Remember: Fat Tuesday is February 21, 2012

Galveston Mardi Gras Parade & Events Calendar

(Please check back in the next few days/weeks for an updated calendar of 2012 Mardi Gras events)

Parades, Krewes & Mardi Gras Events in Galveston

With 20 krewes participating in ten or so parades, and nearly a quarter of a million people passing through town over two weekends, Galveston’s Mardi Gras parades can be massive undertakings. Most of the parades take place in and around the 15 square blocks of the “entertainment district” bounded by Harborside Dr. and Mechanic Streets (between 20th and 25th Streets).

Daytime parades (including the children’s parade) tend to run along Seawall Blvd., providing a safe and open area for spectators.

Click Here to view the Galveston Seawall Mardi Gras Parade Calendar

2012 Galveston Uptown Entertainment District Mardi Gras Parade Calendar

1st Weekend

Friday, February 10, 2012 5:00pm
Party Gras! Procession
A Dixieland jazz band walking procession. To kick-off a parade in their honor, Doug and Joan McLeod will be parading from M&M Restaurant to The Tremont House with friends, family, supporters and Mardi Gras revelers in true Mardi Gras! Galveston style with the Pizazz Dixie Jazz Brass Band leading the charge.

Friday, February 10, 2012 5:30pm
George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award Ceremony
Presented to Doug and Joan McLeod
Presented by: The Tremont House and Hotel Galvez

In honor of Mitchell, an award was developed to be presented to an individual(s), corporation, group, foundation or organization that was vital in the revival or has been significantly involved in the preservation of Mardi Gras since the revival. Each year the recipient will be honored with a plaque during a ceremony prior to the beginning of a parade saluting the honoree(s) in front of The Tremont House.

Friday, February 10, 2012 7:00 pm
George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Parade
Honoring Doug and Joan McLeod. Presented by The Tremont House and Hotel Galvez.

The George P. Mitchell Parade Honoring Doug and Joan McLeod, will begin at 7:00pm from The Tremont House with the Budweiser Clydesdales, bands and festive floats and parade through the Historic Strand District.

Friday, February 10, 2012 8:30pm
Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade
The Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade will begin 20th street between Mechanic & Strand and march throughout the district stopping in front of The Tremont House for another rendition of the Hokey Pokey for the Guinness World Record. All participants with a decorated umbrella (MANDADORY) will receive FREE entry into the Entertainment District.

Friday, February 10, 2012 10:00pm
Krewe da’ Yaga’s Parade
Only the most eerie vibes will be heard from this krewe. Rounding out the first night of Mardi Gras! Galveston 2012, Krewe da’ Yaga’s Café makes its return with a parade full of Yaga’s Café family of the past, present and future. This is one not to be missed. Board shorts and flip flops required!

Saturday, February 11, 2012 1:00pm
Zaniest Golf Cart Parade
Why stop with a world record-breaking umbrella parade when you can have the Zaniest (DECORATED) Golf Cart Parade? This parade is another great chance for friends and family to get together and participate in this interactive display of the ZANY spirit of Mardi Gras! Galveston. Free Entertainment District entry to all participants in this parade. Each advance ticket purchased to the Mardi Gras Entertainment District for 2/10 or 2/11 receives one entry to win the Official Mardi Gras! Galveston Golf Cart which will lead the Zaniest Golf Cart Parade. Purchase deadline is Feb. 1, 2012. Winner will be announced Feb. 4, 2012.

Saturday, February 11, 2012 3:00pm
New Parade to be Announced

Saturday, February 11, 2012 4:00pm
Mardi Gras Art Car Parade
The streets of Galveston will be transformed into a whimsical pallet as the Art Cars return to Mardi Gras! Galveston. The parade will feature more than 30 fun, wacky, Art Cars cruising down the Strand. This parade is sure to inspire the artist in us all!
Want to enter your art car? Contact Parade Coordinator Charlie Olsen at ceobugman@att.net.

Saturday, February 11, 2012 8:00pm
New Gloworama Art Car Parade
Once the sun sets, the Art Cars turn the lights on with their Gloworama parade. The Strand will be illuminated as Gloworama rocks downtown in their inaugural parade.
Want to Enter Your Art Car? Contact Parade Coordinator Charlie Olsen at ceobugman@att.net.

Sunday, February 12, 2012 11:00 am

FAMILY GRAS!
FREE ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT ENTRY. On Sunday February 12, the Entertainment District will be free to the public for a FAMILY GRAS celebration presented by Moody National Bank. Donations will be taken at the gate to benefit the Sunshine Kids and Shriners Hospital for Children. We encourage you to bring the whole family down for the 2 parades, live music, vendors and more!

Sunday, February 12, 2012 1:00pm
Sunshine Kids Parade
Bring out the entire family for a day full of Sunshine. The Sunshine Kids Parade will begin at 1:00pm led by the Budweiser Clydesdales. The Sunshine Kids is an organization that provides activities for children with cancer.

Sunday, February 12, 2012 3:00pm
Shriner’s Hospital for Children Parade
Family Gras continues at 3:00pm with the Shriner’s Hospital for Children Parade. Patients, families and friends of Shriner’s Hospital for Children will become a part of Mardi Gras! Galveston with this new parade.

2nd Weekend

Friday, February 17, 2012 8:00 pm
Krewe Babalu 7th Annual “All Krewe Parade”
Begins at 26th and Santa Fe Place. Right on 25th Street, Left on Mechanic to 21st Street. Left on 21st Street to the Strand. Left on Strand to 25th Street. 25th Street to Santa Fe Place. Participation open to all krewes, business, civic and fraternal entities. For more information contact Gladden Walters, 281-703-3331 or visit www.krewebablu.com

Friday, February 17, 2012 9:00pm
NEW Danny Weber Memorial Fire Truck Parade
Danny Weber, Sr. was a lifelong Galvestonian who spent over 30 years in the Galveston Fire Department as he worked his way through the ranks, eventually becoming Fire Chief. After he retired, still wishing to serve the community he loved, he ran for City Council, serving three terms as the District 5 Representative. Danny was a devoted family man and a good friend to all who knew him. This parade is dedicated to Danny because of his love for his community, fire department, and Mardi Gras.

Friday, February 17, 2012 10:00pm
NEW Parade to be Announced

Saturday, February 18, 2012 1:00pm
Z Krewe 18th Z Processional
Z Krewe’s 18th Annual Z Processional will wind its way through the historic streets of downtown Galveston and The Strand area, “perpetuating the Spirit of Mardi Gras” with bands, beads, and merriment. This year’s Zanie Processional will make its way to the Trumpet’s balcony where King and Queen Zanie XVII and their Royal Court of Zoots and Zaftigs will salute the crowd and party on the Strand. The processional’s route will begin at 25th Street and Mechanic, travel east along Mechanic to 20th Street, and then proceed to the Strand. Z Krewe’s parade of partygoers will continue west on the Strand ending at 25th Street. Info: www.zkrewe.net or call 409-692-8431.

Saturday, February 18, 2012 3:00pm
Houston Chronicle 2012 Parade
Hot off the press!!! This Neauxs Krewe will be rolling down the Strand at 3:00pm tossing more than newspapers.

Saturday, February 18, 2012 6:30pm
Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade
Mardi Gras! Galveston’s largest parade will feature floats, marching bands, dignitaries, bead throwing and more. Parade starts at 19th and Seawall Boulevard, turns right on 25th Street and continues to Mechanic Street. Right on Mechanic Street to 21st Street, left on 21stto The Strand. Left on Strand and end at the Railroad Museum.

Sunday, February 19, 2012 1:00pm
NEW parade to be announced

Fat Tuesday, February 21, 2012 6:30pm
Mystic Krewe of Aquarius 17th Annual “Fat Tuesday” Parade
The Fat Tuesday Parade will roll for the 17th year. This lighted parade will feature Aquarius floats and the Krewes of Gambrinus, Thalasar, Bacchus, Babalu, Boudreaux, DuLac and ZKrewe. This is the final show before the curtain is drawn on Mardi Gras 2012. Don't miss the beads, floats, marching bands and merriment of the Aquarius "Fat Tuesday" Parade.

2012 Galveston, Texas Seawall Mardi Gras Parade Calendar

1st Weekend
Saturday, February 11, 2012 12:00pm
Mystic Krewe of Aquarius 25th annual Mardi Gras Kick off Parade
The Mystic Krewe of Aquarius celebrates its 25th annual parade with over 80 floats amd other units, including 20 high school marching bands. The colorful pageantry of the popular parade spotlights 160 costumed Krewe members and the regal Aquarius royal court. Participating Krewes will be "Thalasar", Bacchus of Texas, Krewe DuLac and Krewe of Boudreaux. For the best and most beads do not miss this one!

Saturday, February 11, 2012 6:00pm
Krewe of Gambrinus Parade
King Gambrinus throws a party for 200,000 of his closest friends with over 650,000 throws and a fantastic fireworks display. Open and free to the public! Parade runs along Seawall Blvd. from 23rd St. to Central City Blvd.

2nd Weekend

Saturday, February 18, 2012 11:00am
Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire Parade
Battle of the Bands begins at 9:00, and the parade begins at 11:00. The parade will start at Kempner Park 27th and Ave N down 27th to Seawall and down the Seawall to 31st and down 31st street to Holy Rosary Catholic Church. There will be an after party with all types of cultural food booths, more bead throwing, music, and fun. This is a family-oriented parade with lots of high stepping marching bands from Houston and Galveston with lots of bead, trinkets, and even some food throws.

Saturday, February 18, 2012 6:30pm
Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade
Mardi Gras! Galveston’s largest parade features floats, marching bands, dignitaries, bead throwing and more. Parade starts at 19th and Seawall Boulevard, turns right on 25th Street and continues to Mechanic Street. Right on Mechanic Street to 21st Street, left on 21st to The Strand. Left on Strand and ends at the Railroad Museum.

Sunday, February 19, 2012 1:00pm
Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Parade
Bringing out the best in people and their pets, this parade begins at 27th and Seawall and proceeds west to 47th Street, to the Academy parking lot. Pets of all sizes, shapes, and species are welcome (costumes optional). Pre- parade costume contest, with the winners making up the Royal Court.

Saturday, February 19, 2012 2:00pm
Mardi Gras Children’s Parade
Firefighters Local 571 hosts a parade dedicated to the families and children of Galveston. The 2011 parade marches on with costumed kids and decorated floats. Begins at 27th Street and Seawall, and proceeds to 47th Street to the Academy parking lot.

February 10-21, 2012
Seawall Carnival
The Mardi Gras Carnival returns to 34th and Seawall for Mardi Gras Galveston 2012! Open daily..

Check back for updates as we get closer to Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras Galveston calendar information provided courtesy of Mardi Gras Galveston and the Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau.

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