Best 2023 Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parades & Celebrations
Ashee Lowry - January 07, 2023It 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 2023!
The Mystical Order of Mirams Mardi Gras Parade
When: 5:30 pm, Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023
Find your best masquerade mask and head to Perdido Beach Boulevard in Orange Beach for this Mardi Gras parade! Floats of all shapes, sizes, and colors will roll along Orange Beach, flaunting their Mardi Gras best. Local organizations are welcome to participate. The parade will make its way down Perdido Beach Boulevard starting at 5:30 pm. Be sure to grab your spot before the festivities begin!
The Mystical Order of Mirams Ball
When: Friday, Feb. 18 2023, following the Mystical Order of Mirams Mardi Gras Parade
After the Mirams Mardi Gras Parade, head over to the Orange Beach Event Center for The Mystical Order of Mirams Ball. Must be 21 years or older to attend.
Mystics of Pleasure Mardi Gras Parade
When: 5:30 pm, Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023
Every year since 2001, the Mystics of Pleasure have held a Mardi Gras parade along Orange Beach. The difference from all other Mardi Gras parades? Marshals of this parade ride motorcycles, not horses. Still, the eclectic theming and colors of the floats are sure to excite all ages. The parade will travel along Perdido Beach Boulevard, starting at Phoenix West and ending at Highway 161. Get there early to find your spot.
Fort Morgan Mardi Gras Parade
When: 1:00 pm, Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023
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. 21, 2023
For the 44th 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 a.m. on Fat Tuesday (Feb. 21).
LuLu’s Mardi Gras Anniversary Celebration & Boat Parade
When: 10:00 am, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023
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 10 a.m. with guests dressed in costumes and good ole’ green, gold, and purple. The fun continues after the boat parade at Lulu’s with live music, delicious food, and much more!
Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade
When: 2:00 pm, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023
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 p.m., starting east of Phoenix West and ending at Highway 161 in Orange Beach.
Moon Pies on Main
When: 4:00 pm, Monday, Feb .20, 2023
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. Stay tuned to the event website for more information.
As we like to say, Laissez les bons temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!)