Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Mardi Gras spirit is gearing up to return to Alabama’s Gulf Coast, bringing colorful parades, live music, and community celebrations to Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Foley, Elberta, and Fort Morgan. Festive floats and crowds will fill the streets as revelers join in the annual tradition of “letting the good times roll.”

In Elberta, the Order of Raskalz Mardi Gras Parade is the town’s signature Carnival season event for 2026, scheduled to roll through Downtown Elberta at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31. The parade is organized by the local Raskalz krewe, drawing community members, local groups, and organizations to participate with floats, walkers, and festive throws in a tradition that kicks off the broader Mardi Gras season along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Elberta’s parade is typically one of the earliest Mardi Gras parades in the region, offering a family-oriented celebration with beads, music, and community spirit. Click here for more information.

THE CITY OF GULF SHORES PARADE:

The Gulf Shores PUP Crawl will also bring Mardi Gras fun to four-legged friends on Sunday, February 15, from 1 to 5 p.m. The dog-friendly crawl starts at IceHouse Tap House and moves between Scoops, Picnic Beach, The Hangout, and The Catch. Registered participants can enjoy live music, raffles, and special “golden treat” stops that include pup cups and biscuits at each location. Entry is a donation of a new dog toy, an unopened bag of treats, or a 44 dollar adoption sponsorship, with all proceeds going to the Baldwin County Animal Shelter. Click here for more information.

The Gulf Shores Main Parade takes place on Fat Tuesday (February 17) and starts at 10am. The parade features the Mystic Order of Shiners, the oldest Mardi Gras parading order in Baldwin County. This year's parade is returning to HWY 59 and will end in front of The Hangout.

LuLu’s Gulf Shores will mark its 27th Anniversary Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Party and Boat Parade on February 17th. The fun begins at 10 a.m. with live music from The Tip Tops starting at 11 a.m. and birthday cake served at noon. Prizes will be awarded for the best Mardi Gras costumes in gold, green, and purple. Click here for more information

THE CITY OF ORANGE BEACH PARADE:

Orange Beach Mardi Gras parades kick off on Saturday, February 14th, when mystic societies in Orange Beach host evening parades along Perdido Beach Boulevard. The Marshals parade begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Mystics of Pleasure at 6 p.m. Fat Tuesday falls on February 17th, when the official Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade rolls at 2 p.m.

The Wharf’s annual “Moon Pies on Main” takes place on Monday, February 16th, also known as Lundi Gras. A Kid and Pet Parade starts at 4 p.m., followed by evening festivities and a float parade at 6 p.m. More information is available at alwharf.com.

City of Orange Beach Main Parade. Join the thousands of enthusiastic spectators lining Perdido Beach Boulevard for the annual event on February 17. The parade begins at 2:00 pm in front of Publix and follows a two-mile route along the boulevard including marching bands, floats, and lots of beads. CoastAL Restaurant, a great location to view the parade, will be having it's Jambalaya Jam prior to the parade.

THE CITY OF FOLEY PARADE:

The Foley Mardi Gras Parade for 2026 is a family-friendly community celebration that traditionally kicks off the Carnival season on Saturday, February 14th, beginning at 11:00 a.m. in downtown Foley. Organized by Krewe de Kaoz and coordinated by a local parade director, the event features floats, trucks, antique cars, walking groups, and more, typically with more than 25 parade units, and emphasizes a free, inclusive experience with no advertised venue fees. The route winds through Foley’s Main Street and surrounding streets, making it a relaxed daytime parade that draws residents and visitors alike to enjoy beads, music, and local flair ahead of Mardi Gras Day. Click here for more information.

Local cities remind residents that road closures will be in effect during parade hours. Portable seating is allowed in most locations. Please remember these are family oriented events, so please keep an eye out for the kids.