Mardi Grad Parades and Events on the Coast
News Staff • February 26, 2025
From Orange Beach to Fort Morgan: Laissez les bons temps rouler
Mardi Gras is set to bring vibrant parades, lively events, and a wave of festive spirit to the Gulf Coast, with celebrations spanning Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Foley, Fort Morgan, and more. From the dazzling evening floats of the Mystics of Pleasure to the unique boat parade at LuLu's in Gulf Shores, locals and visitors alike can look forward to a packed schedule of activities. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun or a spirited Fat Tuesday celebration, the Gulf Coast’s Mardi Gras events promise something for everyone.
Annual Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade:
The City of Gulf Shores will host its 46th Annual Mardi Gras Parade on Fat Tuesday, March 4, at 10 a.m. The parade will begin at the intersection of Highway 59 and East Beach Boulevard (Highway 182) and will travel along East Beach Boulevard to the Gulf State Park Pier Road.
The traffic flow modifications related to the Mardi Gras Parade are below:
6 a.m.
- West Gulf Place beach access and parking lot will be closed. Parking will only be available for parade participants and float setup.
- West Beach Blvd (Hwy 182 west) will be closed between Hwy 59 and West 3rd street for the staging of the parade.
9:45 a.m.
- Access to West Beach Boulevard and East Beach Boulevard (Hwy 182) via Hwy 59 will be closed.
- Access to East Beach Boulevard via East 1st, East 2nd and East 4th street will be closed.
- Traffic headed westbound on East Beach Boulevard near the Gulf State Park Pier will be diverted to State Park Road (Highway 135) for access to Highway 59.
11:30 a.m.
- All normal traffic conditions should resume.
Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parades:
The 2025 Mardi Gras parades kick off Saturday in Orange Beach, with additional parades on Monday and Fat Tuesday.
On Saturday, March 1, the festivities begin with two evening parades. The Marshals parade starts at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Mystics of Pleasure at 6 p.m. Both parades will proceed along Perdido Beach Boulevard, starting near Wolf Bay Lodge and concluding at the intersection of Orange Beach Blvd. (Hwy. 161) and Perdido Beach Boulevard.
The Wharf's annual "Moon Pies on Main" event takes place on Monday, March 3rd. Activities commence with a Kids and Pet Parade at 4 p.m., followed by various family-friendly events. An evening float parade is scheduled for 6 p.m. Additional details are available by clicking here.
The Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade will take place on Fat Tuesday, March 4, at 2 p.m. This parade features over 50 units, including floats, local high school bands, cheerleaders, and various community groups. The parade follows the same route along Perdido Beach Boulevard as the Saturday parades.
Before The Parade Starts: CoastAL Restaurant in Orange Beach is hosting their Jambalaya Jam. The Mardi Gras parade rolls right by CoastAL, and we’ve got the best spot in town to celebrate! March 4th, from 11 AM - 2 PM and enjoy:
Free Jambalaya
Free King Cake (courtesy of Rouses Markets)
Souvenir cup with any Mardi Gras drink purchase
Live Zydeco music by Big Al & The Heavyweights
During parade times, Highway 182 (Perdido Beach Boulevard) within Orange Beach city limits will be closed to vehicular traffic. On Saturday, closures may occur from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and on Tuesday, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Orange Beach Police Department aims to keep roads open as long as possible before each parade begins. For more information, contact City Hall at 251-981-6979.
As always, the North entry/exit at the Publix will be EXIT ONLY and the South entry/exit will be the ENTRANCE. This year, we will NOT allow parade floats into the parking lots after the conclusion of the parade, so if you are riding on floats, I wouldn't park in the Palm Pointe parking lots.
Foley Mardi Gras Parade and Party: Get ready to let the good times roll at the Mardi Gras Parade & Party in Downtown OWA on March 2nd! Perfect for families and Mardi Gras enthusiasts alike, this free event offers a community-based Mardi Gras parade, where colorful floats and dazzling beads will fill the streets of Downtown OWA. The celebration doesn’t stop there – enjoy live music on OWA Island, participate in the Moon Pie Eating Contest and much more. Bring your family, friends, and your festive spirit.
Fort Morgan Mardi Gras Parade:
Join us for the 2025 Mardi Gras Parade! This beloved event, created by the late Gayle Pierce, will take place on March 2nd, at 1:00pm along Ponce De Leon Ct on the Fort Morgan Peninsula. Unlike any traditional Mardi Gras parade, you'll see a whimsical mix of golf carts, cars, jeeps, and even decorated trailers making their way down the coast in a festive celebration. This year is particularly special as we honor Gayle's legacy, a true pirate at heart. Expect to encounter scallywags, buccaneers, and pirates running amuck in her memory. For more information click here or email lmkay410@gmail.com.
OTHER MARDI GRAS PARTIES AND EVENTS
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