20 Best Things to Do at Mardi Gras 2026 - Carnival Guide

Plan your day around the riverfront route. The entire crowd will surge as floats pass, glass beads glitter, and brass lines fill the air. Youre new to this? Youre in for a treat – dive into the mood with a clear plan for the morning, then head toward the market where vendors light grills and barbecue aromas drift across the square.

Explore midday flavor pockets and craft stalls. Youre going to love the glow of grills and the aroma of barbecue drifting through the market. Theres a set of kid-friendly blocks where you can shop for handmade masks and beads, then grab a crystal cup for a quick sip. extend your route with a loop along the riverfront, where a rudis pop-up kitchen adds an extra kick to the lineup. highlight this stop as a high-yield moment.

tuesday highlights and backstage events. To maximize the day, plan your movement across the block, chase the highlight of late-afternoon parades, and listen for brass that spills into the side streets. There are pop-up stages and workshops that extend your horizons beyond the main route, and theres a playful feud between neighborhood clubs that adds a local edge to the day.

Evening rituals and family-friendly pockets. If youre celebrating with loved ones, choose a vantage along a balcony over the old market square or a cul-de-sac where children chase bubbles. The night markets glow with crystal lanterns and glass sparkles, and locals highlight regional barbecue variants. A local historian notes the feud between two brass bands, a reminder of tradition and shared joy as you take your seat for the next float.

Closing tips and practicals. theres always a last-minute plan that makes the night memorable: grab a map, pin a food truck route, and note where vendors offer discount bundles after the final act. If youre approaching after midnight, take a safe ride share, and dont forget to collect the glass bead souvenirs and extend your celebration by visiting a family-friendly barbecue shop near the park.

Mardi Gras 2024 Planning Guide

Begin with a practical base in alabama's Mobile area, book a family-friendly riverside hotel, and position your viewing near the pier as the seeking plan begins.

Staying within close reach of the riverfront helps you hit early zones and follow published routes, while a pool-side break keeps kids energized after long walks, including a splash option nearby–an ever-useful reset.

Themed events and special activities shape the thrilling moments: seek schedules that include kid-friendly crafts, bead exchanges, and nighttime performances loved by families.

Book early for accessible seating or standing room along the parade routes; be aware of crowd patterns, keep to the safe sides, and assign a meeting point in case someone gets separated.

Pack for variable weather: dark evenings can feel cooler; bring a light jacket, sunscreen for daytime, ponchos for rain, and a small book with maps for quick orientation.

Beads, towels, and snacks travel light; for the little ones, set up a splash-friendly kit with wipes, towels, and a spare set of clothes; slides at nearby water parks provide a safe option for cooling down.

Smart routes and staying options: choose lodging near a pier or marina in alabama to minimize transit; consider a state park day trip if weather allows.

Budget insight: plan a moderate spend for meals, local rides, and small gifts; schedule at least one special treat per day to keep year-long memories alive.

Example 3-day plan: day 1 arrive and review routes, day 2 morning splash and afternoon themed parade, day 3 departure with a final beads haul.

Top Parades and Prime Viewing Spots in Gulf Shores

Arrive at Gulf Shores Pier an hour early to secure loungers and a clear view of the tail of each float as it rolls through the waterfront corridors.

For a fantastic outing, this plan combines three prime zones: the pier promenade, marinas and dockside decks, and public beach greens. Prepare advance plans with the city’s schedule and map out concessions along the route. These celebrations showcase diverse costumes and music. Each segment draws crowds from the state, including alabamas coastal towns.

• Gulf Shores Pier and Seawall

  Prime vantage along the railing and the seawall; the path through crowds is most compact here, gras beads land in abundance. Arrive advance, set your position, and enjoy the tail of floats as they pass. Bring a light jacket for sea breeze and use loungers for steady seating.

• Marinas and Dockside Decks

  Reserve a spot on the marina decks or a waterfront cabana; you’ll frequently get boat traffic as the parade winds through the channels. This area offers shade, costumed crowds, and easy access to restrooms. A redfrog tent nearby provides sunscreen and cold drinks, with a small menu that often includes coconut water and fruit options, plus shaded viewing areas along the docks.

• Public Beach Greens near Gulf State Park

  Open lawns and shaded pavilions give broad sightlines when you’re watching the parade pass through. Thermal blankets keep you warm as temperatures swing; vendors sell nachos, cheesesteak, and fresh lemonade along the route. Petting zones and kid-friendly crafts appear on scheduled weekends, frequently attracting families.

• VIP Loungers and Reserved Tents

  Advance bookings let you set up costumed seating with a view across the route; many options include a nearby pool for a quick cool-off between acts. Choose elevated or shaded spots to minimize glare and maximize close-up glimpses of the tails and throws.

• Food, Beverages, and Beads along the Route

  The menu at food trucks runs hot with cheesesteak and fried snacks; coconut drinks and fruit cups refresh the crowd. This zone is ideal for catching the hills of gras beads and enjoying live comedy acts that frequently pop up on sidewalks, adding a lively party vibe to each block.

Must-Do Family-Friendly Activities and Safety Tips

Start with breakfast at a family-friendly cafe, then pick a main viewing point along the route and stay close to your group.

During the morning celebration, aim for simple, safe activities that add little risk: bead hunts along the side sidewalks, a short stroll to see marching bands, a bakery stop for baked treats, and smoked snack options. This addition adds a layer of safety and can bring extra pleasure for everyone, and you can expect times and schedules to help plan.

Set a clear plan: designate a meeting point near the main entrance, stop for water every hour, and keep phones charged; if you're separated, use a quick code word to rejoin the group.

Choose upstairs decks in kid-friendly zones to observe dancing safely, and avoid bulky bags near the strip where crowds gather; a thrilling view from these spots helps kids stay calm, and bring a compact snack and water so little ones stay comfortable.

Tap into a celebrity network for kid-friendly activities and family tips; this approach helps you guide everyone toward calm, safe options while still enjoying the celebration.

Local Flavors: Dishes, Drinks, and Seasonal Specials

Start downtown with a coconut-crusted shrimp dish that blends tropical sweetness with heat. Created to showcase seafood, this dish combines crunchy crust, juicy shrimp tail, and a bright lime finish. It’s topped with micro herbs and served with fried plantain coins for texture. Other dishes in the lineup mirror the same tropical vibe and are designed for sharing under parade glow.

Pair it with a blue rum punch or a Mexican-inspired paloma. The drink display layers pineapple juice, lime, and a hint of chili, resulting in a super-refreshing sip. Also, the krewe torches light up the museum courtyard where parades roll, bringing warm ambiance to the downtown scene. Here, bartenders tailor flavors to the crowd, so ask for a tangy mango riff or a smoky finish.

For a traditional bite that also thrills, try a gold-dusted fried seafood platter featuring coconut-topped shrimp and tail-on scallops. This dish is a showcase of seafood mastery, and here it’s a crowd favorite. A Mexican-inspired street taco option adds spice, finished with blue corn chips and rudis salsa to brighten the plate.

Beads, Festive Gear, and Souvenirs: Practical Shopping Tips

Plan your shopping for a mid-city weekend in the week prior to the busiest parade to dodge closures and long lines.

Stock up on classic green, purple, and gold beads, sequined strands, and small charms from locations around the French Market and other mid-city stalls; pick items that pair with your outfit and avoid duplicates you won’t wear.

Decide which color set and accessories will pop, then add glamor with shiny pendants or tassels to create a spectacular look that stands out during marching madness.

Pack a lightweight tote, a foldable table for a portable display, and a cash envelope for fast checkout; know your table height and keep items within reach to speed up orders.

Kids benefit from larger bead sizes and safe, easy-handling pieces; keep extras for sharing with friends and fellow revelers, and be aware of choking hazards in smaller packs.

Know your locations and plan a route: Canal Street sides, the French Market, and mid-city pop-up tents are known for quick pickup and steady stock; a fleet of mobile sellers keeps options flowing.

Fuel on the go with breakfast burritos or hot soup from nearby stalls; keep a steady pace during the madness and enjoy a quick bite between lines of the parade.

Order ahead from trusted vendors when possible so you have choice and avoid missing green pieces or glow items, and always have a plan for which items you want to add to your table.

What to Pack for Gulf Shores: Weather, Gear, and Packing Hacks

Pack a lightweight rain shell and a versatile three-layer kit for a week in Gulf Shores: moisture-wicking tees, quick-dry shorts, and a compact fleece for cooler evenings, making the time enjoyable.

Expect 75–85°F daytime highs with high humidity and sporadic showers; bring SPF 30+ sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, UV-rated sunglasses, and a waterproof pouch for phone and wallet when you hit the pool or boardwalk; gras vibes will surface at nearby fests and pop-ups, attracting crowds.

Choose a sturdy daypack and use packing cubes to separate outfits; roll garments to save space; include two swimsuits and quick-dry beach towels; shoes: sandals with grip for sand and boardwalk, plus one pair of closed-toe shoes for dining or rain. This approach combines practicality with comfort.

All-white ensembles suit beach clubs or loft-style evenings; pack a few accent pieces in bold colors to mix with neutrals, plus a lightweight shawl for evenings in chilly atrium lounges.

For meals, plan around restaurants and casual spots; bring a small cooler for in-town grabs and check out blueiguana for a casual lunch; stock cocktails or mixers to enjoy on the balcony or in-room kitchenette.

Entertainment and diversions: map out a week of diversions to balance sun, surf, and downtime; book a night out in advance to avoid demand peaks, and place a simple request at check-in for extra towels or a coffee maker if needed.

Packing hacks: roll clothing, use zip bags for damp swimwear, keep a spare set of underwear in a watertight pouch, label outfits by day of week to simplify your schedule; in kitchens, keep a compact grill pan for easy grilled meals on warm evenings, or rely on grilled seafood from local markets.

Most trips benefit from a dry bag for valuables, a portable power bank, and a plan to chill by the pool. For more convenience, pack a compact cooler and extra beach towels; your home-away-from-home setup matters, so use the kitchenette or balcony for quick meals and unforgettable moments, and remember to forget nothing by listing essentials: charger, meds, sunscreen, and a small first-aid kit; if you need extra services, request them in advance to avoid delays and order supplies fast.