Mardi Gras on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is one of the most exciting and family-friendly Carnival celebrations anywhere in the country. Each community—from Waveland and Bay St. Louis to Pascagoula and Biloxi—hosts its own parades, krewes, and traditions. Because schedules can change quickly due to weather or local updates, we maintain this page with the latest confirmed parade dates and times for 2026. New announcements are posted as soon as they are released.
If you’re looking for the full history of Coast Mardi Gras, family-friendly viewing tips, route information, and details about every major krewe, be sure to explore our complete guide below.
Dates and times may change. Please check back as communities release updates.
| Date (2026) | City | Event | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 3 | Moss Point | Kings Parade | 1:00 PM | |
| Jan 31 | Ocean Springs | Day Parade | 1:00 PM | |
| Feb 7 | Pascagoula | Parade | 10:30 AM | |
| Feb 7 | Long Beach | Parade | Time TBA | |
| Feb 8 | Waveland | Parade | 10:00 AM | Krewe of Nereids |
| Feb 13 | Ocean Springs | Night Parade | 6:00 PM | Starts at Front Beach |
| Feb 14 | Gulfport | Parade | 2:00 PM | |
| Feb 15 | Diamondhead | Krewe of Diamondhead Parade | 12:00 PM | |
| Feb 15 | Pass Christian | Parade | Time TBA | Small town, big effort |
| Feb 15 | Biloxi | Krewe of Neptune Night Parade | 5:30 PM | |
| Feb 16 | Gautier | Parade | Time TBA | |
| Feb 17 | Biloxi | Gulf Coast Carnival Association Parade (Fat Tuesday) | 1:00 PM | Day parade |
| Feb 17 | Bay St. Louis | Krewe of Real People Parade | 1:00 PM | |
| Feb 17 | D’Iberville | North Bay Mardi Gras Association Parade | 1:30 PM |
“Time TBA” = Time to be announced by the city or krewe.
Courtesy of RetireCoast.com
If you’re planning to visit the Mississippi Gulf Coast for Mardi Gras, consider staying right in the heart of the action. Our partner site, Christies Gulf Beach Rentals , offers beautiful, comfortable vacation homes just minutes from many parade routes along the Coast. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Mardi Gras with convenience, comfort, and easy access to all the celebrations.
Important Mardi Gras Parade Tips for 2026
Mardi Gras on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is one of the most enjoyable and family-friendly Carnival celebrations in the country. To help you plan your visit, please keep the following in mind. Schedules can change with little notice, and every city differs in terms of parking, accessibility, and transportation.
- Parade times may change: Weather, city decisions, and krewe logistics can cause time changes, delays, or even rescheduling. Always check back here or follow the official city announcements.
- Weather delays are common: Heavy rain, storms, or unsafe road conditions may push a parade later in the day or move it to a different date. Coast cities typically make decisions early in the morning of the parade.
- Arrive early for parking: Popular parades in Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs, and Bay St. Louis draw very large crowds. To get a good spot, plan to arrive 60–90 minutes early.
- Handicapped parking: Many cities provide designated accessible parking areas near the parade route. Arrive early because these spaces fill quickly.
- Shuttle services & public transportation: Some communities offer shuttle buses or off-site parking lots to make access easier. Check each city’s tourism site or Facebook page for details.
- Family-friendly viewing: Most Mississippi Gulf Coast parades are extremely family friendly. Look for areas with more space (often near the start of the route) if you have small children.
- Road closures: Expect major streets to close 1–2 hours before the parade begins. Use alternate routes and follow police instructions.
- Bring essentials: Chairs, blankets, water, snacks, and bags for beads and throws will make your experience much more enjoyable.
- Respect private property: Many areas along the route include private homes and businesses. Please stay on public sidewalks and designated viewing areas.
RetireCoast will continue updating this schedule throughout the 2026 season. Bookmark this page and check back often for the latest parade times and announcements.
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