If you're looking for a unique Mardi Gras experience in 2017, grab somebrbeads and hit the beach.
MardibrGras! Galveston, the third largest Mardi Gras celebration in the UnitedbrStates, offers the unique chance to experience sand between your toes andbrgorgeous beach sunsets while taking in the revelry and lavish parades known tobrdominate Galveston Island during carnival season.
The island's 106th MardibrGras celebration, to be held February 17-28, 2017, is expected to draw morebrthan 350,000 attendees for 30+ concerts, 24 parades, 20 balcony parties andbrseveral elegant balls. And, this island-style Mardi Gras has plenty ofbrpersonality. Find your Mardi Gras style with these highlights:
Classicbr Revelry – Galveston’s historic downtown entertainmentbr district will put you in the center of classic Mardi Gras revelry completebr with big crowds and plenty of beads. Nearly all parades go throughbr downtown, where you can enjoy the view from the street or from above at abr balcony party. Main concert stages are also located downtown, where thebr event’s headline performances will take place. The festival’s largestbr parades also run along the beachfront on Seawall Boulevard. New in 2017,br Mardi Gras! Galveston will host the Krewe of Olympus Parade Feb. 17br supporting the LGBT community. On Sunday, Feb. 19, the event will includebr “A Salute to Tejano Music,” featuring live Tejano entertainment, twobr parades and other festivities. brbr
Upscalebr Mardi Gras – If you’re looking to catch any of the colorfulbr beads to be thrown from parade floats and downtown balconies, you don’tbr have to stand in the streets to do it. Mardibr Gras! Galveston's elegant side will feature several masked balls wherebr black-tie attire, lavish buffets, live performers, dancing and paradebr viewing invoke the evening festivities. Popular events include the Sanbr Luis Salute hosted by Tilman and Paige Fertitta and The Tremont House’sbr A&M Mardi Gras Parade Viewing Party. brbr
Familybr Gras – Sunday, Feb. 26 is Family Gras at Mardi Gras! Galveston, featuring live family entertainment,br kids parades, a kids coloring contest and more. Donations will be taken atbr the gate to benefit The Sunshinebr Kids and Shrinersbr Hospitals for Children. Highlights for the day include the Krewe ofbr Barkus & Meoux pet parade and Mardi Gras Children’s Parade on amongbr other events.brbr
Electric Mardi Gras – Electric Mardi Gras will return in 2017 with a special concert area atbr 21st and Mechanic streets in downtown Galveston. This area willbr provide one big party for lovers of electronic dance music, withbr continuous concerts, beat-thumping DJs and laser light shows on Fridaysbr and Saturdays throughout the celebration. Headliners in 2017 will includebr Bright Lights and Tropkillaz.
For more information, to purchase tickets or to help determine your travel plans, we suggest visiting: mardigrasgalveston.com.