Join us for Mardi Gras and experience all that Alabama's Beaches has to offer!
You want beads? We have beads, lots of them. In fact, with five parades this year, the family will be loaded down with strands of faux jewels by the end of the season. Don’t worry; the parades are scheduled not to conflict. We wouldn’t necessarily say the two communities have a good-natured rivalry for honors as sponsoring the best parade, but we wouldn’t say they don’t either. So find your spot along the boulevard, put your hands in the air and give a shout. If you’re lucky, you might even snag a MoonPie sailing through the air. While you're celebrating, check out our Mardi Gras trail to discover the best food and drinks to enjoy during the carnival season! Let the good times and plan your Mardi Gras trip by securing a place to stay in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach directly on our site.
Mystics of Pleasure & The Marshalls
Establishing the first nighttime parade in the area, the Mystics of Pleasure held its first ball and parade in 2001 and have been celebrating ever since. Unlike other parading groups, this krew rides Harley-Davidsons instead of horses. The Marshalls roll at 5:30 pm followed by the Mystics of Pleasure at 6 pm on March 1. Both parades begin on Perdido Beach Blvd at the traffic light east of Phoenix West and ends at Hwy 161 in front of Publix.
LuLu's Mardi Gras Party & Boat Parade
You may have caught throws at Mardi Gras parades before, but have you gotten them from boats? LuLu’s in Gulf Shores celebrates its birthday and Fat Tuesday with one big anniversary and Mardi Gras party on March 1. Guests will enjoy free birthday cake, live music, a costume contest, and a boat parade. It’s a great event for adults and children alike to celebrate the Mardi Gras season.
Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade
Originated in 1978 by the local Pleasure Island Players, the City of Gulf Shores takes the lead these days in organizing its Mardi Gras parade on Fat Tuesday. Featuring the Mystic Order of Shiners, the oldest Mardi Gras parading order in Baldwin County, the parade has continued to grow each year. Beginning at 10:00 am on West 19th Street, the floats, marching bands, and paraders move along the boulevard, finishing big at Gulf Place, where you can mingle with new friends and get a closer look at the characters and costumes.
Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade
The Orange Beach parade began years ago when several groups wanted a chance to parade along the beach. Now, it is organized each year by the City of Orange Beach. Join the 30,000 enthusiastic spectators lining Perdido Beach Boulevard for the annual event on March 4. The parade begins at 2:00 pm and follows a two-mile route along the boulevard including marching bands, floats, and lots of beads. You’ll even find some of the Gulf Shores paraders who haven’t quite finished their celebrating appearing in the Orange Beach procession.
MoonPies on Main
Bring your kiddos and pups to MoonPies on Main at The Wharf for Lundi Gras on Monday, March 3. This festival celebration features a walking kids and pet parade down Main Street as well as a DJ and children's activities. Hang around until the sun goes down and catch the night float parade. The kids and pet parade begins at 4 pm, and the float parade starts at 6 pm.
Make A Vacation Of It
The weeks leading up to the official Fat Tuesday Carnival are full of fun and entertainment sponsored by the Mardi Gras Parade Orders and participants. Check the calendar of events for all of the Mardi Gras happenings. You'll find events for kids and grownups alike, so make a vacation of it and join the festivities. Plan your trip during Mardi Gras! Escape and discover a whole different state of Carnival fun and festivities.
