Galveston Texas Mardi Gras: Your Guide to Beads, Floats, and Fat Tuesday Fun

Welcome to the thrilling spectacle of Galveston, Texas, where Mardi Gras isn’t just an event; it’s a way of life! This coastal celebration bursts with color, music, and an undeniable zest for living. The downtown entertainment district transforms into the heart of the festivities, with dazzling floats, live music, and the excitement of bead-catching creating an atmosphere like no other.

As the countdown to Fat Tuesday begins, the island offers an array of events, from family-friendly parades to balcony parties with unmatched views of the celebration.

It’s more than just beads and costumes—it’s a chance to dive into a whirlwind of festivities, laughter, and unforgettable memories. As they say during this exciting time: “Laissez les bon temps rouler!”

Consider this your guide on the best Galveston Texas Mardi Gras happenings! Read on.

Mardi Gras Galveston Texas: Bead There!

Wondering when is Mardi Gras in Galveston Texas? Mardi Gras in Galveston Texas 2025 is set to dazzle from Friday February 21 to March 4, promising an unforgettable island-style carnival season. As the Texas largest Mardi Gras celebration, this extravaganza kicks off with the ultimate bead-throwing tradition—over 3 million beads will fill the air during the 23 parades featuring krewes like the Mystic Krewe of Aquarius, Krewe Gambrinus, and the Knights of Momus.

The historic Strand Entertainment District becomes the heart of the action, where balcony parties offer VIP views, live music, and festive vibes. Don’t miss the chance to join the party from above with access to the district, cash bars, and a prime perch for parade watching.

For music lovers, the Corona Extra Stage and Salute to Texas Stage will keep the energy high with non-stop performances. Your general admission ticket gives you access to all concerts, making it easy to dance the night away to a fantastic lineup of Mardi Gras entertainment.

If you’re looking for a more active way to celebrate, sign up for the 114th Mardi Gras! Galveston Official 5k Run, where participants can start the Mardi Gras festivities early with a spirited dash through the scenic streets. Families and friends can also roll into the fun with the Zaniest Golf Cart Parade, where creativity shines, and the best-decorated cart wins balcony party passes.

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Adding even more excitement, this year’s celebration will feature exclusive Golden Mardi Gras where beads will be thrown during select parades in the Downtown Historic District. Lucky attendees who snag these coveted beads will have a chance to win extraordinary prizes, bringing a touch of mystery and thrill to the festivities.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a veteran, Mardi Gras Galveston 2025 offers something for everyone—from parades and parties to family-friendly events and dazzling prizes—all in a stunning island setting. Bead there!

Must-See Mardi Gras Parades

Here’s the full Mardi Gras Parade Galveston Texas 2025 Schedule, designed for easy reference and enjoyment of all the festive events and parades headliners:

Friday, February 21, 2025

• 5:00 PM – Party Gras! Procession: Start your Mardi Gras weekend with this festive procession beginning at The Press Box on 24th & Postoffice and ending at The Tremont House. Honorees and special guests arrive accompanied by a brass band, setting the tone for the celebrations.
• 5:30 PM – George P. Mitchell and Newe Krewe Award Presentations: Celebrate the legacy of Mardi Gras’ revival with this award ceremony at The Tremont House. Honorees will be recognized for their contributions to keeping the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras alive.
• 7:00 PM – George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award Honoree Parade: This high-energy parade marks the official start of Mardi Gras! Galveston. Featuring marching bands, dancing squads, and local floats, it circles the Entertainment District, starting at 25th & Mechanic Street and looping through Strand Street.
• 8:30 PM – The Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade: Grab a decorated umbrella and join the lively brigade as it parades under the iconic Mardi Gras Arch near The Tremont Hotel. Participants dance along the route, making this one of the most interactive and fun parades of the event.
• 10:00 PM – Mardi Gras! Galveston Parade: End the night with a dazzling display of floats, beads, and trinkets as this festive parade wraps up the first day of celebrations. It loops around the Entertainment District for a spectacular nighttime experience.

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Saturday, February 22, 2025

• 11:00 AM – The Jolly Jester Jaunt 5K: Kick off the day with a Mardi Gras-themed fun run through the Entertainment District. Participants don festive attire and end with a balcony party featuring libations and live entertainment.
• 12:00 PM – Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Parade: One of the most iconic parades, it begins at 57th and Seawall Boulevard, winding its way into the Entertainment District. Expect 12 double-decker floats, marching bands, and plenty of beads!
• 1:00 PM – 14th Annual Zaniest Golf Cart Parade: Creativity takes center stage as participants decorate their golf carts in Mardi Gras themes. This light-hearted parade encourages community involvement and awards the best decorated cart with party passes.
• 3:00 PM – Art Car & Jeep Parade: Enjoy a visual treat as art cars and customized jeeps roll down the parade route, showcasing unique designs and craftsmanship from all over, including international entries.
• 6:00 PM – Krewe of Gambrinus Parade: As one of Galveston’s super parades, this event launches from 57th and Seawall with 14 massive floats and thousands of beads. It travels into the Entertainment District for an evening of spectacular revelry.

Sunday, February 23, 2025

• 12:00 PM – Shriners Children’s Texas & Sunshine Kids Parade: This heartwarming event celebrates children and families, with floats, candy, and beads thrown from balconies in Strand Street.
• 1:30 PM – Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Parade: An adorable parade for pet lovers, featuring dressed-up pets and their owners. The event supports the Galveston Island Humane Society and includes a “Cat’s Eye View Balcony Party.”
• 3:00 PM – Firefighters Children’s Parade: Galveston’s firefighters and first responders host this family-oriented parade, complete with floats and costumed kids.

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For more details, including parade routes and how to participate, visit the official Mardi Gras! Galveston page at Mardi Gras Galveston. These jam-packed parade schedules offer something for everyone, from dazzling parades to lively parties and family-friendly fun. Don’t miss the chance to catch beads, enjoy live music, and revel in the vibrant Mardi Gras spirit!

Where to Catch the Best Parade Floats

When it comes to celebrating Mardi Gras, catching the best parade floats can be the highlight of your celebration, and Galveston’s Mardi Gras! 2025 promises some of the most creative and dazzling floats around. To maximize your parade-watching experience, here are the prime spots and tips for catching these magnificent creations:

The Strand Historic District: The heart of Mardi Gras! Galveston, The Strand Historic District, is the prime location for viewing parade floats. The narrow streets and historic buildings create a festive atmosphere, and balcony parties offer a VIP vantage point to see floats up close while catching beads and trinkets. Major parades like the Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade and the Krewe of Gambrinus Parade roll through this area, making it a must-visit spot.

Seawall Boulevard: For parades that start at Seawall Boulevard, like the Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Parade, positioning yourself along this route gives you a more spacious view of the floats. It’s an excellent spot for families as the wider sidewalks and open spaces provide room for kids to move around while still enjoying the show.

Balcony Parties: Many of the best parade-viewing experiences in Galveston come with balcony party access in the Entertainment District. These elevated vantage points let you enjoy the floats from above while soaking in the festive ambiance. They often include perks like live music, food, and drinks, enhancing your overall experience.

Downtown Historic District for Specialty Parades: If you’re interested in unique parades like the Art Car & Jeep Parade or the Zaniest Golf Cart Parade, the Downtown Historic District offers an up-close view of these creatively decorated floats. Arrive early for the best spots, as these parades are popular with locals and visitors alike.

Insider Tips for Attending Galveston Mardi Gras

Attending Galveston Mardi Gras as a family can be an exciting and memorable experience with the right preparation. Here are some insider tips to help you navigate the festivities and enjoy all the celebrations with your loved ones:

1. Choose Family-Friendly Parades: Focus on parades designed with families in mind, such as the Shriners Children’s Texas Parade or the Firefighters Children’s Parade, which feature floats, candy, and trinkets perfect for younger attendees. These parades offer a more relaxed atmosphere and are less crowded, making them ideal for kids to catch beads and enjoy the festive vibe.

2. Arrive Early for Prime Spots: Getting to the parade route early ensures you can secure a good viewing spot without feeling rushed. For families, The Strand Historic District offers excellent vantage points, and the wider sidewalks along Seawall Boulevard provide room for strollers and chairs. Arriving early also helps avoid the biggest crowds, creating a more comfortable experience for kids.

3. Bring Essentials for Comfort: Pack a parade-day kit with folding chairs, snacks, sunscreen, and water to keep everyone comfortable throughout the day. Ear protection is also recommended for younger children, as the music and festivities can get loud near the floats and marching bands. Don’t forget a bag or container to hold all the beads and goodies you’ll collect!

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4. Consider Balcony Access: For families looking to avoid street-level crowds, balcony access in the Entertainment District is a great option. These parties provide an elevated view of the parades while offering amenities like food and drinks, and kids will love being up close to the bead-throwing action.

5. Plan Breaks and Activities: Galveston Mardi Gras is packed with events, but planning breaks in between parades can help kids avoid feeling overwhelmed. Visit nearby attractions like Moody Gardens or enjoy a meal at a kid-friendly restaurant on The Strand to recharge before diving back into the fun.

6. Leverage Public Transportation: Parking can get tight during Mardi Gras, so consider using shuttle services or public transportation to get to the Entertainment District. This saves time and reduces stress, especially when traveling with children.

By following these tips, families can fully enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and memorable parades of Galveston Mardi Gras.

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