Mardi Gras Frequently Asked Questions

Mardi Gras! Galveston is held annually during the two weeks preceding Lent. The 2025 celebration will take place February 21 – March 4, 2025, with festivities held on both weekends and Fat Tuesday.  Future dates can be found here.

The bulk of Mardi Gras festivities take place in Galveston’s historic downtown in the Mardi Gras Entertainment District, with activities running in the area bordered by 20th to 25th Streets and Harborside Drive to Mechanic Street. Many parades and events also take place along the beachfront on Seawall Boulevard between 25th Street and 57th Street.

Galveston’s historic downtown entertainment district will put you in the center of classic Mardi Gras revelry complete with big crowds and plenty of beads. Nearly all parades go through downtown, where you can enjoy the view from the street or from above at a balcony party. Main concert stages are also located downtown, where the event’s headline performances will take place.

For tickets to the Mardi Gras! Galveston Downtown Entertainment District, featuring parades, concerts and balcony parties, click here.

No, there is no official theme for Mardi Gras! Galveston. Although, some parade krewes choose annual themes for their individual parades.

There is a gate fee for attendees to enter the Mardi Gras downtown entertainment district where the majority of parades, headline concerts, balcony parties, vendor booths and other festivities are held. Once in the district, there is NO additional fee for attending concerts and parades. Balcony parties require an additional ticket.

Admission to the entertainment district is FREE for children 12 years or younger accompanied by a parent or guardian. Seawall parades and festivities are free to attend.

For tickets to the Mardi Gras! Galveston Downtown Entertainment District, featuring parades, concerts and balcony parties, click here.

At 20th and Strand; Mechanic Street at 21st, 23rd and 25th Streets; 21st and Harborside Drive.

Many people celebrating Mardi Gras! Galveston tend to get into the spirit of things and dress up for the occasion! You will see a variety of costumes, sequined outfits, flashy hats, and colorful wigs. The best advice to follow is to dress properly for the weather and dress comfortably.

Downtown

Cash-only parking lots are located at:

• 1813 Market St
• 1828 Market St
• 1913 Market St
• 2011 Market St
• 1819 Postoffice St
• 1918 Postoffice St

* A Taxi stand will be located on 23rd and Market for pickup and drop off of guests to the entertainment district.

There is also metered street parking. You should download the Pay By Phone app available on your smart phone’s app stores and set up your payment options.

Location: 5689
Fee: $1.50 per hour with a minimum of 1 hour.
When: 9 am to 6 pm, Monday thru Saturday, Sundays are free

Seawall

Seawall parking spots fill up early and you may get blocked in once the parades start. You should download the Pay By Phone app available on your smart phone’s app stores and set up your payment options.  Streets off the seawall may have No Parking signs or Residential Only signs, so pay attention as you may be towed.

Location: 5004
Fee: $2 an hour with a two-hour minimum, not to exceed $16/day, yearly passes available.
When: 10 am to 6 pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

Each krewe is responsible for the operation of their parades. Please contact the krewes directly for information on being a part of a parade. To enter your float, band or party bus in most downtown parades, contact Lora-Marie Bernard 409-215-7245 or fill out an entry form HERE.

Yes. The following is a list of prohibited items:

• No Cans
• No Alcohol (alcohol is sold at the festival)
• No Food or beverages, except for 2 factory sealed water bottles up to 1 liter each
• No Silly String
• No Strollers After Dark
• No Glass Containers/Bottles
• No Skateboards
• No Roller Blades
• No Bicycles
• No Scooters
• No Backpacks
• No Weapons (except legally permitted firearms)
• No Large Umbrellas
• No Fireworks or explosives
• No Large chains or spike jewelry
• No Pets (except service dogs)
• No Outdoor/Indoor Furniture
• No Professional still camera equipment. No detachable lenses, tripods, big zooms or commercial use rigs
• No Professional video equipment.
• No Illegal vending is permitted. No unauthorized/unlicensed vendors allowed.
• No Unauthorized solicitations, handbills, sampling, give-aways etc…