Last updated on November 29th, 2025 at 04:42 pm

Mardi Gras 2026 on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is officially underway!
The season begins on January 6, 2026, and builds to Fat Tuesday on February 17, 2026. Our countdown clock has already been reset — the excitement is on!

Most Gulf Coast parades roll out two weeks before Fat Tuesday, so the party starts early. See the calendar below.

👉 Tip: Bookmark this page or join our email list so you don’t miss parade maps, lineup announcements, or insider tips from locals who’ve celebrated Mardi Gras here for decades.

Get ready — Mardi Gras 2026 is shaping up to be even bigger than last year! 🎭🎉

You thought New Orleans was the only place in North America with Mardi Gras. I was completely unaware that the idea of a Mardi Gras parade and season did not start in New Orleans but instead in Mobile, AL. Mardi Gras parades are held all along the northern Gulf of Mexico as far West as the Texas border. But this article is not about other states, so let’s get into the Mississippi Gulf Coast parades.

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Countdown until Fat Tuesday, February 17, 2026

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Mardi Gras or Carnival season actually begins on the 12th night. 12 days after Christmas. A Christian holy day. Many Krewes schedule festive balls for the 12th night celebrations.

Most Mardi Gras parades are usually scheduled within two weeks of Fat Tuesday (see the schedule below). Mississippi Gulf Coast cities host at least one parade, with some hosting day and evening parades. Attending a day parade and an evening parade gives you two different experiences.

Why the Mississippi Gulf Coast Is the Best Place to Experience Mardi Gras

While New Orleans reported nearly 1 million visitors during Mardi Gras 2025 — with more than 327,000 people packed into parade routes on a single day — the Mississippi Gulf Coast offers a more enjoyable, less chaotic way to celebrate.

Here’s why more families, retirees, and smart travelers are choosing the Coast instead:

• More Family-Friendly: Mississippi’s Mardi Gras parades are safe, relaxed, and welcoming for all ages — without the late-night chaos, explicit costumes, or rowdy party crowds common in the French Quarter.
• Less Traffic and Easier Parking: Instead of sitting in hours of gridlock, you can arrive early, park close to the route, and enjoy the parade without stress.
• Lower Cost of Accommodations: Hotels and vacation rentals on the Mississippi Gulf Coast are often half the price of a New Orleans stay — especially during peak Mardi Gras week.
• Multiple Parades Across Close Communities: Instead of being confined to one city, you can enjoy parades in Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs, Pass Christian, Long Beach, Bay St. Louis, and more — all within a short 20–30 minute drive.
• Plenty of Dining Without the Long Waits: Local restaurants stay lively, but not overwhelmed. You can still get a great meal without a two-hour wait.
• Same Mardi Gras Spirit — Without the Overload: Beads still fly, brass bands still play, doubloons still sparkle — but you can actually see the parade instead of fighting shoulder-to-shoulder.

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Pro Tip:
The best Mardi Gras strategy is simple — stay on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, enjoy multiple local parades throughout the week, then take a day trip to New Orleans if you want to check it off the list. That way, you get all the fun with none of the chaos.

Feature	Mississippi Gulf Coast	New Orleans
Crowds	Spacious and relaxed — easy to find a good spot	Wall-to-wall people; 300,000+ in one parade day
Family-Friendliness	Perfect for kids, seniors, church and school groups	Fun but can be wild and adult-themed
Parking & Traffic	Easy driving, free or low-cost parking	Heavy traffic, expensive or distant parking lots
Cost of Stay	Hotels & rentals far cheaper — even oceanfront	Peak pricing — often double or triple rates
Number of Parade Options	Dozens across Biloxi, Gulfport, Long Beach, Ocean Springs, Pass Christian, etc.	Mostly centralized in one zone
Restaurant Wait Times	Lively but manageable — plenty of local spots	Often hour-long waits or more
Overall Experience	Relaxed, authentic, affordable — Mardi Gras without the stress	Energetic and iconic — but overwhelming and expensive

The Krewe of Neptune night parade in Biloxi is the largest on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Dozens of floats, marching bands, and many entertainers line the 1.5 miles of city streets. Krewe of Neptune Biloxi night parade route click here.

Bring your chair

Some hardcore parade attendees come every year. They know the routine. Come early to park your car closer. Bring chairs, ice chests, blankets if it’s cool, and other comforts. Stake out your area and move in. Some people tailgate, cooking on the back of their vehicles.

This is a family affair; bring everyone. Dress for the weather, which for us locals is cool this time of the year. There are a few parades without fences, so be sure to keep the kids close. Be prepared to catch beads and other goodies as the Krew members on the floats throw them to you. One year, I caught several moon pies. My wife and one of our friends caught sequined bras (strange but real).

Be prepared to meet people. People are friendly, say hello to those around you, ask where they are from, and you may meet some new friends. Most parades listed below take place in the downtown section of the community listed. Due to rain, some have been rescheduled. Check with the City if heavy rain is expected.

Mardi Gras 2026 Season Timeline

The following chart outlines the key dates and events for the Mardi Gras season on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, running from January 6, 2026, to Fat Tuesday, February 17, 2026. This timeline is based on information from the provided document and general Mardi Gras traditions.

Date	Event	Description
January 6, 2026	Start of Carnival Season (Twelfth Night)	Marks the official beginning of Mardi Gras, 12 days after Christmas. Many krewes host festive balls to kick off the season.
Early February 2026	Parade Season Begins (Approx. 2 Weeks Before Fat Tuesday)	Most parades start rolling out, typically in cities like Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs, and others. Check official schedules in November 2025.
February 17, 2026	Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras Day)	The culmination of the season with major parades, including the Gulf Coast Carnival Association Parade in Biloxi and the Krewe of Real People Parade in Bay St. Louis.
February 18, 2026	Ash Wednesday	Marks the end of Mardi Gras and the beginning of Lent, a period of reflection in the Christian calendar.

Notes:

• Key parades to watch for include the Krewe of Neptune Night Parade (Biloxi), Ocean Springs Carnival Association Night Parade, and Krewe of Gemini Parade (Gulfport).
• Events like krewe balls, 5k runs (e.g., GCCA Annual 5k Run for the Beads), and pet parades (e.g., Krewe of Barkloxi Pet PAWrade) occur throughout the season.

2026 Mardi Gras Parade Schedule

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MY FAVORITES

I must admit that I have not been to all of the parades. Since I live in Ocean Springs, I must admit that with some bias, this is one of my favorites. The parade winds through the town, allowing for lots of viewing space. You are very close to the action here. They have two parades, but I like the night parade best.

The lights and sounds and the people just love it. What a great way to wind down a day or week. It can be noisy, so be prepared for lots of screening. Be sure not to get in the way of people grabbing for beads thrown from the floats.

The Biloxi Day parade is nice as well because it includes bands and performers from all over the country. It seemed that about half of the high school bands in Mississippi attended. Those kids are terrific. The Gulfport parade is equally as large, with many bands and performers. Try to attend one of the larger parades and one of the smaller parades; each has its own character.

Each of the parades has its character, and the KREWES work hard all year to get ready for the parades. FYI, the parades are not the only activities that take place. The KREWES have masked balls during the season; joining a Krewe is similar to joining a club. Consider becoming a Krewe member and joining in all of their annual events, which include much more than just the Mardi Gras season.

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Mardi Gras FAQ’s

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History of Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras or Carnival came from Europe and is still an important event in France, Italy, Brazil, and Germany (perhaps more countries) to this day. When I was stationed in Germany, I learned of the Fasching season, which is much the same as Mardi Gras.

People dress up and party until Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. Among the largest celebrations are the carnival in Venice, Italy, and Rio de Janeiro each year. These follow the same basic religious calendar, with Fat Tuesday or the day before Ash Wednesday being the beginning of Lent.

People who live along the Gulf Coast have grown up with Mardi Gras since it started in the last century in Mobile. Without a doubt, they were not throwing out Moon Pies when they started. The KREWS or clubs are usually local and derive their membership from the local community. Just about everyone from the area knows someone who belongs to one of the KREWES.

As you can see above, Mardi Gras is more than just parades. The king cake is a favorite of the Mardi Gras season. This special cake has a surprise inside. The Mardi Gras tree morphs from the Christmas tree to the Mardi Gras tree with all of the Mardi Gras colors. Several of the casinos have very large ones like the one above.

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History of Throws in Mardi Gras

Origins of Throws

• European Roots: The tradition of Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday,” dates back to medieval Europe, particularly in France. Early celebrations included feasts, masks, and merriment before the austerity of Lent.
• Arrival in America: Mardi Gras was brought to Louisiana by French settlers in the early 18th century. The first organized Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans occurred in the mid-19th century, featuring floats and participants in elaborate costumes.

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Birth of Throws

• Start of the Tradition: In the 1870s, the Krewe of Twelfth Night Revelers began tossing trinkets to parade spectators, marking the beginning of the “throws” tradition.
• Beads: Glass beads were introduced in the early 20th century and quickly became a favorite—colorful, affordable, easy to toss.
• Doubloons: Aluminum/plastic doubloons, stamped with the Krewe’s emblem and theme, were introduced in 1960 by the Krewe of Rex and became prized collectibles.
• Other Items: Toys, stuffed animals, cups, and signature throws (like Zulu coconuts) followed.

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Symbolism and Culture

• Beads and Colors: Purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power) were established in 1872 by the Krewe of Rex; throws often reflect these colors.
• Catch Me If You Can: Throws embody generosity and playful engagement between krewes and spectators.
• Cultural Identity: Each krewe’s throws reflect its unique identity and annual theme.

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Modern Evolution

• Eco-Friendly Alternatives: Biodegradable beads, reusable items, and locally made trinkets are on the rise.
• Personalized Throws: Signature items (e.g., Muse’s shoes, Nyx purses) are highly sought-after.

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Fun Facts

• Coconuts: The Zulu coconut is one of the most coveted throws and is now handed out rather than thrown for safety.
• Beads for a Cause: Many organizations recycle beads after Mardi Gras to support charitable initiatives.

Check out this page, its a business that sells Mardi Gras supplies, look at al of their products.

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Another reason why I like the Mississippi Gulf Coast

One of the most popular articles on this site is about why I decided to move to Ocean Springs from California. You can read it by clicking on the link. Mardi Gras is one of those small pleasures that you can look forward to every year. My wife and I have a calendar of sorts listing all of the events that we want to attend. You have to schedule these, or you will forget and attend to another. There are so many events all year that it’s hard to keep track of them.

Mardi Gras is one of our favorites, and we will attend one or two parades. I am hoping that the Mardi Gras parade schedule for 2026 will be released sooner this year. There are a lot of moving parts in coordinating the various Krews with city requirements, including police, fire, and public works.

If you want to read another article that is somewhat similar but with more details, try reading Why You Need to Retire on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. If you think it’s too soon to think about retirement, you need to read some of our articles about the topic, you may be surprised by. Just as I was surprised by all of the Mardi Gras activity on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, you may learn something you did not know about the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Mardi Gras Krewes

I was thinking that adding some of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Mardi Gras Krewe contact information might be something my readers may be interested in. As I have mentioned above, belonging to a Mardi Gras Krewe is not just about the annual parade. Krewes are clubs with activities throughout the year. The two biggest events are the Ball, which takes place after January 1, and the Mardi Gras parade.

Take a look at some of Krewe’s websites and Facebook accounts, and see the costumes and activities they get involved in. Some of the Krewe sites below provide parade routes and other information.

If you are local, you may want to join a Krewe. A friend of mine just joined one of the Krewes for the social aspects. The following are just a few of the many Krewes located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Click on the blue name to visit their site or page.

Note: if your Krewe is not mentioned here, contact us with information, and it will be posted.

The King and Queen

Each Krewe elects a King and Queen every year to represent the Krewe in activities, plus the Mardi Gras Parade float. The photo above is one example of the pageantry that goes on within the Krewes preceding Mardi Gras each year. Check out the links above to see more photos of the various Krewes’ activities.

The king and queen of a Mardi Gras krewe are prominent figures who play a central role in the krewe’s festivities. Each year, krewes select individuals to serve as the royalty for their organization—often based on tradition, contributions to the krewe, or the member’s standing within the group.

Roles and Responsibilities

1. King: Symbolizes authority and leadership. Leads the parade, presides over the ball, and embodies the revelry of the season.
2. Queen: A symbol of grace and pageantry. Accompanies the King, reigns over events, and represents the krewe throughout the season.

Significance

• Royalty adds spectacle and tradition to Mardi Gras celebrations.
• Selection often follows krewe traditions and ceremonies.
• Royalty may also participate in community and charity events.

It’s all about the food

It’s all about the food

You can’t visit the Mississippi Gulf Coast without tasting some of our great food. The Coast is known for fresh Gulf shrimp and crawfish season overlaps Mardi Gras—perfect for a boil. Don’t miss our Mississippi catfish, too.

You must read our article about Mardi Gras food recipes. Click here.

Check out the top 10 foods available to you when visiting the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Y’all come and visit us. Our winter is not like your winter. We complain when the weather gets to 65 degrees as being cold. If you are digging out of snow, come visit and thaw out.

The weather

Gulfport, MS • Mardi Gras Week 2026. This outlook will be updated as we get closer.

Mardi Gras season is a great time to visit. If you like it here, buy a vacation home or move here. Contact Logan-Anderson, Gulf Coastal Realtors. When my wife and I travel, we like to see local home prices—take a look.

Is there anything else to do?

Lots of things to do. According to this article, Biloxi has at least 52 things to do. More in this article. Of course, there are Ocean Springs, Gulfport, and all of the other cities along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, full of events and places to go, eat, and have fun. Check out this Activities page.

Where to stay

If you live in the area, drive to the event and drive back home after. If you are traveling to the area, we suggest a vacation rental. The Mississippi Gulf Coast is ground zero for great vacation rentals.

ChristiesGulfBeachRentals.com is an option for accommodations during your Mardi Gras stay. Christies is offering free travel insurance to guests who book directly on their site.

Looking for a place to retire?

If you like what you see on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, why not retire here? Many people retire on the Coast. Housing and most costs of living are substantially lower than in other areas of the country. ZERO state taxes on all retirement income from pensions, 401k, etc.

Check out this article, “Why you need to retire on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.” If you retire here, you can experience Mardi Gras every year.

Additional resources

Parade routes are available on official city websites and at the Krewe sites listed above. If you would like to see and do more while you are visiting, check Christie’s Gulf Beach Rentals Activities site for many things to do on the Coast.

Like parades? Plan to attend a Saint Patrick’s Day parade on March 14, 2026, in downtown Biloxi. The Hibernia Irish Society sponsors this parade every year.

Ocean Springs Day Parade

If you are considering starting a business after retirement in Ocean Springs or the Mississippi Gulf Coast, check out our series of articles here. This area is full of small, successful businesses. The climate for small businesses on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is excellent.

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Mardi Gras Parade Route Maps

The maps below are TENATIVE; they will be updated well before the parades. These are based upon past routes. Check back as we add and update maps.

Thanks for visiting our site. Please read other articles and leave us some comments.