Galveston might not be Bourbon Street, but Galveston gives New Orleans a run for its money as the largest Mardi Gras! celebration in Texas and the third-largest Mardi Gras celebration in the country. As we head toward the 2026 season, the island is gearing up for its most kaleidoscopic celebration yet, promising two weeks of non-stop revelry, parades, concerts, and more beads than you can carry.
From February 6 – February 17, 2026, Mardi Gras! Galveston will take over the downtown Strand District and the Seawall, drawing over 350,000 attendees and over 3 million beads for the ultimate island carnival.
First Friday Festivities
The festivities begin on Friday, February 6, with the Fab 5 Block Party. Here, the Fab 5 Beatles tribute band will lead the George P. Mitchell Honoree and guests to the Tremont House. Following the George P. Michell and Newe Krewe Award Presentations, the George P. Michell Mardi Gras Award Honoree Parade will commence at 7:30 pm at 25th & Mechanic Street – marking the first official parade to kick off the festival.
This will be followed by the world-record-breaking Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade at 8:30 pm and the new Da Krewe du Roux Gumbeax Gras Parade to cap off the night.
Meanwhile, visitors can also check out the brand new Mardi Gras Street Circus, which will kick off at 6 pm the first Friday. Taking place at the 22nd Street Stage, the circus will run throughout the festival will sword performances, aerialists, and mesmerizing light shows. The Grand Finale is poised a not-to-be-missed fire-breathing act.
For those who want to escape the crowds, booking a spot on one of the iconic Strand balconies is a must. These parties offer the best vantage point for bead-tossing and often include private bars and buffets.
The Super Parades & Themed Days
Over the two-week span, the island hosts over 20 parades, ranging from high-energy “super parades” to community-focused art car processions. While each parade is sure to bring the energy and vibrance expected of Mardi Gras! Galveston, here are the can’t miss parades this February:
- The Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Parade: Known as the second most historical Mardi Gras Social Organization, the parade features 12 double-decker floats along with over a dozen marching bands, dance teams, and other floats among 65 units. February 7.
- The Krewe of Gambrinus “Lights Up the Night Parade”: The Galveston Super Parade is a massive procession featuring 14 giant floats, many marching bands, and the tossing of over half a million beads and trinkets. February 7.
- Fiesta Gras! Parades: Kicking off on February 7, Fiesta Gras! Parades are a celebration of Hispanic heritage with stunning pageantry, Mariachi bands, and candy.
- The Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade: Galveston’s oldest Krewe and Super Parade will once again parade around the Entertainment District as the festival’s “Main Event” with a wild spectacle of floats, bands, and special guests. February 14.
- Family & Pet Sundays: The second weekend leans into family fun with the Shriners Children’s Texas & Sunshine Kids Parade and the fan-favorite Barkus & Meoux Parade, where local pets dress in their Mardi Gras best. February 15.
Entertainment & Live Music
Mardi Gras! Galveston isn’t just about the parades; it’s a massive music festival in its own right, across three stages—the Corona Extra Stage, The 22nd Street Stage and the Electric Mardi Gras Stage—the festival will host over 20 concerts.
Corona Extra Stage
- Feb. 6: Logan Ryan Band, Steph Cash Band, Brandon McDermott Band
- Feb. 7: Wade Bowen, MidLife Crisis, Mambo Jazz Kings, Too Much to Say (Dave Matthew tribute band)
- Feb. 8: Little Joe y La Familia, Secretto
- Feb. 13: Gym Class Heroes, The Line Up, East of Eado
- Feb. 14: Lil’ Keke, OGRE, Vegas Stars, SPRUNG
- Feb. 15: Galvezton, Galveston Musical Youth
Electric Mardi Gras Stage
- Feb. 6: DJ Shayan, DJ Bruce Waine
- Feb. 7: Four Color Zack, Randy Cobio, Sharky Marquez Band, DJ 2GOOD, DJ Nonstopp
- Feb.13: Angie Vee, DJ Henson
- Feb. 14: Asterium, Ron Barrett, DJ Zitro, DJ Joycon, DJ Nonstopp
The 22nd Street Stage will host the Mardi Gras! Street Circus on February 6, 7, 13, and 14.
Planning Your Visit
Tickets for the festival vary in price by date, available in daily passes or weekend packages. Admission to the Entertainment District (The Strand) requires a ticket, which grants you access to all parades and concerts within that area. Seawall parades, however, are typically free to the public.
For the best view of the Mardi Gras festivities, Strand Street Balconies are where to do so. Presently the festival is selling 1st and 2nd weekend multi-balcony access passes starting at $322. Individual balcony party passes are also on sale as of this article, including the balcony parties of Gym Class Heroes, Logan Ryan Band, and KX Carnival. Prices vary.
For more information about ticketing or the festival at large, visit the official website here.