Mardi Gras! Galveston Parade Schedules

Your guide to planning your Mardi Gras! Galveston parade experiences.

With over 25 parades taking place over the course of two weeks during Mardi Gras! Galveston, it can be tough deciding which to attend. See below for a full schedule of parades taking place in Galveston from February 21 to March 4, 2025. Click the button below to learn more about Mardi Gras! Galveston.

Balcony view of people waving at a Mardi Gras! Galveston parade float

pictured: Krewe of Gambrinus Parade (See them Sat., Feb. 22nd at 6:00 p.m.)

Mardi Gras! Galveston Parade Schedule

Friday, February 21, 2025

5:00 p.m. Party Gras! Procession

Watch the George P. Mitchell Honoree & special guests arrive to the Tremont House led by a brass band, kicking off the Friday night celebration. Procession will begin from The Press Box on 24th & Postoffice and end at The Tremont House for the 2025 Award Presentation – Honorees to be announced!

5:30 p.m. George P. Mitchell and Newe Krewe Award Presentations


The George P. Mitchell Award was established to honor Mitchell and other individuals, corporations, foundations and groups vital to Mardi Gras’ rebirth and preservation. The Newe Krewe Award was established in 2024 and honors the new, exciting krewes that have sprung up since 2011. Each year the recipients are honored with a ceremony in front of The Tremont House and names are added to a plaque that hangs in the lobby of The Tremont House then the Salute to George P. Mitchell Parade honoring him and the award recipients begins, marking the start of Mardi Gras! Galveston festivities.

7:00 p.m. George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award Honoree Parade


Following the George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award Presentation, this is the first parade to Kick Off Mardi Gras Galveston 2025! This parade is packed with marching bands, dancing squads & tons of energy. Also rolling in this party parade is Carne’s Fleet of Bumpin’ Busses, The Union Fire Truck & various local Floats throwing Beads & other Mardi Gras treats! Get ready to shake it!

Parade Route: Starts at 25th & Mechanic Street, circles around Mechanic & Strand Street, stretching from 25th to 20th

8:30 p.m. The Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade

In memory of Mary Pregler

The Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade has been breaking World Records for having the most decorated umbrellas in a single parade since 2011. Returning in 2019 with an impressive 1,980 participants, paraders danced along on their route, stopping to perform the “Hokey Pokey” under the iconic Mardi Gras Arch next to The Tremont Hotel. Over the years, fans from all around Texas have traveled to Mardi Gras! Galveston to claim a spot in the Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade. This lively, bedazzled parade continues to gain momentum and an even bigger turn-out is predicted for 2025.

Want to participate? More details and registration

10:00 p.m. Mardi Gras! Galveston Parade


Revelers will enjoy this festive night parade, as it circles the Entertainment District wrapping up the first day of celebrations for Mardi Gras! Galveston, 2025. A group of 9 Festive Floats will be throwing beads and trinkets, plus more marching bands & dancers bringing the hype.

Saturday, February 22, 2025

12:00 p.m. Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Parade

The Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Parade begins on the Seawall and travels down through the Entertainment District. The Krewe was organized in March of 1985 and is the second oldest Mardi Gras Social Organization since its revival in 1985. The 65 unit parade features 12 Aquarius double-decker floats, 15 marching bands, dance teams, and numerous other floats and walking units.

Parade Route: Beginning at 57th and Seawall, The Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Parade will head east towards 25th street. The parade will travel down 25th street and enter the Entertainment District at 25th and Mechanic and will go down Strand street.

1:00 p.m. 14th Annual Zaniest Golf Cart Parade


Zany Golf Carts take to the Strand, rolling down the parade route donning Mardi Gras! themed decorations. The event was created in 2011 to encourage the community to become participants as well as spectators in the Mardi Gras! Galveston festivities. The parade is a platform for locals and visitors to get creative, interact with each other, and have some fun. Participants can even choose to compete for balcony party tickets in a cart-decorating contest!

Get involved! Golf Cart Registration

3:00 p.m. Art Car & Jeep Parade


This parade is a feast for the eyes! Featuring rolling art (cars) from the ArtX Group (Houston, TX), combined with 40 decorated and tricked-out jeeps from all over. Entries came from as far away as Canada to participate in this one-of-a-kind parade to display their artistry and craftsmanship. This parade is an exciting experience for families, anyone with a love for creativity and of course, Jeep enthusiasts.

Get involved! Jeep Registration

6:00 p.m. Krewe of Gambrinus Parade

As one of the two Galveston Super Parades, Krewe of Gambrinus launches 14 Huge Floats, and just as many marching bands, tossing over 600,000 beads and trinkets. the Krewe of Gambrinus, is a not-for-profit organization, chartered for the support of tourism and underprivileged children in Galveston, Harris, and surrounding counties.

Parade Route: Beginning at 57th and Seawall, The Krewe of Gambrinus Parade will head east towards 25th street. The parade will travel down 25th street and enter the Entertainment District at 25th and Mechanic and will go down Strand street.

Sunday, February 23, 2025


1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. Fiesta Gras!

Mardi Gras! Galveston celebrates Hispanic Heritage with Fiesta Gras!, on the first Sunday (February 23rd)! Mardi Gras attendees will enjoy two parades (1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.) and live entertainment.

This parade is a celebration of Hispanic Heritage! It features Floats, Walking Groups, Marching Bands, Dance Krews & Various Hispanic Heritage Organizations. You can expect to catch beads, enjoy bands & dancing as well as a beautiful display of costumes and pageantry.

4:00 p.m. Los Locos Vaqueros, Jeeps & Golf Carts Parade


Time to get loco! This lively parade will feature Mardi Gras! Galveston-themed Jeeps & Golf Carts, Marching Bands, Mariachi Bands & Decorated Floats throwing beads, candy & other Mardi Gras Swag.

Get involved!
Jeep Registration
Golf Cart Registration

Friday, February 28, 2025

Salute to Texas – First Responders Day: FREE ADMISSION TO VETERANS, ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBERS & ALL FIRST RESPONDERS + ONE

Thank you for your service!


6:30 p.m. Danny Weber Memorial Fire Truck Parade


In memory of Fire Chief, Danny Weber


A much-loved tradition, The Danny Weber Memorial Parade features more than 25 Fire Trucks from South East Houston, League City, Hitchcock, La Marque, Jamaica Beach and Galveston. The impressive chorus of sirens and horns that fill the Entertainment District continues to captivate Mardi Gras! Galveston attendees, making this parade a crowd favorite.

7:30 p.m. Krewe Babalu “All Krewe” Parade


Krewe Babalu is the “every man’s Mardi Gras Krewe” founded in 1995 by Guy Taylor with the purpose of promoting Mardi Gras festivities on Galveston Island and promoting civic and social activities within the organization and the city of Galveston.

Come join all the Mardi Gras Krewes!

For more information on how you can join – contact: Gladden Walters 281-703-3331

Parade Route: The parade will begin at 25th Street and Santa Fe Place and head south on 25th Street. The parade will turn at 25th and Mechanic, and loop twice around Strand/Mechanic.


9:00 p.m. Mardi Gras! Galveston Parade


Revelers will enjoy this festive night parade, as it circles the Entertainment District wrapping up the second Friday of celebrations for Mardi Gras! Galveston, 2025. Get ready for some high stepping Drum Majors, Rolling Party Floats and tons of excitement!

Saturday, March 1, 2025

11:00 a.m. Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire Parade

Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire is the only Black Catholic Krewe located on the island. Their annual Mardi Gras Pageant was started by Rev. Father Louis Saparito and the tradition continues today with Holy Family Parish. The Parade features many high stepping Marching Bands from Houston and surrounding area along with Drill Teams, ROTC groups, the Krewe Royalty, Committee Members, Church Organizations and many of the church members.

Parade Route: Starts on 27th Street at Ave O, travels South to Seawall Blvd., turns West to 31st Street, turns North to Ave N, turns East and travels back to 27th Street. END (1.2 miles)

1:00 p.m. Z Krewe Z Parade


This parade features bands, military units and zany revelers from multiple clubs, and is led by Big Daddy and Big Momma, followed by King and Queen Zanie and their royal Zoots and Zaftigs. Hundreds of “Zannies” throw beads to the crowds and continue to do so after the parade from their private balcony on Strand Street. Z Krewe takes bead-throwing to the next level with their awesome assortment of unique and fun necklaces!

Parade Route: The parade will begin at 25th Street and Santa Fe Place and head south on 25th Street. The parade will turn at 25th and Mechanic, and loop twice around Strand/Mechanic.

2:30 p.m. Mardi Gras! Galveston Parade


Dance to the beat of these rolling floats! Catch those beads as the floats cruise through the Entertainment District. This parade will feature dancers, marvels, and more!

4:00 p.m. Ben E Keith Parade


Revelers will enjoy this festive parade, as it circles the Entertainment District during the second Saturday of celebrations for Mardi Gras! Galveston, 2025.

Sponsored by Ben E. Keith


5:00 p.m. Jumpin’ Jays Bumpin’ Bus Parade


So Fly It’ll Make You Wanna Die! This is a true party parade that will get you moving and grooving. More than 20 decked-out party buses roll through The Entertainment District bumping music and throwing beads. The iconic Dancing Queen, Dancing King & Lemonade Bus have become a staple for all Galveston Parade Celebrations.

Presented by The Carnes Funeral Home


6:00 p.m. Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade


Crowds grow large as Galveston’s oldest Krewe parades down 25th Street and around the Entertainment District. The Grand Night Parade features a magnificent fleet of colorful floats, marching bands from all over the state, dignitaries, and more!

Parade Route: Beginning on Seawall, the Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade will head west towards travel 25th street, travel north down 25th and enter the Entertainment District at 25th and Mechanic and travel down the Strand.

Sunday, March 2, 2025

Today is Family Gras! This means FREE ADMISSION TO THE PUBLIC

Presented by Moody National Bank

12:00 p.m. Shriners Children’s Texas & Sunshine Kids Parade

100’s of Sunshine Kids and Shiners children, along with their families, enjoy lunch & throw beads off of a balcony on Strand Street. They will also kick off their parade at 12:00 p.m. throwing beads, candy & more!

Presented by Shriners Hospital for Children & Sunshine Kids


Parade Route: Begins Santa Fe Place, loops twice around Strand/Mechanic.

1:30 p.m. Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Parade


Stemming from a desire for locals and their pets to have a way to be involved in the Mardi Gras! Galveston festivities, The Humane Society created the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Parade 26 years ago, and this crowd-pleasing event has been going strong ever since! Leading the parade each year is the “Elite Pet Owner”- a title awarded at the annual, Paws Gala, which is held each September. Last year, the winner was Mary Cooper. The Krewe also continued the relatively new, Cat’s Eye View Balcony Party in 2020, which grows bigger and better each year.

Stay tuned for a link to enter your furry friend in the parade!

Presented by Galveston Island Humane Society

3:00 p.m. Firefighters Children’s Parade


Local firefighters and first responders host a parade dedicated to the families and children of Galveston with decorated floats and costumed kids. In 2005 the Galveston Firefighters stepped forward to “Save the Children’s Parade” by assuming the role of parade coordinator. The Firefighters felt that since the parades are the main attraction to Mardi Gras, and because the Children’s Parade was the only Mardi Gras activity geared toward children, it was important to keep the tradition alive.

Parade Route: The parade will begin at 25th Street and Santa Fe Place and head south on 25th Street. The parade will turn at 25th and Postoffice, proceed east down Postoffice Street, turn north on 19th Street, turn west on Strand Street, and conclude at 25th and Strand.

Tuesday , March 4, 2025 (Last Day of Mardi Gras!)

6:30 p.m. Mystic Krewe of Aquarius

The Mystic Krewe of Aquarius annual “Fat Tuesday “ Mardi Gras Parade will be March 4, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. beginning at 28th and Market street downtown and making its way through Postoffice street and Strand historic district. The all Krewe parade will feature marching bands, dance teams, and participating Krewes in the final hours of Mardi Gras Galveston 2025.

To learn more about getting involved in this parade, please contact:
Johnny Lidstone, Krewe Captain
Phone: 409-789-4101
Email: johnnylidstone@yahoo.com
Ron Dyda, Vice President
Phone: 409-739-0575
Website


Parade Route: The parades begin 28th and Market Street, east to 25th Street (Rosenberg), turns right to Postoffice Street, turns left and proceeds to 19th street, turns left to Strand, turns left and proceeds to 25th street and ends.

General Information

What to Expect

There is a gate fee for entrance into The Strand, but children ages 12 and under can enter for free. Parking lots are located at 21st & Market Street; 20th & Market Street; and 20th & Postoffice Street, and garages are located at 25th & Harborside Drive and 22nd & Market Street. If you are lucky, you may also be able to find metered street parking.

Get the Most Out of Mardi Gras! Galveston

If you are planning to head to Galveston for the next Mardi Gras season, it is a good idea to know what to expect. Galveston’s festival takes place for the two weeks preceding Lent and ends on the official Mardi Gras date. Most festivities take place in Galveston’s historic downtown, with parades also along Seawall Blvd.

Tickets
Island Time

Choose from one of Galveston, TX's many hotels, vacation rentals, campgrounds, or bed and breakfasts for your stay in the city.

Learn More
Activities

Posted 2/1/2024
by Visit Galveston

Learn More
Activities

Posted 6/27/2024
by Visit Galveston

Learn More
Activities

Posted 8/1/2024
by Visit Galveston

Learn More
Island Time

Trip ideas, crafted for you.

Learn More
Island Time

Discover a variety of attractions for your trip to Galveston, TX, from beaches and outdoor activities to historical museums, shopping, and more!

Learn More
Island Time

Get your questions about vacationing in Galveston, TX answered with Visit Galveston's FAQ page.

Learn More
Island Time

Ensure that your vehicle is parked safely for the duration of your cruise by choosing one of the trusted cruise parking companies located in Galveston.

Learn More
Island Time

Galveston may be an island, but it is more accessible than you think.

Learn More
island time logo

Author

Visit Galveston

Visit Galveston is the official destination marketing organization for Galveston Island, Texas.