Laissez les bon temps roulez! With parades, live music, festive libations, and incredible food filling the streets, there’s no shortage of reasons to love Mardi Gras season.In 2026, Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, falls on Feb. 17, with Carnival celebrations unfolding for weeks beforehand. In the United States, New Orleans and Mobile reign supreme as the most iconic Mardi Gras destinations, with parades, balls, and street celebrations building momentum all the way to the big day. Mobile, recognized as the birthplace of America’s original Mardi Gras, remains a must-visit for history lovers and parade purists alike. Thinking of visiting Mobile for Mardi Gras? Check out our travel guide for hot spots to hit in the Port City.
You don’t have to travel to New Orleans or Mobile to experience the spirit of Carnival. Communities across Alabama host their own Mardi Gras–inspired events, blending local flavor with traditional beads, brass bands, and family-friendly fun. From Gulf Coast parades to downtown street parties and themed runs, Alabama offers plenty of ways to let the good times roll in 2026.
Mardi Gras Is A Statewide Celebration
Mardi Gras may have its roots along the Gulf Coast, but in Alabama the celebration stretches far beyond Mobile. From North Alabama’s downtown parades and themed balls to Central Alabama’s festivals and Gulf Coast krewes steeped in tradition, communities across the state embrace Carnival season in their own unique ways. With Fat Tuesday falling on Feb. 17, 2026, here’s a regional guide to Mardi Gras events happening across Alabama—perfect for planning a weekend getaway or finding a celebration close to home.
North Alabama Mardi Gras Events
Mardi Gras at MidCity — Huntsville
February 3-February 17, 2026
A season-long celebration featuring themed weekends, live music, family-friendly activities, and local vendors in Huntsville’s MidCity District.
Mardi Gras 5K — Huntsville
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Dress in “runnable” Mardi Gras attire and join the “Krewe” in Downtown Huntsville for a 5K where you can run for the beads while burning a few calories before the indulgent season peaks.
Mardi Gras Grand Parade — Huntsville
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Downtown Huntsville’s signature parade features colorful floats, marching groups, live music, and plenty of beads.
Krewe of Barkus — Huntsville
Saturday, February 14, 2026
A crowd favorite at the tail end of the Mardi Gras Huntsville Grand Parade, this dog-themed parade showcases costumed pups and their proud owners.
Carnegie Carnival Parade — Decatur
Saturday, February 14, 2026
A full day of Mardi Gras themed events in downtown Decatur culminates with the Carnegie Carnival Parade. Crewes, floats, a bag of throws, music … plus the annual Carnival Frolic 13.1 Run earlier in the day.
Central Alabama Mardi Gras Events
Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball — Gadsden
Saturday, January 30, 2026
Hosted in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters, this Masquerade Ball delivers the spirit of New Orleans for a good cause.
Mardi Gras on the Mountain — Birmingham
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Held at The Club, this popular annual event delivers Mardi Gras vibes with live music, dancing, and themed attire.
Gadsden Mardi Gras Parade and Celebration — Gadsden
Saturday, February 7, 2026
The First Annual Mardi Gras Parade and Celebration in Gadsden on Feb. 7 starts with the Chili Cookoff Downtown followed by a Mardi Gras Parade.
“Monte Gras” Ball — Montevallo
Saturday, February 7, 2026
A little Bayou flair to sweet Home Alabama with the 2nd Annual Monte Gras Ball in charming Montevallo.
Mardi Gras Parade & Gumbo Cook-Off — Cullman
Saturday, February 14, 2026
A family-friendly event featuring a colorful Mardi Gras parade, followed by a gumbo cook-off showcasing teams competing for best gumbo and community pride.
Bluff Park Mardi Gras Parade — Hoover
Saturday, February 14, 2026
A family-friendly, eclectic community parade with colorful floats and good music through the quaint Bluff Park neighborhood of Hoover—don’t miss the delicious food at the community-wide after party!
Mardi Gras at The Summit — Birmingham
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
The Summit transforms its main boulevard into a Bourbon Street-style Mardi Gras experience complete with jazzy tunes, specialty drinks, festive beads, and sweet treats.
Mystic Krewe of the Druids Bal Masque — Tuscaloosa
Saturday, February 21, 2026
A formal masquerade ball offering an upscale take on Mardi Gras celebrations in West Alabama.
Mardi Gras Gala Fundraiser — Columbiana
Saturday, February 21, 2026
A fun-filled fundraiser benefiting the Shelby County Arts Council, featuring dinner, dancing, and Carnival flair.
Leeds Mardi on Main 2026 — Leeds
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Viva las Leeds for a casino night blended with Mardi Gras cheer! Dress Mardi Gras style for a night of blackjack, craps, roulette, and poker for a good cause!
South Central Alabama Mardi Gras Events
Prattville Mardi Gras Celebration — Prattville
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Delight in vibrant parades, festive food, arts & crafts vendors, kids’ activities, and more — all wrapped up in lively Southern charm and community pride.
Revelers Mardi Gras Festival & Parade — Millbrook
Saturday, February 7, 2026
A family-friendly festival featuring live entertainment, food vendors, and a colorful community parade.
Krewe de Tigris Parade — Auburn
Saturday, February 14, 2026
A lively community parade bringing Carnival spirit to the Plains with floats, throws, and family-friendly fun.
Wetumpka Mardi Gras Parade — Wetumpka
Saturday, February 14, 2026
A charming river city parade filled with floats, beads, and small-town Mardi Gras spirit.
South Alabama and Gulf Coast Mardi Gras Events
Apollo’s Mystic Ladies — Daphne
Friday, February 6, 2026
A long-standing Daphne parade featuring elaborately decorated floats and traditional throws.
Mystic Mutts of Revelry — Fairhope
Saturday, February 7, 2026
A beloved pet parade where dogs and owners dress in festive costumes for a lighthearted celebration.
Knights of Ecor Rouge — Fairhope
Saturday, February 7, 2026
One of Fairhope’s signature nighttime parades, known for its energy and vibrant floats.
Maids of Jubilee — Fairhope
Friday, February 13, 2026
A classic Fairhope parade featuring elegant floats and a strong sense of tradition.
Krewe de Kaoz Mardi Gras Parade
Saturday, February 14, 2026 — Foley
A community focused, family-friendly celebration bringing vibrant Carnival spirit to the heart of Foley with colorful floats, music and plenty of beads.
Krewe of Mullet Mates — Fairhope
Saturday, February 14, 2026
A fun, coastal-themed parade celebrating local culture with humor and creativity.
Shadow Baron’s — Daphne
Saturday, February 14, 2026
A popular Daphne parade known for dramatic float designs and enthusiastic crowds.
Loyal Order of the Firetruck — Daphne
Sunday, February 15, 2026
A spirited parade blending community pride with Mardi Gras pageantry.
Order of the Mystic Magnolias — Fairhope
Monday, February 16, 2026 (Lundi Gras)
A festive lead-up to Fat Tuesday featuring floats, beads, and coastal charm through downtown Fairhope.
The Wharf Moon Pies on Main— Orange Beach
Monday, February 16, 2026 (Lundi Gras)
Let the good times roll with a Kid + Pet Parade held before the main attraction of the Float Parade rolls through Main Street at The Wharf in Orange Beach.
Mardi Gras Parade — Gulf Shores
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (Fat Tuesday)
A beachfront finale featuring colorful floats and a lively crowd along Highway 59.
Mardi Gras Parade — Orange Beach
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (Fat Tuesday)
A family-friendly Fat Tuesday celebration with coastal flair and plenty of throws.
Shop For Mardi Gras
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