Prepare for Mardi Gras Galveston

Searching for frivolous family fun with a side of glittery beads? Then costume up and  head to Galveston for the largest Mardi Gras celebration in Texas!

Mardi Gras Galveston begins Friday, Feb. 14, this year and ends on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 25. The bulk of the festivities take place in Galveston’s historic downtown in the Mardi Gras Entertainment District, with activities running in the area bordered by 20th to 25th streets and Harborside Drive to Mechanic Street. Parades and events also take place along the beachfront on Seawall Boulevard between 25th Street and 57th Street.

Once in the district, attendees will enter a whirlwind of activities including multiple parades, parties, live entertainment, food and more.

Musical headliners slated to perform include Houston alt-rock vets Blue October, Texas pop punks Bowling for Soup and regional norteño band Los Herederos De Nuevo León at the 2020 Corona Stage at Saengerfest Park, located at 23rd and Strand.

Other not-to-be-missed activities include:

2020 Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade, 8:30 p.m. Fri., Feb. 14

Jolly Jester Jaunt 5K, 11 a.m., Sat., Feb. 15

Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Parade, noon-3 p.m. Sat. Feb., 15

9th Annual Zaniest Golf Cart, 1 p.m. Sat., Feb. 15

Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sat., Feb. 22

Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Parade, 1:30 p.m. Sun., Feb. 23

There is a gate fee to enter the entertainment district. Once in the district, there is no additional fee for attending concerts and parades. Balcony parties require an additional ticket. General admission tickets run $16-$25 for adults; children 12 and under are free. Packages are available but must be purchased in advance.

Entrances to entertainment district are at 20th and Strand Street; Mechanic Street at 21st, 23rd and 25th Street and 21st and Harborside Drive

Seawall parades and festivities are free to attend.