Mardi Gras in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama is filled with great parades, King Cake, and so much good food.
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Mardi Gras Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
When it comes to Mardi Gras, the Gulf Coast of Alabama knows how to celebrate! One thing we love is that the celebrations are family-friendly, so people of all ages can enjoy Carnival Season.
Mardi Gras began in Mobile, Alabama, back in 1703. Yes, you read that right. Mobile is home to the original Mardi Gras.
While New Orleans' Mardi Gras gets a lot of attention, it is worth knowing that the event started in Mobile.
Below you will find 2024 Mardi Gras Parade routes for Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fairhope, Foley, and Fort Morgan. Along with information on what to bring with you, where to buy King Cake, and so much more.
Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler - Let the Good Times Roll
What to bring to Mardi Gras Parades
Wondering what to bring with you to a Mardi Gras Parade? Don't worry, we have you covered. The most important things to bring include:
Chair - We bring our camping chairs so we can hold a spot and be comfortable waiting for the parades to start.
Bag - You will want a bag to hold your Mardi Gras throws! One of the best parts of the parades outside of seeing the floats is catching throws.
Mardi Gras throws include Moon Pies, beads, stuffed animals, plastic cups, candy, and so much more.
Sunscreen - Depending on the weather, you will want sunscreen and sunglasses. We didn't apply any during our first Mardi Gras day parade and looked a bit lobster-ish afterward.
Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade
Date - Tuesday, February 17, at 10 a.m.!
Gulf Shores Parade Route
The 2026 Gulf Shores Mardi Gras parade is moving back to Hwy 59!!!!! The 2026 parade will begin at Clubhouse Drive and continue south to the intersection of Highway 59 and Highway 182/Beach Boulevard.
Gulf Shores 1st Mardi Gras Parade was in 1978. Since then, it has grown into an amazing event for locals and visitors.
2026 marks the 47th Annual Mardi Gras Parade in Gulf Shores!
Road Closures for Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade
7am - Staging area closed to general public
- W 1st St. from 19th Ave to Clubhouse Dr
- Clubhouse Dr between W 1st St and W 2nd St.
- W 2nd St. from West 19th Ave to Commerce Dr.
7 am - Gulf Place Closed
9:35 am - Intersectin of 20th Ave and Hwy 59
Misc. Local Things to know
In observance of Mardi Gras, all non-essential city offices will be closed on Tuesday, February 17.
- Trash and recycling collection services will not be affected. All routes will operate as usual.
- Yard debris/bulky pickup will not run on Tuesday, February 17. Routes will run Wednesday, February 18, through Friday, February 20.
- The Bodenhamer Recreation Center will remain open from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- The Gulf Shores City Store will remain open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- The Tennis and Pickleball courts will remain open and available for play.
Entry Fees
Entry fees have been lowered to just $25 per unit, and updated insurance options now allow participants to either provide proof of vehicular liability insurance or add the City of Gulf Shores as an additional insured on an existing liability policy
Parking for the Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade
The following public parking locations will be open. We suggest arriving early so you can get a parking space and spot along the side of the road.
We will share updated parking information as soon as we have the complete route for the 2026 Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade
Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parades
Mystics of Pleasure Parade
Date - Saturday February 14th, 6 pm
For 2026, the Mystics of Pleasure Mardi Gras Parade will be reversed from prior years! The parade will begin in front of the Publix Shopping Center and travel WEST to the Powerline Road just before the Village of Tannin.
The parade will travel on the SOUTH side of the road.
2026 Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade
Date - Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 2 pm
The Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade will begins on Perdido Beach Blvd at the traffic signal just east of Phoenix West Condominiums and travel east, ending at the intersection at Highway 161 and Perdido Beach Boulevard, just past the Publix shopping center.
At the median, the parades will move to the eastbound lanes (southside of the beach highway.)
Parking for the Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade
There are multiple parking areas along the parade route. Make sure you are not blocking any entrances or in no parking zones.
Things to know
During the Mardi Gras parades, the City of Orange Beach closes Highway 182 (Perdido Beach Boulevard) within the city limits of Orange Beach.
On Saturday ,the road will be closed from as early as 4:00 PM until as late as 7:30 PM.
On Tuesday, the road will be closed from from as early as 1:00 PM until as late as 4:00 PM.
The Wharf Mardi Gras Parade - MoonPies on Main
Date - Monday, February 16, 2026
4 pm - Kids & Pet Parade
6 pm - Float Parade
7 pm - SPECTRA Laser Light Experience
Parade routes
Kids & Pet Parade Route - 2 blocks of Main Street
Float Parade - All of Main Street to the Traffic Circle and back again.
2027 Wharf Mardi Gras Parade Date -TBD
LuLu's Mardi Gras Boat Parade
Date -Tuesday February 17th, LuLu's opens at 10am
Birthday Cake to celebrate the restaurant's 27th birthday. Tin Tops live on stage from 10:30 am - 3 -pm
Mardi Gras Boat Parade will arrive at 4pm
Boats can be registred with Homeport Marina.
Enjoy a fun afternoon with live music, dancing, a Mardi Gras boat parade, and delicious food!
OWA Mardi Gras Parades & Events
Krewe du Kidz Masquerade
Date - February 7th, 10 am - 5 pm
The fun begins at 10 a.m. with registration opening for OWA's Mardi Gras King and Queen competition.
Fun afternoon for kids to enjoy crafts, games, and a shoebox float competition. Perfect for all ages!
- 10:00 am - 5:00 pm:
- Kids' activities throughout Downtown OWA
- Live DJ at the Splashpad
- Street performers throughout Downtown OWA
- 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Performance by the South Baldwin Dance Team
- 4:00 pm: Crowning of Krewe du Kidz King & Queen. Come to Krewe du Kidz dressed in your finest Mardi Gras regalia to be in the running for Krewe du Kidz King or Queen! Must be present to win. King and Queen are invited to ride on OWA's float at the Mardi Gras Parade & Party on February 15th.
OWA Mardi Gras Day and Parade
Date - February 15th, 2026, 2pm - 9 pm
- 2:00 - 5:00 pm:
- Street Performances throughout Downtown OWA
- Kids activities throughout Downtown OWA
- 2:00 - 3:30 pm: Live music
- 4:00 - 5:30 pm: Live music
- 6:00 - 7:00 pm: Mardi Gras Parade throughout Downtown OWA
- 7:00 - 9:00 pm: Live music
- 8:00 pm: Parade Participant Award Ceremony at the beginning of the parade route
- Best Float - $100
- Best Krewe - $100
- Best Throws - $100
- Best Band - $100
- OWA Choice - $100 Championship Belt
- 8:30 pm: King Cake Eating Competition at the Splashpad | Registration begins at 7:00 pm
- 1st place - 2 Day ticket to Tropic Falls & Award
- 2nd & 3rd place - 1 Day ticket to Tropic Falls
Additional Gulf Coast of Alabama Mardi Gras Parades and Events
Foley Mardi Gras Parade 2026
Date -Saturday February 14th, 11 am, Krewe de Kaoz
Parade Route - Starts on Roosevelt Street going east, then north on Alston, west on 98 and south on Oak to W. Roosevelt Avenue, ends at Foley Kid's Park
2026 Fort Morgan Mardi Gras Parade
Date - February 15, 2026, 1 pm
Parade Route - Begins at Triple Tail Lane and Ponce de Leon Court, heads west down Ponce de Leon Court, and ends at Bernard Court East.
2026 Fairhope Mardi Gras Parades
Saturday, February 7th, 3 pm - Mystic Mutts of Revelry Pet Parade
Saturday, February 7th, 6:45 pm - Knights of Ecor Rouge
Friday, February 13, 6:45 pm - Maids of Jubilee
Saturday, February 14th, 2 pm- Krewe of Mullet Mates (Parade is on Bon Secour Bay on Baldwin County Hwy 1)
Monday, February 16th, 6:45 pm - Order of Mystic Magnolias
Parking for Fairhope Mardi Gras Parades
Public parking is available at no cost on the streets of downtown Fairhope on a first come first serve basis.
2026 Dauphin Island Mardi Gras Parades
Saturday, January 17th, 1 pm - Krewe De La Dauphine Mardi Gras Parade
Saturday, January 24, 1 pm - Dauphin Island People's Parade
Saturday, January 31, 2pm- Order of the Rolling River
Saturday, February 1, 6:30 pm - Massacre Island Secret Society
2026 Daphne Mardi Gras Parades
Friday, February 6th, 6:45 pm - Apollo's Mystic Ladies
Saturday, February 14th, 6:45 pm - The Shadow Barons
Sunday, February 15th, 2:29 pm - Loyal order of the Fire Truck Mardi Gras Parade
Mardi Gras Events in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Flora Bama Fat Tuesday Celebration
Celebrate Mardi Gras Flora Bama Style with live music, beads, and king cake.
Music by Dalton Bush, Mike Diamond, T-Bone Montgomery Bay, Al & Cathy, Willy Traywick, Smokey Otis Band, and Dangerous Curves.
The Gulf Mardi Paws Parade
Date - Sunday, February 15 | 🕛 12-4 PM | 🎶 DJ: 1-4 PM | 🐾 Dog Parade: 2 PM
Let the good times roll with wagging tails! Bring your four-legged Mardi Gras dog to The Gulf for a pawty they won't forget. Enjoy dog parades, costume contests, festive cocktails, live music, and all the Gulf Coast good vibes you can handle.
Pup Perks (Free to Attend + Enter!)
🎭 Costume Contest - Most Festive Pup wins a $100 gift card
🌮 Free Chips & Queso when your dog shows up in costume
🍦 Complimentary pup cups for all furry guests
(All dogs welcome-just keep 'em leashed and well-behaved!)
Eat, Drink & Celebrate:
Themed cocktail specials all day, plus Red Beans & Rice and King Cake Beignets.
Adopt-a-Pup with Zeke's Paws Rescue:
Meet adorable adoptable dogs looking for their forever homes. Donations welcome: bagged treats, dog food, toys, blankets, or towels.
Throw on some beads, dress up your pup, and let's pawdi Mardi Gras-style by the water!
2026 Mobile Mardi Gras Parades by Date
Here's the 2026 downtown schedule:
Thursday, February 5
- 6:30 pm - Order of Polka Dots
Friday, February 6
- 6:30 pm - Order of Inca
Saturday, February 7
- 1:00 pm - Mobile Mystics
- 1:30 pm - Mobile Mystical Revelers
- 2:00 pm - Mobile Mystical Friends
- 6:30 pm - Maids of Mirth (Route G)
- 7:00 pm - Order of Butterfly Maidens
- 7:30 pm - Krewe of Marry Mates
Sunday, February 8
- 6:30 pm - Neptune's Daughters
- 7:00 pm - Order of Isis
- Monday, February 9
- 6:30 pm - Order of Venus
- 7:00 pm - Miracle On the Bay
- 7:30 pm - Order of Many Faces
Tuesday, February 10
- 6:30 pm - Order of LaShe's
- 7:00 pm - Order of Olympia
- Thursday, February 12
- 6:30 pm - Mystic Stripers Society
Friday, February 13
- 6:30 pm - Crewe of Columbus
- 7:00 pm - Krewe de Secondline
Saturday, February 14
- 12:00 noon - Floral Parade
- 12:30 pm - Knights of Mobile
- 1:00 pm - Mobile Mystical Ladies
- 1:30 pm - Order of Angels
- 2:00 pm - Joy of Life
- 5:45 pm - Mystics of Time (Route H)
Sunday, February 15 - JOE CAIN DAY
- 2:00 pm - King Elexis I (Route E)
- 2:30 pm - Joe Cain Marchers
- 3:00 pm - Joe Cain Society
Monday, February 16 - LUNDI GRAS
- 11:30 am - King Felix III Parade
- 12:00 - Floral Parade
- 2:00 pm - MLK Business & Civic Organization Parade (Route D)
- 2:30 pm - MLK Monday Mystics (Route D)
- 3:00 pm - Northside Merchants (Route D)
- 6:30 pm - Infant Mystics (Route F)
- 7:00 pm - Order of Doves (Route F)
Tuesday, February 17 - FAT TUESDAY
- 10:30 am - Order of Athena
- 12:30 pm - Knights of Revelry
- 1:00 pm - King Felix III Parade
- 1:30 pm - Comic Cowboys
- 2:00 pm - MAMGA Mammoth (Route B)
- 6:00 pm - Order of Myths (Route C)
Where to Buy King Cake in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Ruby Slipper Orange Beach - Has a great Carnival Menu that includes King Cake Beignets topped with almond cheesecake, blueberry compote and Mardi Gras sugar crystals, Ooh-Bae Stuffed French Toast filled with ube cheesecake and passion fruit popping boba and the Krewe-Berry Margarita, blending tequila, fresh blueberry juice and a Mardi Gras sugar salt rim.
BuzzCatz Bakery & Sweets (Orange Beach) - You can order different sizes and flavors of King Cake from Buzz Catz including cream cheese, cinnamon sugar, strawberry, raspberry, Bavarian Cream, Pecan Praline, and Nutella. They come in 6 inch, 10 inch, or 15 inch king cakes. They also stock their grab and go case with King Cakes.
Rouses Grocery Store - Multiple king cake flavors include traditional and filled (Strawberry Filled, Praline Filled, Apple Filled, Bavarian Filled, Lemon Filled, Cream Cheese Filled, Strawberry Cream Cheese Filled, Apple Cream Cheese Filled.) Rouses also sells Blue Bell King Cake Ice Cream.
Deep South Cake Company (Orange Beach) - They have Gambino's King Cakes from New Orleans.
Beach Girl Coffee - This epic drivethru coffee shop has King Cake Iced Coffee
Sweet Home Coffee (Robertsdale) - King Cake Coffee Drink
SmallCakes (Foley) - King Cake Cheesecake, Gambino's King Cake from New Orleans, King Cake Ice Cream, King Cake Cupcakes
Panini Pete's (Fairhope) - Mardi Gras beignets, Mardi Gras burger, Muffaletta, T-shirts and Cafe au Lait.
Flora-Bama Yacht Club (Orange Beach/Perdido Key) - They have a great King Cake Cocktail.
CoastAL (Orange Beach) - Waiting on 2026 update
GypsyQueen Java (Foley) - Waiting on 2026 update
Another Broken Egg Orange Beach - Waiting on 2026 update
Big Beach Brewing - They have a Kreweser amber ale for mardi gras
Avenue Pub - They have a great King Cake Bushwacker
Bahama Buck's Orange Beach - Has a fantastic King Cake Snowball
8 Reale Speakeasy - has a King Cake Cocktail!
Daisy's Donuts - Iced King Cake Latte and King Cake Donuts (Classic King Cake, Cream Cheese King Cake, and Bavarian Cream King Cake) available until February 18th
Where to Buy Mardi Gras Outfits and Gifts
Emporium at C - This Orange Beach gift shop has great outfits, jewelry. and more.
Walmart - Walmart has a huge selection of Mardi Gras throws, costumes, and so much more.
Amazon - You can find a huge selection of outfits, beads, hats, and really anything you can think of.
Additional Gulf Coast of Alabama Travel Guides
Kid friendly things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - Check out all of the best family friendly activities.
Things to do in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach when it Rains - Don't let a little rain ruin your trip to the Gulf Coast! These activities are perfect for rainy days.
Free things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - Check out the local playground, public beach access points, and so much more.
Things to do in Foley, AL - Don't miss all of the fun to be had in nearby Foley including the amazing Homes Medical Museum and the Railroad Museum.
Things to do in Fairhope, AL - The top things to do in Fairhope, Alabama, include attractions, dining, sunset, wildlife, nature preserves, and so much more!
Things to do on Dauphin Island, AL - The best things to do while visiting this coastal Alabama island.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Lodging
If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations. We have personally stayed at each of these lodging options (except Margaritaville, coming 2027!):
Use code GULFJOURNEY at checkout with Spectrum Resorts and Beachball Properties for an exclusive discount!
🏖️ Beachball Properties - Vacation houses and condos throughout Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount. Book with Beachball Properties
🏖️ The Beach Club Resort and Spa (Fort Morgan) - Beachfront condos with amazing amenities, a spa, and the incredible Coast Restaurant on-site. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount with Spectrum Resorts. Book The Beach Club
🏖️ Turquoise Place (Orange Beach) - Our favorite resort in the area! Luxury amenities, epic Gulf-front views, and stunning condos. Truly unforgettable. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount with Spectrum Resorts. Book Turquoise Place
🏨 The Tides Hotel (Orange Beach) - Gorgeous beachfront hotel with a great breakfast buffet, outdoor pool, and top-notch customer service. Book The Tides
🏨 Island House Hotel (Orange Beach) - Right on the beach with epic views from every room. Book Island House
⛺ Timberline Glamping (Orange Beach) - Stay in an amazing glamping tent with a private bathroom, right next to Gulf State Park. Book Timberline
🏨 The Lodge at Gulf State Park - Beachfront Hilton hotel in Gulf State Park offering epic views, sustainable practices, and great on-site restaurants. Book The Lodge
🏨 Springhill Suites Orange Beach - Located next to The Wharf with a gorgeous pool. Perfect location for shopping and dining. Book Springhill Suites
🔜 Margaritaville Resort Orange Beach (Coming 2027) - The highly anticipated Margaritaville resort is coming to Orange Beach! The first phase opens in 2027 and will include beachfront cottages, bungalows, condos, pickleball courts, and an entertainment district.
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tours
These are some of our favorite tours available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.
Dolphin Tours - Book a dolphin cruise here
Check out our experiences on Hammock Time Tiki Tours, Explorer Dolphin Cruise, Southern Rose Dolphin cruise, Cruise OB (Orange Beach), Sail Wild Hearts, Sunset Sail and Dolphin Tour, and the Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruise.
Slingshot Rentals - Use code GULFJOURNEY To save 10% off a Slingshot Rental with Gulf Coast Rental Co in Orange Beach
Pontoon Boat Rentals - Enjoy cruising the waters of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on a Pontoon. Check out the pontoon boats with slides for extra fun. Book your Boat Rental Here
Parasailing - Check out the epic views as you parasail in the Gulf of Mexico. Look for wildlife and you float high above the water. Book your Parasailing Trip Here
Jet Ski Rentals - Jet Ski Tours and rentals are a great way to explore the back bays of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Book your Jet Ski Rental Here
Click here to see all of the top rated tours and activities available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, and more.
Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
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