Mardi Gras Frequently Asked Questions

Mardi Gras! Galveston is held annually during the two weeks preceding Lent. The 2020 celebration will take place February 14 – February 25, 2020, with festivities held on both weekends and Fat Tuesday.

The bulk of Mardi Gras 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. Many parades and events also take place along the beachfront on Seawall Boulevard between 25th Street and 57th Street.

No, there is no official theme for Mardi Gras! Galveston. Although, some parade krewes choose annual themes for their individual parades.

There is a gate fee for attendees to enter the Mardi Gras downtown entertainment district where the majority of parades, headline concerts, balcony parties, vendor booths and other festivities are held. Once in the district, there is NO additional fee for attending concerts and parades. Balcony parties require an additional ticket. For ticket information, visit MardiGrasGalveston.com.

Admission to the entertainment district is FREE for children 12 years or younger accompanied by a parent or guardian. Seawall parades and festivities are free to attend.

At 20th and Strand; Mechanic Street at 21st, 23rd and 25th Streets; 21st and Harborside Drive

We have many hotels on the Island to fit all comfort levels and budgets. Certain hotels do offer Mardi Gras packages, which can be found here. If you wish to stay at a hotel not on that list, please contact them directly. Since Mardi Gras! Galveston is such a popular festival, it is best to book your hotel a few months in advance to secure a room.

Visitors can also choose from a variety of bed-and-breakfasts, condominiums or vacation rental homes. Please check www.galveston.com/lodging for contact information or to book direct, or call (888)939-8680.

Many people celebrating Mardi Gras! Galveston tend to get into the spirit of things and dress up for the occasion! You will see a variety of costumes, sequined outfits, flashy hats, and colorful wigs. The best advice to follow is to dress properly for the weather and dress comfortably.

Parking lots are located at 21st & Market Street; 20th & Market Street; and 20th & Postoffice Street. Parking garages are located at 25th & Harborside Drive and 22nd & Market Street. There is also metered street parking.

A Taxi stand will be located on 23rd and Market for pickup and drop off of guests to the entertainment district.

All interested exhibitors, please email info@yagaspresents.com or call (409)770-0999.

Each krewe is responsible for the operation of their parades. Please contact the krewes directly for information on being a part of a parade. Contact information can be found at MardiGrasGalveston.com. To enter your float, band or party bus in most downtown parades, send an email to info@yagaspresents.com.

Yes. The following is a list of prohibited items:

• No Cans
• No Alcohol (alcohol is sold at the festival)
• No Food or beverages, except for 2 factory sealed water bottles up to 1 liter each
• No Silly String
• No Strollers After Dark
• No Glass Containers/Bottles
• No Skateboards
• No Roller Blades
• No Bicycles
• No Scooters
• No Backpacks
• No Weapons (except legally permitted firearms)
• No Large Umbrellas
• No Fireworks or explosives
• No Large chains or spike jewelry
• No Pets (except service dogs)
• No Outdoor/Indoor Furniture
• No Professional still camera equipment. No detachable lenses, tripods, big zooms or commercial use rigs
• No Professional video equipment.
• No Illegal vending is permitted. No unauthorized/unlicensed vendors allowed.
• No Unauthorized solicitations, handbills, sampling, give-aways etc…