Mardi Gras Parade

Our 2026 Mardi Gras Parade will take place on February 17, 2026, at 10 a.m.

The history of the Gulf Shores Mardi Gras parade dates back to 1978 when a group of locals decided Gulf Shores needed a parade. Those locals formed the Pleasure Island Players, and thus, Mardi Gras began in Gulf Shores. A year later, the Mystic Order of Shiners joined the Pleasure Island Players to become what is now the oldest parading order in Baldwin County.

New this year is a Float Competition!

The City of Gulf Shores is pleased to announce the winners of the inaugural Mardi Gras parade float competition!

Best Overall Entry: Sirens of the Sea
Most Spirited Entry: Order of the Bon Temps Revelers, LLC

Participate in the Parade

The City strongly encourages early submissions and is actively seeking a wide variety of creative, spirited entries to help make the 47th annual Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade the most vibrant and well‑attended celebration yet. Gulf Shores looks forward to welcoming an enthusiastic lineup of participants—and a lively crowd of spectators—ready to celebrate one of the community’s most cherished traditions.

If you are interested in participating in the parade, please complete the application packet.

All applications are due by Friday, February 6, 2026, at 5 p.m. Once your completed application packet has been approved, your organization representative, driver(s), and alternate drivers (s) are required to attend the parade participation meeting.

Email: events@gulfshoresal.gov
Mail:
City of Gulf Shores Special Events
P.O. Box 299
Gulf Shores, AL 36547

For more information or questions regarding participating in the Mardi Gras parade, please contact the Special Events Division at events@gulfShoresal.gov or 251-968-1171.

For information on insurance requirements, please contact our Purchasing Officer, Shelby DeBlieux, at 251-968-1443 or email sdeblieux@gulfshoresal.gov.

Parade Route/Traffic Modifications

The 47th annual Mardi Gras Parade is returning to HWY 59! The parade will begin at Clubhouse Drive and continue south to the intersection of Highway 59 and Highway 182/Beach Boulevard.

The City of Gulf Shores would like to make all residents and visitors aware of the road closures related to the Mardi Gras Parade:

Beginning at 7 a.m.

West 1st Street from West 19th Avenue to Clubhouse Drive closes for staging
Clubhouse Drive between West 1st Street and West 2nd Street closes for staging
West 2nd Street from West 19th Avenue to Commerce Drive closes for staging
Main Gulf Place closes

Note: West 2nd Street from Commerce Drive to Fort Morgan Road (highway 180) will remain open unless additional space is needed for staging.

Beginning at 9:35 a.m.

Hwy 59 southbound and northbound lanes will close beginning at the south end of the
W.C. Holmes Bridge (20ᵗʰ Avenue) to Highway 182/Beach Boulevard.

10 a.m.

Parade begins at the intersection of Clubhouse Drive and Highway 59 and proceeds south
to Highway 182/Beach Boulevard.
Traffic flow will return to normal once the parade concludes and barricades are removed.