Join us for Mardi Gras and experience all that Alabama's Beaches has to offer!
You want beads? We have beads, lots of them. In fact, with five parades this year, the family will be loaded down with strands of faux jewels by the end of the season. Don’t worry; the parades are scheduled not to conflict. We wouldn’t necessarily say the two communities have a good-natured rivalry for honors as sponsoring the best parade, but we wouldn’t say they don’t either. So find your spot along the boulevard, put your hands in the air and give a shout. If you’re lucky, you might even snag a MoonPie sailing through the air. While you're celebrating, check out our Mardi Gras trail to discover the best food and drinks to enjoy during the carnival season! Let the good times and plan your Mardi Gras trip by securing a place to stay in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach directly on our site.
LuLu's Mardi Gras Party & Boat Parade
You may have caught throws at Mardi Gras parades before, but have you gotten them from boats? LuLu’s in Gulf Shores celebrates its birthday and Fat Tuesday with one big anniversary and Mardi Gras party on March 1. Guests will enjoy free birthday cake, live music, a costume contest, and a boat parade. It’s a great event for adults and children alike to celebrate the Mardi Gras season.
Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade
The Orange Beach parade began years ago when several groups wanted a chance to parade along the beach. Now, it is organized each year by the City of Orange Beach. Join the 30,000 enthusiastic spectators lining Perdido Beach Boulevard for the annual event on March 4. The parade begins at 2:00 pm and follows a two-mile route along the boulevard including marching bands, floats, and lots of beads. You’ll even find some of the Gulf Shores paraders who haven’t quite finished their celebrating appearing in the Orange Beach procession.
Make A Vacation Of It
The weeks leading up to the official Fat Tuesday Carnival are full of fun and entertainment sponsored by the Mardi Gras Parade Orders and participants. Check the calendar of events for all of the Mardi Gras happenings. You'll find events for kids and grownups alike, so make a vacation of it and join the festivities. Plan your trip during Mardi Gras! Escape and discover a whole different state of Carnival fun and festivities.