Mardi Gras but French settlers organized the first Mardi Gras celebration in Mobile, and there have been Gulf Shores Mardi Gras parades and celebrations for all ages to carry on the festivities for dozens of years.
Ready to celebrate? We’ve compiled a list of the best Gulf Shores Mardi Gras parades and events happening in 2024!
Mystics of Pleasure and The Marshals Parade
When: 5:30 pm,
When: 6:00 pm, Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024
This fun parade began in 2001 to become Pleasure Island’s first nighttime Mardi Gras parading society. Watch as the Mystics of Pleasure and The Marshals roll down Perdido Beach Boulevard on motorcycles, floats, and more for this year’s one-of-a-kind Mystics of Pleasure Mardi Gras Parade.
Fort Morgan Mardi Gras Parade
When: 1:00 pm, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024
You’ve never seen Mardi Gras like this before! This unique parade finds revelers rolling down the picturesque Fort Morgan peninsula on golf carts, jeeps, boats, cars, and trailers as they toss beads and treasures up and down the coast. The route will run along Ponce De Leon Court from Triple Tale Lane to Bernard Ct. E. Space is limited, so get there early!
Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade
When: 10:00 am, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024
For the 45th year, the City of Gulf Shores will be celebrating Mardi Gras with their famous Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade! The first parade made its way through Gulf Shores in 1978 and continues to wow and excite all ages with craftily detailed floats, colorful cars, and exuberant passer-bys tossing beads into the crowd. The Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade will begin at 10 am on Fat Tuesday (Feb. 13).
LuLu’s Mardi Gras Anniversary Celebration & Boat Parade
When: 10:00 am, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024
A Gulf Shores Mardi Gras parade on the water? Check. Live music? Check. Complimentary cake? Check! This Fat Tuesday, you’ll want to be at Lulu’s for a complete day of bead-tossing, king cake eating fun. The boat parade will depart from The Wharf towards Lulu’s and Homeport Marina. The music starts at 11 am with guests dressed in costumes and good ole’ green, gold, and purple. The fun continues after the 3 pm boat parade at Lulu’s with live music, delicious food, and much more!
Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade
When: 2:00 pm, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024
Head east to Orange Beach on Fat Tuesday for the Annual Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade! Nearly 30,000 people have stood along Perdido Beach Boulevard in years past to watch dozens of vibrant floats, costumed participants, flag twirlers, and more march down the two-mile stretch to enjoy this centuries-old celebration! The parade begins at 2 pm, starting east of Phoenix West and ending at Highway 161 in Orange Beach.
MoonPies on Main at The Wharf
When: 4:00 pm, Monday, Feb. 12, 2024
If you’re looking for some family-friendly fun, head over to The Wharf on Lundi Gras (that’s the Monday before Fat Tuesday) at 4pm. The festivities will kick off with a kid and pet parade that everyone can join, followed by fun family activities and an evening float parade at 6pm. After the parade, stick around for the SPECTRA Laser Light Experience and night full of music, kids activities and more.
As we like to say, Laissez les bons temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!)