At Mardi Gras! Galveston, the extravagance found in Texas's largest Mardi Gras celebration starts with the beads! More than 3 million beads will be thrown at Mardi Gras! Galveston and that's just the beginning of the elaborate parades, headliner performances, family events, feasting, and other festivities that come with hosting Mardi Gras island style.

Schedule of Events

February 10, 2023

5:00pm - Party Gras! Procession
Watch the George P. Mitchell Honoree & special guests arrive to the Tremont House led by a brass band, kicking off the Friday night celebration. Procession will begin from The Press Box on 24th & Postoffice and end at The Tremont House for the 2023 award Presentation – Honorees to be announced!

5:30pm - George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award Presentation
This award was established to honor Mitchell and other individuals, corporations, foundations and groups vital to Mardi Gras' rebirth and preservation. Each year the recipients are honored with a ceremony in front of The Tremont House and names are added to a plaque that hangs in the lobby of The Tremont House then the Salute to George P. Mitchell Parade honoring him and the award recipients begins, marking the start of Mardi Gras! Galveston festivities.

7:00pm - George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award Honoree Parade
Following the George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award Presentation, this is the first parade to Kick Off Mardi Gras Galveston 2023! This parade is packed with marching bands, dancing squads & tons of energy. The parade consists of 323 Bio Hazard Brass Band, Beaumont Marching Band, Worthington Marching Band, Galveston Ball High School Marching Band, Alief Marching Band, Houston Dance Tsunami, Sensational 25K Dance Team and The Isla Krewe. Also rolling in this party parade is Carne's Fleet of Bumpin' Busses, The Union Fire Truck & various local Floats throwing Beads & other Mardi Gras treats! Get ready to shake it!
Parade Route: Starts at 25th & Mechanic Street, circles around Mechanic & Strand Street, stretching from 25th to 20th

8:30pm - The Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade
The Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade has been breaking World Records for having the most decorated umbrellas in a single parade since 2011. Returning in 2019 with an impressive 1,980 participants, paraders danced along on their route, stopping to perform the "Hokey Pokey" under the iconic Mardi Gras Arch next to The Tremont Hotel. Over the years, fans from all around Texas have traveled to Mardi Gras! Galveston to claim a spot in the Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade. This lively, bedazzled parade continues to gain momentum and an even bigger turn-out is predicted for 2023.

10:00pm - Mardi Gras! Galveston Parade
Revelers will enjoy this festive night parade, as it circles the Entertainment District wrapping up the first day of celebrations for Mardi Gras! Galveston, 2023. A group of 9 Festive Floats will be throwing beads and trinkets, plus more marching bands & dancers bringing the hype.
Mardi Gras! Galveston Participating Groups & Bands: International Leadership Talon Band, Alief Band, Bayou City Band, Houston Dance Tsunami, Dancing Dynasty, Isla Krewe, Krewe de Roux, Isle of Misfits, Carnes Funeral Bumpin' Bus Fleet.

Entertainment
5:15 pm - The Line Up at Corona Extra Stage
7:30 pm - OGRE at Corona Extra Stage
10:00 pm - Bare Necessity at Corona Extra Stage
8:00 pm - DJ Nonstopp at Salute to Texas Stage
10:00 pm - DJ Red at Salute to Texas Stage

February 11, 2023

11:00am: The Jolly Jester Jaunt – Official Mardi Gras! Galveston 5k
Runners dawning Mardi Gras themed t-shirts, socks and jester hats will "jaunt" through the Entertainment District Saturday morning for a 5k Fun Run that ends with free libations and a balcony party! Who can think of a better way to get some exercise and have some fun, than jaunting with your friends and family down the Strand in joker hats and crazy socks?

12:00pm - Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Parade
The Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Parade begins on the Seawall and travels down through the Entertainment District. The Krewe was organized in March of 1985 and is the second oldest Mardi Gras Social Organization since its revival in 1985. The 65 unit parade features 12 Aquarius double-decker floats, 15 marching bands, dance teams, and numerous other floats and walking units.
Parade Route: Beginning at 57th and Seawall, The Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Parade will head east towards 25th street. The parade will travel down 25th street and enter the Entertainment District at 25th and Mechanic and will go down Strand street.

1:00pm - 12th Annual Zaniest Golf Cart Parade
Zany Golf Carts take to the Strand, rolling down the parade route donning Mardi Gras! themed decorations. The event was created in 2011 to encourage the community to become participants as well as spectators in the Mardi Gras! Galveston festivities. The parade is a platform for locals and visitors to get creative, interact with each other, and have some fun. Participants can even choose to compete for balcony party tickets in a cart-decorating contest!

3:00pm - Krewe d'iHeart Media Parade with Grand Marshal Tyler Hoover of Jeep
Sponsored by iHeart MEDIA (formerly Clear Channel Radio), the Krewe d'iHeartMedia Parade features 15 pieces of rolling art (cars) from the ArtX Group (Houston, TX), combined with more than 30 decorated and tricked-out jeeps from all over. Entries came from as far away as Canada to participate in this one-of-a-kind parade to display their artistry and craftsmanship. This parade is an exciting experience for families, anyone with a love for creativity and of course, Jeep enthusiasts.

6:00pm - Krewe of Gambrinus Parade
As one of the two Galveston Super Parades, Krewe of Gambrinus launches 14 Huge Floats, and just as many marching bands, tossing over 600,000 beads and trinkets. the Krewe of Gambrinus, is a not-for-profit organization, chartered for the support of tourism and underprivileged children in Galveston, Harris, and surrounding counties.
Parade Route: Beginning at 57th and Seawall, The Krewe of Gambrinus Parade will head east towards 25th street. The parade will travel down 25th street and enter the Entertainment District at 25th and Mechanic and will go down Strand street.

Entertainment
6:00 pm - Ghostland Observatory at Corona Extra Stage
12:30 pm - Mid Life Crisis at Corona Extra Stage
2:30 pm - The Slags at Corona Extra Stage
10:00 pm - Treblehook at Corona Extra Stage
2:30 pm - David Lee Garza y Los Musicales at Salute to Texas Stage
8:00 pm - DJ Nonstopp at Salute to Texas Stage
10:00 pm - DJ Bizonee at Salute to Texas Stage

February 12, 2023

1:00pm - Desfile Estrella con El Norte y La Raza with Grand Marshals Vidal Luna from El Norte Radio Houston and Joana Lujan Ms. Fiesta Gras & owner of Luxo Boutique
This parade will feature celebrity grand marshal Vidal Luna from El Norte Houston, Floats, Walking Groups, Marching Bands, Dance Krews & Various Hispanic Heritage Organizations. You can expect to catch beads, enjoy bands & dancing as well as a beautiful display of costumes and pageantry.
Participants Include: Alief Marching Band, Senstational 25K Dance Team, Lulac, Isla Krewe, Houston Dance Tsunami, Royal Dynasti and L Crosby MS Bulldog Dance.

4:00pm - Los Locos Vaqueros & Jeeps Parade with Grand Marshal Miss Houston Daisy Sudderth
This lively parade will feature celebrity grand marshal Joana Lujan and Miss Houston, Mardi Gras! Galveston-themed jeeps, Marching Bands, Mariachi Bands & Decorated Floats throwing beads, candy & other Mardi Gras Swag.
Parade Participants Include: Alief Marching Band, Houston Dance Tsunami, Sensational 25K Dance Team, Lulac, Ms. Galveston Latina, Isla Krewe, Dancing Dynasty and more!

Entertainment
2:30 pm - Fiesta Gras! Headliner Secretto at Corona Extra Stage
12:00 pm - Kazzabe Fiesta Gras! Opening Act at Corona Extra Stage

February 17, 2023

7pm - Danny Weber Memorial Fire Truck Parade
A much-loved tradition, The Danny Weber Memorial Parade features more than 25 Fire Trucks from South East Houston, League City, Hitchcock, La Marque, Jamaica Beach and Galveston. The impressive chorus of sirens and horns that fill the Entertainment District continues to captivate Mardi Gras! Galveston attendees, making this parade a crowd favorite.

8pm - Krewe Babalu "All Krewe" Parade
Krewe Babalu is the "every man's Mardi Gras krewe" founded in 1995 by Guy Taylor with the purpose of promoting Mardi Gras festivities on Galveston Island and promoting civic and social activities within the organization and the city of Galveston.
Come join all the Mardi Gras Krewes! For more information on how you can join – contact: Gladden Walters 281-703-3331
Parade Route: The parade will begin at 25th Street and Santa Fe Place and head south on 25th Street. The parade will turn at 25th and Mechanic, and loop twice around Strand/Mechanic.

9:30pm - Krewe of 93Q Parade with Grand Marshal Erica Rico
Revelers will enjoy this festive night parade, as it circles the Entertainment District wrapping up the second Friday of celebrations for Mardi Gras! Galveston, 2023. Crowd favorites, Booker T Washington & The Worthington High School Marching Band are both back for 2023. Get ready for some high stepping Drum Majors, Rolling Party Floats and tons of excitement.

Entertainment
10:30 p.m. - Chris Janson at Corona Extra Stage
5:30 p.m. - Steph Cash Band at Corona Extra Stage
8:30 p.m. - Brandon McDermott Band at Corona Extra Stage
8:00 p.m. - DJ Bryan Rhymez at Salute to Texas Stage
10:00 p.m. - DJ Travis Gray at Salute to Texas Stage
11:00 p.m. - DJ Nonstopp at Salute to Texas Stage

February 18, 2023

11:00am - Krewe d'Esprit Rosaire Parade
Krewe d'Esprit Rosaire is the only Black Catholic Krewe located on the island. Their annual Mardi Gras Pageant was started by Rev. Father Louis Saparito and the tradition continues today with Holy Family Parish. The Parade features many high stepping Marching Bands from Houston and surrounding area along with Drill Teams, ROTC groups, the Krewe Royalty, Committee Members, Church Organizations and many of the church members.

1:00pm - Z Krewe Z Parade
This parade features bands, military units and zany revelers from multiple clubs, and is led by Big Daddy and Big Momma, followed by King and Queen Zanie and their royal Zoots and Zaftigs. Hundreds of "Zannies" throw beads to the crowds and continue to do so after the parade from their private balcony on Strand Street. Z Krewe takes bead-throwing to the next level with their awesome assortment of unique and fun necklaces!
Parade Route: The parade will begin at 25th Street and Santa Fe Place and head south on 25th Street. The parade will turn at 25th and Mechanic, and loop twice around Strand/Mechanic.

2:30pm - Mix 96.5 Parade
The Mix 96.5 Parade hosts an array of on-air radio ticket winners from around the Houston area. Riders dance to today's top hits as they cruise through the Entertainment District tossing beads to parade spectators.

4:00pm - Ben E Keith Parade
Revelers will enjoy this festive parade, as it circles the Entertainment District during the second Saturday of celebrations for Mardi Gras! Galveston, 2023.

6:00pm - Jumpin' Jays Bumpin' Bus Parade – So Fly It'll Make You Wanna Die
This is a true party parade that will get you moving and grooving. More than 20 decked-out party buses roll through The Entertainment District bumping music and throwing beads. The iconic Dancing Queen, Dancing King & Lemonade Bus have become a staple for all Galveston Parade Celebrations.

6:30pm - Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade
Crowds grow large as Galveston's oldest Krewe parades down 25th Street and around the Entertainment District. The Grand Night Parade features a magnificent fleet of colorful floats, marching bands from all over the state, dignitaries, and more!
Parade Route: Begging on Seawall, the Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade will head west towards travel 25th street, travel north down 25th and enter the Entertainment District at 25th and Mechanic and travel down the Strand.

Entertainment
12:00 p.m. - Cast Iron Cornbread at Corona Extra Stage
2:30 pm - Mambo Jazz Kings at Corona Extra Stage
6:00 pm - LVVRS at Corona Extra Stage
10:30 pm - Everlong at Corona Extra Stage
2:30 pm - Gabriella Martinez at Salute to Texas Stage
8:00 pm - DJ Nonstopp at Salute to Texas Stage
10:00 pm - DJ T3 at Salute to Texas Stage

February 19, 2023

12:00pm - Shriners Children's Texas & Sunshine Kids Parade
100's of Sunshine Kids and Shiners children, along with their families, enjoy lunch & throw beads off the C-Force Water by Chuck Norris balcony on Strand Street. They will also kick off their parade at 12:00pm throwing beads, candy & more!
Parade Route: Begins Santa Fe Place, loops twice around Strand/Mechanic.

1:30pm - Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Parade
Stemming from a desire for locals and their pets to have a way to be involved in the Mardi Gras! Galveston festivities, The Humane Society created the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Parade 22 years ago, and this crowd-pleasing event has been going strong ever since! Leading the parade each year is the "Elite Pet Owner"- a title awarded at the annual, Paws Gala, which is held each September. This year, the winner was Concetta Maceo. The Krewe also continued the relatively new, Cat's Eye View Balcony Party in 2020, which grows bigger and better each year.

3:00pm - Firefighters Children's Parade
Local firefighters and first responders host a parade dedicated to the families and children of Galveston with decorated floats and costumed kids. In 2005 the Galveston Firefighters stepped forward to "Save the Children's Parade" by assuming the role of parade coordinator. The Firefighters felt that since the parades are the main attraction to Mardi Gras, and because the Children's Parade was the only Mardi Gras activity geared toward children, it was important to keep the tradition alive.
Parade Route: The parade will begin at 25th Street and Santa Fe Place and head south on 25th Street. The parade will turn at 25th and Postoffice, proceed east down Postoffice Street, turn north on 19th Street, turn west on Strand Street, and conclude at 25th and Strand.

Entertainment
12:00 p.m. - The Bilge Pumps at Corona Extra Stage
3:00 p.m. - Kevin Anthony & G-Town at Corona Extra Stage

February 21, 2023

6:30pm - Mystic Krewe of Aquarius
The Mystic Krewe of Aquarius annual "Fat Tuesday" Mardi Gras Parade will be Feb. 21, 2023 at 6:30 pm beginning at 28th and Market street downtown and making its way through Postoffice street and Strand historic district. The all Krewe parade will feature marching bands, dance teams, and participating Krewes in the final hours of Mardi Gras Galveston 2023.
Parade Route: The parades begin 28th and Market Street, east to 25th Street (Rosenberg), turns right to Postoffice Street, turns left and proceeds to 19th street, turns left to Strand, turns left and proceeds to 25th street and ends.

Date: February 10-21, 2023

Location: Various Venues in Galveston, TX 77550.

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