Harris Vacations Staff Writer | February 8, 2025
Gulf Shores Mardi Gras offers a perfect mix of tradition, fun, and community spirit. Known for its vibrant parades and family-friendly activities, this annual event attracts visitors of all ages.
Wondering what to expect? From colorful floats to live music, and plenty of local festivities, Gulf Shores Mardi Gras is an experience not to be missed. Although the Gulf Shores Mardi Gras parade is the key event, there are 4 others you won’t want to miss!
To fully immerse yourself in the celebration, book a stay with Harris Vacations. With convenient locations and comfortable amenities, Harris Vacations ensures you have the best spot to enjoy the festivities.
Now, let’s dive into how you can best enjoy Mardi Gras in the Gulf Shores.
Photo Credit: PeopleImages.com – Yuri A
Mardi Gras on Alabama’s Gulf Coast is a celebration like no other. Known as the ultimate party of parties, it combines fun and entertainment for both kids and adults. The vibrant atmosphere is filled with music, dancing, and parades that highlight the local traditions and community spirit.
Whether you’re catching a parade in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, the energy and excitement are palpable. Arriving early on parade days ensures you get a good viewing spot and can fully enjoy the festive activities. This event alone makes spring one of the best times to visit the Gulf Shores.
Dining during Mardi Gras is a treat in itself, with unique regional dishes such as King Cake and Mardi Gras-themed specialties. Popular venues like The Hangout provide a lively environment with live music and family-friendly activities, making it a hub of celebration during the festivities.
Come celebrate Mardi Gras on Alabama’s Gulf Coast and immerse yourself in a world of color, music, and joy.
The heart of Mardi Gras in Gulf Shores is undoubtedly its parades. This year, the celebrations feature five distinct parades, each offering a unique experience. From the grand Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade to the whimsical MoonPies on Main and the colorful LuLu’s Mardi Gras Party & Boat Parade, there’s something for everyone.
These parades not only showcase the creativity and spirit of the community but also provide endless entertainment for attendees of all ages.
Photo Credit: G Allen Penton
The Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade is the biggest parade in the area, drawing crowds from near and far. Scheduled for Fat Tuesday, March 4, 2025, the Mardi Gras parade begins at 10:00 a.m. on West 19th Street.
From there, the floats, marching bands, and paraders move along the boulevard, culminating in a grand finale at Gulf Place. With colorful floats, lively music, and an array of throws, including MoonPies, beads, and toys, this parade promises a spectacular show for all ages.
The best part of the Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade is its inclusivity. It’s a family-friendly event where everyone can join in the fun. Don’t forget to bring your bags to collect the beads and your camera to capture the memorable moments.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade is an experience you won’t want to miss.
The Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade starts at the intersection of Highway 59 and East Beach Boulevard, making its way along East Beach Boulevard to Gulf State Park Pier Road. The gulf shores parade concludes at Gulf State Park Pier, providing a scenic backdrop for the final festivities.
This route ensures that spectators can enjoy the parade from multiple vantage points, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
MoonPies on Main is a festive event in Orange Beach that brings joy to kids and adults alike. The celebration kicks off with a kids and pet parade at 4 p.m., where families can showcase their costumes and creativity.
As the sun sets, the night float parade begins at 6 p.m., featuring illuminated floats that light up the night sky and create a magical atmosphere. With MoonPies and other treats being thrown, this event is a must-see during Mardi Gras.
LuLu’s Mardi Gras Party is one of the most anticipated events of the season, attracting both locals and tourists. The highlight of the celebration is the boat parade, where participants creatively decorate their vessels, resulting in a colorful and vibrant display on the water. The event is further enhanced by live music performances that fill the air with festive tunes, creating an uplifting and joyous atmosphere.
In addition to the boat parade, LuLu’s Mardi Gras Party features costume contests, encouraging attendees to don their most creative and festive outfits. It’s a family-oriented event with activities for all ages, making it a perfect addition to your Mardi Gras itinerary. Come join the fun and be part of this unique maritime celebration.
The Mystics of Pleasure Parade is a unique and thrilling event that first took place in 2001. Scheduled for February 26th at 5:30 p.m., the parade begins on Perdido Beach Blvd and ends at Hwy 161 in front of Publix.
One of the standout features of this parade is that participants ride Harley-Davidsons instead of traditional horses, adding a distinctive and exciting flair to the festivities. It’s a parade that truly stands out and offers a different kind of Mardi Gras experience.
Photo Credit: G Allen Penton
The Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade is another highlight of the Mardi Gras season, attracting around 30,000 people each year. Scheduled for March 4 at 2:00 p.m., the parade follows a two-mile route along Perdido Beach Boulevard.
With marching bands, floats, and plenty of beads, the Orange Beach Parade is a lot of fun for the entire family. Since this one kicks off hours after the Gulf Shores Mardi Gras parade, we highly recommend you check out both – most guests do!
Attendees can expect a vibrant and energetic parade that embodies the spirit of Mardi Gras. From the colorful floats to the lively music, the Orange Beach Parade is a must-see event that adds to the overall excitement of the Mardi Gras season on Alabama’s Gulf Coast.
Photo Credit: Carmen K. Sisson
One of the most beloved traditions of Mardi Gras is definitely the goodies that parade participants toss to the crowd. From beads and MoonPies to toys and trinkets, these throws are eagerly awaited by attendees who raise their hands and shout to catch them.
The Gulf Shores Mardi Gras parades feature over 200 masked participants, including marching bands and classic vehicles, all adding to the festive atmosphere. It’s a time-honored tradition that brings joy and excitement to people of all ages.
However, it’s important to note that there are guidelines in place to ensure everyone’s safety. Participants are prohibited from throwing objects towards floats or parade members. Additionally, traffic congestion is common during Mardi Gras, so planning for extra travel time is essential to reach parade locations comfortably.
Expect road closures and traffic diversions on parade days, which can impact access to key areas. By being prepared and aware of these logistics, you can fully enjoy the parades and make the most of your Mardi Gras experience.
Gulf Shores offers a variety of vibrant events and activities for those seeking a more adult-oriented Mardi Gras experience. From live music performances to seafood feasts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The lively nightlife during the Mardi Gras season adds to the excitement, with venues hosting special events and parties.
Whether you’re dancing to live music or indulging in a slice of King Cake, the adult festivities during Mardi Gras on Alabama’s Gulf Coast are sure to provide a memorable experience.
Photo Credit: Jon Osumi
Mardi Gras in Gulf Shores isn’t just for adults; it’s a family-friendly celebration with plenty of activities for kids. Events like LuLu’s Mardi Gras Party feature a boat parade and festive activities suitable for all ages. MoonPies on Main offers a lively atmosphere with live music and parades that appeal to both kids and adults.
For the little ones, there are petting zoos and pet parades where they can interact with animals and participate in the festivities.
Plus, you’ll still get to enjoy our beaches and all the other great things to do in Gulf Shores before and after the festivities.
Planning your Mardi Gras trip to Gulf Shores involves a few key steps to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Reserving your accommodations in advance is crucial during the busy Mardi Gras season in Gulf Shores. Popular lodging options fill up quickly, so booking early ensures you have a place to stay and can secure the best rates. With special events and festivities taking place, the demand for rentals increases, highlighting the importance of early reservations.
Consider staying with us at Harris Vacations, which offers a variety of properties in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan to suit your needs.
Traffic adjustments are a common occurrence on the day of the Mardi Gras parade, starting as early as 6 a.m. These adjustments include road closures and diversions, particularly affecting beach access and route access for parade attendees.
Key roads like East Beach Boulevard will have restricted access by 9:45 a.m., ensuring the safety of both participants and spectators. Normal traffic conditions are expected to resume by 11:30 a.m., so plan your travel accordingly to avoid delays and congestion.
Being aware of these traffic flow modifications and public parking locations will help you navigate the area smoothly.
Joining the Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the festivities. Individuals can participate as part of a float or a marching group, adding to the vibrant and diverse parade lineup.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, being a parade participant allows you to experience Mardi Gras from a unique perspective and contribute to the celebration.
Participation in the Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade requires following a few steps for a smooth and enjoyable experience. Start by filling out an application form that details your entry, whether it’s a float or a group description. Make sure to submit your application by the specified deadline, typically set weeks before the parade date.
For additional information or inquiries, you can contact the parade organizer through the provided email or phone number listed in the official parade guidelines. Check government websites for the most up-to-date application details.
Absolutely! The Mardi Gras Parade in Gulf Shores is set for March 4, 2025, at 10 a.m., celebrating a vibrant tradition that began in 1978. Don’t miss out on this fantastic festivity!
The Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade is happening on March 4, 2025, at 10 a.m.! It’s going to be an amazing celebration you won’t want to miss!
You’ll love the fun at LuLu’s Mardi Gras Party, the MoonPies on Main parades, and the exciting petting zoos and pet parades! These events are perfect for the whole family to enjoy together!
Absolutely, you can join in on the fun by filling out an application form that details your entry! Just make sure to submit it by the deadline and reach out to the parade organizer for any additional info!
Pack your sunscreen, beach towels, and swimsuits for the ultimate Mardi Gras fun in Gulf Shores! Don’t forget your hats and reusable water bottles to stay cool and hydrated while you soak up the sun!
As the excitement of Mardi Gras in Gulf Shores gears up, it’s clear that this year’s celebrations will be nothing short of spectacular. From vibrant parades to family-friendly events and lively nightlife, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Don’t forget to book your stay with Harris Vacations to ensure you have the perfect home base for all the festivities. Come join us on Alabama’s Gulf Coast and create unforgettable Mardi Gras memories!
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