Your Guide to Pensacola Mardi Gras 2026
Each year, Pensacola trades its laid-back beach vibes for something a little louder, brighter and way more sparkly. Gold, purple and green take over the streets, beads and krewe pins become the local currency and extravagant costumes become the norm. There’s no mistaking it—Mardi Gras has arrived.
“As the clearinghouse for everything Pensacola Mardi Gras for 25 years,” President of Pensacola Mardi Gras Danny Zimmern said. “We’ve watched the celebration grow into a full season, starting with the Kick Off Celebration on January 3 and culminating in a Fat Tuesday Celebration at Seville Quarter on February 17.”
Pensacola might not have the biggest or oldest Mardi Gras, but after more than 150 years of celebration, it proudly holds its own alongside New Orleans and Mobile in both spirit and celebration. Year after year, float by float, Pensacola’s Mardi Gras has grown into a celebration the city shows up for in a big way—bringing people together, giving back and making Carnival uniquely its own.
“Over the course of the season, more than 100 krewes participate in a series of local parades, balls and festive events leading up to the Fat Tuesday Celebration,” Zimmern said. “Last year’s Grand Mardi Gras Parade had over 225 entries, and according to parade applications, more than 6,300 people participated.”
From the high-energy Mardi Gras Mambo at the Pensacola Bay Center to brass bands and packed sidewalks energizing Palafox Street during Second Line Tuesdays, Pensacola serves up a full lineup of events that keep the Mardi Gras energy going strong year after year. Here’s a rundown of all the Mardi Gras festivities happening across the city this month.
Second Line Tuesdays
When: Tuesdays at 5:30 pm
Where: Palafox Street, downtown Pensacola
Bring the spirit of Mardi Gras to Palafox Street with Second Line Tuesdays. Featuring live brass bands, costumed krewes and more, these festive second lines take place every Tuesday at 5:30 pm through February 10 as part of the Mardi Gras season. Mardi Gras krewes, musicians and spectators are invited to come together to fill the sidewalks of Palafox Street with music, foot traffic and lively energy during the construction of the New Palafox Project. Participants are invited to join however they choose—walk the full route, jump in as the procession passes or simply watch, wave and enjoy the moment. Festive attire and ceremonial umbrellas are encouraged. Second Line Tuesdays are free, and everyone is invited to attend. Each procession lasts about 90 minutes with a new starting location announced every Monday on Pensacola Mardi Gras social media. For updates, follow @PensacolaMardiGras or visit pensacolamardigras.com.
Pensacola Mardi Gras Mambo
When: February 12 at 6:30 pm
Where: Pensacola Bay Center
Experience Mardi Gras like never before at the third annual Pensacola Mardi Gras Mambo on February 12 at the Pensacola Bay Center. Serving as the official kickoff to the season’s main events leading up to Fat Tuesday, the 2026 Mambo features chart-topping rapper Waka Flocka Flame, hip-hop duo Ying Yang Twins and legendary DJ and producer DJ Jazzy Jeff. Other highlights include second line processionals led by the New Orleans Ramblers, a high-energy performance by Mr. Big and the Rhythm Sisters and more. An all-new event layout will transform the arena with reserved floor tables for groups, an expanded party pit dance area and added seating throughout the venue. The celebration also includes food, drinks and other Mardi Gras-themed festivities. Tickets start at $41.50, and can be purchased online through ticketmaster.com. For information, visit pensacolamardigras.com.
Krewe of Lafite Illuminated Mardi Gras Parade
When: February 13 at 7:30 pm
Where: Downtown Pensacola
Enjoy the only illuminated nighttime Mardi Gras parade in Pensacola hosted by the Krewe of Lafite on February 13 at 7:30 pm in downtown Pensacola. Crowds can expect to be entertained with local marching bands, lighted floats, amazing throws and more! This year’s parade will follow a temporary route to avoid construction from The New Palafox project, shifting the route one block east from the traditional path. Instead of crossing Garden Street and traveling down South Palafox Street to Main Street, parades will now cross Garden Street and travel down South Jefferson Street to Main Street. For more information, including a map of the modified parade route, visit pensacolamardigras.com and follow @PensacolaMardiGras on social media.
Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade
When: February 14 at 2 pm
Where: Downtown Pensacola
The 2026 Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade brings an unforgettable Carnival experience to the streets of downtown Pensacola, featuring a dazzling lineup of floats, marching bands, local organizations, colorful krewe displays and spirited local Scout groups. One of the area’s largest annual events, the parade draws more than 6,000 participants and nearly 100,000 spectators each year for an epic Carnival celebration of festive floats, incredible throws, live music, kids activities and more. The Grand Mardi Gras Parade will also follow a new route to avoid construction from The New Palafox project, crossing Garden Street and traveling down South Jefferson Street to Main Street. For more information and to view the modified parade route map, visit pensacolamardigras.com and follow @PensacolaMardiGras on social media.
Krewe of Wrecks Mardi Gras Parade
When: February 15 at 2 pm
Where: Pensacola Beach
Celebrate Mardi Gras island style at the annual Krewe of Wrecks Mardi Gras Parade on Pensacola Beach on February 15. Enjoy a lively procession of festive krewes, decorated floats with amazing throws, local marching bands and plenty of island flair. The parade kicks off at 2 pm, and the route runs along Via de Luna, from Avenida 10 to the Gulfside Pavilion, concluding at the Casino Beach Parking Lot. Following the parade, attendees are invited to join the post- parade party and awards ceremony at the Gulfside Pavilion. Parking is limited, so be sure to arrive early. Visit pensacolabeachmardigras.com for more information.
Fat Tuesday Celebration
When: February 17 at 11 am
Where: Seville Quarter, downtown Pensacola
Pensacola Mardi Gras and Seville Quarter have teamed up with local Mardi Gras krewes to host a French Quarter Fat Tuesday Celebration on February 17 at Seville Quarter in downtown Pensacola. The festivities kick off at 11 am with the Priscus Celebration, a longtime Pensacola Mardi Gras tradition, featuring the popular Jazz Royalty Lunch with a Mardi Gras–inspired menu, Half Shell vodka Bloody Mary specials, live entertainment and a low country crawfish boil outside End o’ the Alley. Throughout the day, local krewes will take over every room of the historic Seville Quarter complex, transforming it into the French Quarter. At 5 pm, krewes will come together to host celebrations with entertainment across the venue, followed by the coronation of the 2026 Priscus Royalty at 7 pm. The night culminates with a Mardi Gras drag show and dancing inside Phineas Phogg’s at 8 pm, while additional entertainment continues throughout the complex until midnight. This event is exclusively for adults 21 and older. Tickets are required for select experiences throughout the celebration, including the Jazz Royalty Lunch, so be sure to visit the Seville Quarter and Pensacola Mardi Gras websites for full details on this year’s lineup.
