Get ready for the beach bead bonanza season on the Emerald Coast! Celebrate Mardi Gras with our famous Krewes from now until the beginning of March. Krewes work all year preparing to entertain visitors and locals with Gulf Coast hospitality and fun! With events placed from the Flora-Bama all the way to Navarre, these must-see celebrations present the perfect opportunity to celebrate with family and friends. Out of the numerous, fun-filled events along the Emerald Coast, we have highlighted a few of the Mardi Gras events to give you a taste of what’s to come!
Celebrating for their 27th year, the Pirates of Lost Treasure host their 2023 Treasure Mardi Gras Flotilla with the theme “Let’s Get Shipwrecked!” Scheduled on February 4th, the parade will begin beside Holiday Harbor Marino at 11 am and end at the famed Flora-Bama 2:30 pm 2:30 pm. Floats will glide past viewing spots along the way including The Oyster Bar, Big Lagoon State Park, and Hub Stacey’s at Galvez Landing. Immediately following the parade, Pirates of Lost Treasure request you join them in full pirate attire for their Victory Party at the Flora-Bama Dome Stage! Don’t miss out on Perdido Key’s biggest Mardi Gras Flotilla!
Join the Navarre Krewe of Jesters a week later in their Music Through the Decades Mardi Gras Parade and Ball on Saturday, February 11th from 1 pm- 11 pm! Beginning the afternoon with their annual parade at 1 pm, Navarre plays the perfect host. Plans to supply fun lovers with food, a beer tent, ice cream, and live music establish the perfect setting for a good time! Later, the theme continues at the Krewe of Jesters Mardi Gras Ball! This is a Black-Tie event, so formal wear is a requirement. Purchase tickets to this ball through a krewe member or by emailing contact@nkoj.org!
The following weekend, Pensacola kicks off its Mardi Gras with the Krewe of Lafitte Illuminated Mardi Gras Parade. Starting on February 17th at 7:30 pm, floats will brighten the night air with twinkling lights! This family-friendly parade is the only event during Mardi Gras where viewers get to see floats showcase their lights as they ride through Downtown Pensacola.
Continuing the celebration, the next day (February 18th), the Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade takes place from 2 pm to 6 pm on Palafox and Garden street. Bringing the biggest crowd of people Downtown Pensacola sees all year, this parade includes almost all the Krewes this wonderful city can produce! Alcohol and tobacco restrictions will be in effect. A children’s area has been put in place so families can relax and feel safe throughout the day’s revelry.
The last parade of the year is certainly not the least. Beginning at 2 pm on Pensacola Beach near Via DeLuna, the Krewe of Wrecks Mardi Gras Parade mixes music, dancing, candy, and beads with the crisp ocean air! After the parade, the fun continues. After-parties line Pensacola Beach Blvd while viewers wait for judges to make their final decision for the best Krewe of 2023. The biggest of these parties will be at the Sandshaker where live music and the party continues throughout the evening!
For more information: https://pensacolamardigras.com/events/
