Mardi Gras in Galveston

×

Expand

Francis Charles McMains

mid city gras parade

Mardi Gras celebrations are everywhere—even over in Texas. And on the island of Galveston, they're celebrating big time in 2023. Here are some of the events to keep an eye out for, if you find yourself out westward and still craving the purple, green, and gold: 

Through Carnival: Downtown Parades – Galveston’s historic downtown entertainment district will put you in the center of classic Mardi Gras revelry complete with 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 take place. The festival’s largest parades also run along the beachfront on Seawall Boulevard. 

Through Carnival: Mardi Gras Balls – If you’re looking to catch any of the colorful beads to be thrown from parade floats and downtown balconies, you don’t have to stand in the streets to do it. Mardi Gras! Galveston’s elegant side will feature several masked balls where black-tie attire, lavish buffets, live performers, dancing and parade viewing invoke the evening festivities. 

February 12: Fiesta Gras! – This year brings the return of the Hispanic heritage celebration with live entertainment performances from Grupo Secretto, Kazzabe and even Mariachis, themed parades, vendors and exclusive meet & greet balcony parties. 

February 19: FamilyGras – Family Gras at Mardi Gras! Galveston features live family entertainment, plus the Krewe of Barkus & Meoux pet parade, Mardi Gras Children’s Parade, and the Shriners Hospital Parade in the downtown entertainment district.

Visit mardigrasgalveston.com for parade routes, entertainment schedules, and balcony access/hotel packages.