Mardi Gras! Galveston

Mardi Gras! Galveston is held annually during the two weeks preceding Lent. The 2025 celebration will take place from February 21 - March 4, 2025, with festivities held on both weekends and Fat Tuesday. See the schedule for parades.

The bulk of Mardi Gras festivities takes 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.

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 also free to attend.

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

Making your packing list? Don’t forget to add a little sparkle! 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. Don’t forget: Galveston is an island and is in Texas, but it still can get chilly in February, so bring a jacket along with your super wild attire.

Yes. Mardi Gras! Galveston is a family tradition for most attending. Daytime parades are great to attend with your family, and the downtown district hosts a ‘Family Gras’ celebration on the first Sunday of Mardi Gras! Galveston. Parade schedules can be found here.

Please be advised that children are allowed in the downtown entertainment district with their parent or guardian but once nighttime rolls around, the atmosphere may not be suitable for children.

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

There is also metered street parking.

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

Seawall Parking Rules for Mardi Gras

The Mardi Gras countdown is on! Weekend one begins February 21. Here's a friendly reminder about the Seawall parking guidelines for Mardi Gras:

Overnight parking is allowed on the Seawall beginning Thursday at 5 a.m. until Sunday at 5 a.m. during the first weekend of Mardi Gras only. The spaces are available first-come, first-serve beginning Thursday morning.

Before Thursday, overnight parking is not allowed, and there are increased fines ($250) associated with parking overnight on the Seawall in the days leading up to Mardi Gras to discourage the practice while crews prepare for the weekend parades.

Remember that paid parking along Seawall Boulevard remains in effect during Mardi Gras. Paid parking is enforced per licensed vehicle; vehicles and trailers parked along Seawall Boulevard must display a license plate and pay for parking ($2 per hour) between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. seven days a week. Please note towing will be enforced.

Available parking spots along Seawall Blvd. are likely to fill up quickly on Thursday in anticipation of the first weekend parades. The Galveston Police Department reminds residents and visitors:

• Do not try to cover space with anything other than a properly registered vehicle or trailer
• Cones, chairs, ropes, chains and the like will be removed at the owners’ expense
• Please keep Seawall sidewalk pathways clear of any obstacles to allow free access to pedestrian traffic

There will be areas along the Seawall designated as no parking zones or restricted access areas marked off so please follow traffic signage. We’re looking forward to a safe and fun Mardi Gras celebration.

We have many hotels on the Island to fit all comfort levels and budgets. Certain hotels do offer Mardi Gras packages, which can be found here. If you wish to stay at a hotel not on that list, please contact them directly.

Mardi Gras! Galveston can bring up to 350,000 people. Because of this, it is important to plan your lodging ahead of time. Check out local Bed and Breakfasts that will be the perfect place to relax and regroup during the carnival. Visitors can also choose from a variety of bed-and-breakfasts or vacation rental homes.

Changes are being implemented to enhance public safety, which include:

• There will be no motorized vehicles – including golf carts – allowed on the Seawall or 25th Street on Saturday, February 22 from 9 a.m. until after the night parade.
• Cars parked on the Seawall MUST remain parked through the day Saturday until after the night parade. This means people will not be allowed to move their vehicles parked on the Seawall after the day parade. Participants should plan accordingly.
• Saturday, Feb. 21, 25th Street from Seawall Blvd. to Market Street will be closed in both directions from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. to safely allow for the passage of parades.
• Additionally, Saturday March 1, 25th Street from Seawall Blvd. to Market will be closed in both directions from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. to safely allow for the night parade.
• Officials encourage all revelers if you see something, say something – if you see any suspicious behavior, please find a law enforcement officer and make them aware.