Take in one or more of Galveston’s traditional, raucous and family-friendly Mardi Gras parades in Downtown and along the beach from Friday, February 21 through Tuesday, March 4, 2014.
Over the Galveston’s two-week Mardi Gras celebration, more than 20 parades and processions will move across the island. So we naturally pulled together a list of some of our favorites.
Parades inside the gated Entertainment District require admission, but several of the biggest events will be free to view along Seawall. The Entertainment District will also offer free admission on Sundays for Family Gras events and celebrations.
Friday, February 21, 2014
- George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Parade – Beginning at the Tremont House, this parade honoring the 2014 recipients of the George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award will travel down The Strand through the Entertainment District, complete with Budweiser Clydesdales, bands and floats. 7pm.
- 4th Annual Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade – See more than 2,000 umbrella dancers take to the street in an effort to surpass last year’s record-setting 1,792 participants. Each will be brandishing a decorated umbrella. Begins at 21st Street and The Strand. 8pm.
- Krewe da’ Yaga’s Café Parade – Enjoy a parade of floats and entertainment organized by the krewe over at Yaga’s Café. Begins at 20th Street and Harborside Drive. 10pm.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
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“Lights Up the Night” parade photo courtesy of Galveston Island CVB Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Mardi Gras Kickoff Parade | FREE to view on Seawall – Officially launching Galveston’s Mardi Gras season, this parade showcases 50 entries, including 15 high-stepping marching bands, 10 Krewe of Aquarius floats and more. The parade’s new route starts at 57th Street and Seawall Boulevard and proceed into the Uptown Entertainment District. Noon.
- Clear Channel Rock the Block Parade – The rockin’ parade in the entertainment district features the Clear Channel Krewe and cruises down The Strand. It begins at 20th Street and Harborside Drive. 3pm.
- Zaniest Golf Cart and Art Car Parade – Catch the procession of art car and decorated golf carts to compete for the wackiest vehicle. It begins at 20th Street and Harborside Drive. 4pm.
- Krewe of Gambrinus “Lights Up the Night” Parade | FREE to view on Seawall – King Gambrinus’ grand parade arrives complete with searchlights and a fireworks display. The parade of 12 lighted floats, marching bands and other entertainments starts on Seawall Boulevard at 57th Street, heads to 25th Street and then enters the Entertainment District. 6pm.
- Build Your Own Krewe Parade – An unpredictable procession of local and visiting revelers will comprise this Mardi Gras parade in the Entertainment District. 10:30pm.
Family Gras! on Sunday, February 23, 2014
- Sunshine Kids Parade | FREE – Honoring children affected by cancer, this parade will proceed through the Entertainment District on this free family day. Donations given at the gate will support the Sunshine Kids nonprofit. 1pm.
- Shriners Hospitals For Children – Galveston Parade | FREE – Enjoy high school marching bands, Shriners clowns and mini-cars in this parade of patients, families and friends of Shriners Hospitals for Children. The event is free and donations will be accepted at the gate to support Shriners. 3pm.
Friday, February 28, 2014
- Danny Weber Memorial Fire Truck Parade – See a parade of fire trucks, hailing from across Texas, proceed down The Strand with lights and sirens in honor of Danny Weber, Sr., who served the Galveston Fire Department for 30 years. It starts at 20th Street and Harborside Drive. 7pm.
- Krewe Babalu 9th Annual “All Krewe Parade” – Showcasing a collection of floats from krewes, businesses and organizations across the region, this all-hands parade starts at 25th Street and Ships Mechanics Row and travels through the Entertainment District. 8pm.
- Krewe of Maximilian Parade – Walk on the wild side with this Krewe that mixes some Galveston and Texas culture in with Mardi Gras’ traditional French and New Orleans heritage. Begins at 20th Street and Harborside Drive. 9:30pm.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
- Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire Parade | FREE – See high-stepping marching bands accompanied by bead throwing and even some food throwing riders. Parade starts at Kemper Park and travels down Seawall, ending on 27th Street and Avenue M. 4pm.
- Z Krewe 20th Processional – Expect bands, beads and merriment at this krewe’s 20th appearance. It starts on Mechanic at 25th Street, travels down 20th Street and then onto The Strand. 1pm.
- Houston Chronicle Neauxs Krewe Parade – The Neauxs Krewe will be tossing more than newspapers as it rolls down The Strand. It starts at 20th Street and Harborside Drive. 2:30pm.
- Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler Parade – Let the good times roll as this Louisiana-style parade in the Entertainment District starts to wrap up Galveston’s two-week Mardi Gras celebration. 4:30pm.
- Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade | FREE to view on Seawall – Catch the elaborate floats of Momus, accompanied by marching bands and throwing beads in this culmination of the final Saturday night’s parade festivities. It begins on Seawall Boulevard at 23rd Street, turns right on 25th Street and then heads into the Entertainment District. 6:30pm.
Family Gras! on Sunday, March 2, 2014
- Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Parade | FREE – Take in a family parade of costumed pets of all sizes, shapes and species. It starts at 28th Street and Seawall Boulevard and proceeds to 47th Street. 1pm.
- Mardi Gras Children’s Parade | FREE – Firefighters Local 571 hosts a parade dedicated to Galveston’s children and families, complete with floats and costumed children. It starts at 28th Street and Seawall Boulevard and proceeds to 47th Street. 2pm.
Fat Tuesday, March 4, 2014
- Krewe of Aquarius Fat Tuesday Parade – Galveston’s grand Mardi Gras parade, presented by the Mystic Krewe of Acquarius, marks the close of the island’s 2014 celebration. Proceeding through the Entertainment District, it will present marching bands, dance teams, lighted floats and revelry to mark the final hours of Mardi Gras Galveston 2014. 6:30pm.