11 U.S. Cities Hosting Significant Mardi Gras Celebrations Outside New Orleans
Think Mardi Gras only lives in one famous city? Think again.
Parade routes fill up fast in cities many travelers overlook, especially as Fat Tuesday gets closer.
Communities across the country have built their own high-energy parades, wild costumes, and can’t-miss traditions that bring serious Carnival spirit. Turns out, the biggest surprise of Fat Tuesday might be where the celebration shows up next.
Disclaimer: Event dates, routes, and start times can change due to weather, public safety planning, or organizer updates, so confirm details with official city tourism sites and event organizers before traveling. Addresses and helpful anchors are provided as navigation starting points and may not match every staging location or parade turn.
The content is provided for general informational and entertainment purposes, and the pictures shown represent the best available options we could find at the time of publishing.
1. Mobile, Alabama
Mobile traces its first Mardi Gras celebration to 1703, which predates New Orleans’ first by 15 years.
The city’s celebration features over forty parades rolling through downtown streets during the two weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday. Many downtown parades roll along the main downtown route that includes Claiborne Street and Royal Street, with viewing spots throughout the route area.
The tradition here feels more family-friendly and accessible than some larger celebrations, making it perfect for introducing kids to Mardi Gras magic. Parades typically start near the Mobile Civic Center at 401 Civic Center Dr, Mobile, AL 36602.
When: Carnival events run from late January into Mardi Gras Day, with parades beginning January 2026 and continuing through February 17, 2026.
2. St. Louis, Missouri
The signature St. Louis celebration centers on the Soulard neighborhood, anchored by its Grand Parade the Saturday before Mardi Gras Day. Midwestern warmth blends with classic Southern flair, giving the celebration a personality that feels truly one of a kind.
Vibrant local krewes guide the festivities with elaborate floats, marching bands, and costumed revelers tossing beads to cheering crowds lining the streets.
Festivities kick off at Busch Stadium, 700 Clark Ave, St. Louis, MO 63102, before wrapping up at Anheuser-Busch Brewery, 1200 Lynch St, St. Louis, MO 63118.
When: Key public events run through February 17, 2026, with the Grand Parade on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
3. Galveston, Texas
Picture palm trees swaying while parade floats roll past Victorian-era buildings draped in purple, green, and gold.
Galveston’s celebration transforms the Historic Strand District into a massive party zone, with parades looping through Market Street and Postoffice Street. The coastal setting adds a unique beach-town vibe that sets it apart from inland celebrations, combining Mardi Gras tradition with island relaxation.
Families appreciate the variety of events, from kid-friendly afternoon parades to evening celebrations for adults. You’ll find the heart of the action around The Historic Strand District, 2100 Strand, Galveston, TX 77550.
When: Mardi Gras in Galveston runs February 6 to 17, 2026.
4. Pensacola, Florida
Mardi Gras traditions in Pensacola’s modern Mardi Gras tradition dates back to 1874. Today, festivities cluster around downtown streets like Palafox Street and Garden Street, where parades roll past crowds packed along the sidewalks.
Mild Gulf Coast weather and historic architecture combine to create a scenic backdrop that feels made for outdoor celebration.
Longstanding groups such as the Krewe of Wrecks and the Crewe of Columbus help keep local traditions alive with colorful floats and costumed performers. Most parade activity concentrates near the intersection of Palafox Street and Garden Street, Pensacola, FL 32502.
When: The season begins with Twelfth Night celebrations and builds into the main parade weekend ahead of Mardi Gras Day on February 17, 2026.
5. Biloxi, Mississippi
How does a city throw twelve days of nonstop Mardi Gras parties?
Biloxi figured it out with a celebration that rivals its Louisiana neighbors in scale and enthusiasm. The Gulf Coast Carnival Association coordinates spectacular parades rolling down Howard Avenue, featuring massive floats decorated with intricate themes and throwing generous amounts of beads and trinkets.
The coastal Mississippi setting combines beach town charm with serious Mardi Gras tradition, creating a celebration that feels both relaxed and exciting.
Major parades follow routes downtown, with prime viewing spots along Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum area, 792A Howard Ave, Biloxi, MS 39530.
When: Major Gulf Coast parade activity peaks on Mardi Gras Day, February 17, 2026.
6. Lafayette, Louisiana
When: Lafayette’s parade schedule spans multiple days across the two weekends and into Mardi Gras Day week, concluding on February 17, 2026.
Lafayette brings authentic Cajun culture to its Mardi Gras celebration, creating an experience distinctly different from the New Orleans version. The main parade route stretches from Pontiac Point all the way to Cajun Field, giving spectators plenty of opportunities to catch throws and enjoy the festivities.
What really sets Lafayette apart is how the celebration incorporates traditional Cajun music, food, and customs into the modern parade experience.
Local families have been attending these parades for generations, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The parade starts around Jefferson St at Surrey St and ends at Cajun Field, 2351 W Congress St, Lafayette, LA.
When: Lafayette’s parade schedule spans multiple days across the two weekends and into Mardi Gras Day week, concluding on February 17, 2026.
7. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge hosts a Spanish Town Mardi Gras parade known for sharp humor and offbeat creativity. Instead of polished floats, homemade creations roll by with playful jabs at local politics, current events, and cultural quirks.
Route weaves through the historic Spanish Town neighborhood before wrapping up near River Road, creating an up close celebration where spectators feel part of the action.
Spirit of the event reflects Louisiana’s talent for laughing at itself while bringing the community together.
Popular viewing areas include City Club of Baton Rouge, located at 355 North Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70801.
When: The Spanish Town Mardi Gras parade rolls Saturday, February 14, 2026, at noon.
8. Lake Charles, Louisiana
Maybe you’ve never heard of Lake Charles, but this Southwest Louisiana city throws a Mardi Gras celebration that locals consider the best-kept secret in the state.
The main parade route begins at the Lake Charles Event Center and winds through downtown streets including Broad Street and Ryan Street, showcasing beautifully crafted floats from local krewes. What makes this celebration special is the genuine community spirit – neighbors gather on the same street corners year after year, creating reunion-like atmospheres along the parade route.
The celebration starts near Lake Charles Event Center, 900 Lakeshore Dr, Lake Charles, LA 70601.
When: Southwest Louisiana’s Mardi Gras season runs January 6 to February 17, 2026.
9. Shreveport, Louisiana
Parade scheduled for February 14, 2026. Up in Shreveport, Mardi Gras spirit runs just as strong as anywhere farther south in the state.
The Krewe of Gemini parade rolls along a scenic route that begins near Clyde Fant Parkway at Lake Street and finishes around East Kings Highway at East Preston Street, giving crowds riverfront views while they catch beads and moon pies.
The Krewe of Gemini has anchored Shreveport’s modern Mardi Gras scene since 1990. A welcoming, small town feel blends with parade production that rivals much larger cities.
Festivities typically kick off near Clyde Fant Parkway at Lake Street in Shreveport, Louisiana.
When: Shreveport’s headline Mardi Gras weekend events land in mid-February, with the Krewe of Gemini Parade scheduled for February 14, 2026.
10. Alexandria, Louisiana
In Alexandria, Mardi Gras traditions shine with a blend of long standing customs and small town warmth.
The Krewe of Apollo parade begins near Texas Avenue and Masonic Drive, rolling through town with colorful floats and energetic members tossing beads and throws to excited crowds.A more intimate atmosphere sets this celebration apart, giving families better views and more chances to catch parade goodies.
Local restaurants and businesses join the fun, turning much of the city into a festive gathering place during Mardi Gras season. Festivities start around Texas Avenue at Masonic Drive in Alexandria, Louisiana.
When: Alexandria’s main parade weekend runs February 13 to 15, 2026, including the Krewes Parade on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
11. Williamsburg, Virginia
Who says you need to travel south to experience Mardi Gras magic?
Busch Gardens Williamsburg brings the celebration to Virginia with a dedicated Mardi Gras event that transforms the entire theme park into a festive party zone. The park features live music, authentic New Orleans cuisine, colorful decorations, and family-friendly entertainment that captures the spirit of Fat Tuesday without the overwhelming crowds of traditional street celebrations.
This option works perfectly for families wanting to introduce kids to Mardi Gras culture in a controlled, safe environment with all the amusement park amenities. Visit Busch Gardens at 1 Busch Gardens Boulevard, Williamsburg, VA 23185.
When: The park’s Mardi Gras event runs January 30 to March 8, 2026, on select dates.
