January 12, 2026

Gulf Shores Announces Mardi Gras Parade Route and Dates

By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News

January 12, 2026

GULF SHORES, Ala.

The City of Gulf Shores is pleased to announce the return of the 47th annual Mardi Gras Parade, rolling once again down Highway 59 on Fat Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 10 a.m.

“Mayor Craft and our City Council recognize how deeply the Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade is woven into the fabric of our community,” said Grant Brown, Director of Recreation & Cultural Affairs. “By bringing the parade back to Highway 59, reducing entry costs, and broadening the types of units eligible to participate, we’re opening the door for more krewes, organizations, groups, and families than ever before. We want this year’s parade to be our biggest and most inclusive yet.”

The 2026 parade will begin at Clubhouse Drive and continue south to the intersection of Highway 59 and Highway 182/Beach Boulevard. Entry fees have been lowered to just $25 per unit, and updated insurance options now allow participants to either provide proof of vehicular liability insurance or add the City of Gulf Shores as an additional insured on an existing liability policy—making it easier and more accessible for newcomers to join the fun.

Applications and full parade regulations are available at www.gulfshoresal.gov/mardigras and must be submitted by February 6, 2026. The City strongly encourages early submissions and is actively seeking a wide variety of creative, spirited entries to help make the 47th annual Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade the most vibrant and well‑attended celebration yet.

Gulf Shores looks forward to welcoming an enthusiastic lineup of participants—and a lively crowd of spectators—ready to celebrate one of the community’s most cherished traditions.

For more information about Mardi Gras, contact the Special Events Division at 251-968-1171 or visit www.gulfshoresal.gov/mardigras.