🎭 Mardi Gras! Galveston 2026 — The Island’s Biggest Party
Galveston, Texas is gearing up for one of its most exciting seasons yet as Mardi Gras! Galveston returns for the 115th annual celebration from **February **6 through February 17, 2026.
This historic festival — one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States — blends beach vibes, parade tradition, live music, family fun, and tons of beads into two full weekends and a week of events in downtown Galveston and along the Seawall.
- 📅 Festival Dates & Highlights
- 🥳 Opening Weekend — February 6–8
- Friday, Feb. 6:
- Kickoff Celebration — Parade of krewes and beads, live entertainment, and the first big music night.
Saturday, Feb. 7: Parades Continue — The Mystic Krewe of Aquarius and the zaniest golf cart parade roll through the Entertainment District.
Sunday, Feb. 8: Fiesta Gras! — Two parades celebrating Hispanic culture with music, dancers, and color.
- 🎪 Mid-Festival Excitement — Feb. 9–12
- No parades, but the party lives on with concerts, balcony parties, vendors, DJ sets, and the new Mardi Gras! Street Circus featuring aerial acts, fire performers, LED light shows, sword demonstrations, and balloon spectacles — a bold new addition in 2026.
- 🎉 Second Weekend — Feb. 13–14
- Friday, Feb. 13:
- First Responders Day — Free admission for veterans, military, fire, police, and EMS; parades like the Danny Weber Fire Truck Parade and a big night march.
- Live headline: Gym Class Heroes later in the evening.
Saturday, Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day Celebration Parades — Multiple classic krewes hit the streets: Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire, Z Krewe Z, Ben E Keith, Jumpin’ Jays Bumpin’ Bus Parade, and the historic Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade. Music includes Lil’ Keke and more.
👨👩👧👦 Family Gras — Sunday, Feb. 15 A beloved free day for families! Shriners Children’s & Sunshine Kids Parade starts midday for a playful, inclusive celebration. Krewe of Barkus & Meoux — the pet parade — brings dogs, cats, lizards, ferrets and creative costumes.
🎭 Fat Tuesday — Feb. 17 The grand final party day, when the celebration reaches its peak in revelry, beads and Mardi Gras spirit.
🎶 Music, Concerts & Street Life
Galveston’s Mardi Gras isn’t just parades — it’s a festival of sound with: Headliners like Logan Ryan, Wade Bowen, Gym Class Heroes, and Lil’ Keke. Electric Mardi Gras! DJ sets and dance parties. Outdoor stages spanning The Strand and the Entertainment District.
🌴 What Makes This Unique
Unlike New Orleans’ Mardi Gras, Galveston brings the carnival to beachfront streets and historic downtown with: Over 20 parades across two weekends. A blend of celebration styles — from family and pet parades to high-energy night marches.
A reputation for millions of beads thrown and lively balcony parties.
🎉 In Summary
From February 6 to 17, 2026, Galveston transforms into a vibrant carnival island where every day brings:
✨ classic Mardi Gras pageantry 🎵 concerts and dance floors 🎭 new immersive spectacles 🐾 pet parades and family fun 🍹 and more beads than you can count
Come for the history, stay for the music — and let the good times roll!