Mississippi, December 21, 2025
In 2026, Mississippi will join the ranks of cities known for vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations, offering over 20 parades, parties, and family-friendly events along the Gulf Coast. Notable festivities include the Twelfth Night, St. Paul Carnival Association Parade, and the Gulf Coast Carnival Association Parade. The introduction of Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service will improve travel connectivity, encouraging visitors to partake in this energetic celebration. As communities unite to celebrate this cherished tradition, attendees can expect a thrilling experience filled with local flavor and excitement.
Experience the Excitement of Mardi Gras as Mississippi Joins the Celebration in 2026!
Get Ready For an Action-Packed Mardi Gras in Mississippi!
Mississippi is set to enhance its Mardi Gras celebrations in 2026, joining cities like New Orleans, Mobile, Galveston, Pensacola, San Diego, St. Louis, and Atlanta. With a commitment to vibrant festivities that capture the essence of this cherished tradition, the state is paving the way for a community-centric Mardi Gras experience.
The spirit of resilience shines through local organizers who have come together to create a dynamic lineup of events. Simplifying event coordination and reducing bureaucracy can further boost attendance and participation, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the exciting festivities that Mardi Gras brings.
Coastal Mississippi’s Expanded Mardi Gras Festivities
Coastal Mississippi is preparing for an expanded Mardi Gras season, featuring over 20 parades, parties, and special events starting in early January 2026. These celebrations will run through February 17, 2026, offering a range of family-friendly activities, live music, and culinary delights. Notable events include:
- Twelfth Night: Hosted by the Gulf Coast Carnival Association (GCCA), this annual event at the Biloxi City Hall marks the beginning of the Mardi Gras season on February 15, 2026.
- St. Paul Carnival Association Parade: Celebrating its 96th year, this parade takes place through the streets of Pass Christian on February 15, 2026.
- Mystic Krewe of the Seahorse Lundi Gras Parade: An evening Mardi Gras golf cart parade in Bay St. Louis on February 16, 2026.
- Gulf Coast Carnival Association (GCCA) Mardi Gras Parade: Known as the greatest free show on the coast, this parade concludes the Mardi Gras season in Biloxi on February 17, 2026.
With a focus on collaboration and celebration, these events aim to provide visitors with an electrifying Mardi Gras experience, combining traditional festivities with the unique charm of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service Enhances Connectivity
To facilitate travel to these festivities, Amtrak introduced the Mardi Gras Service on August 18, 2025. This service operates twice daily between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Mobile, Alabama, with stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula, Mississippi. The introduction of convenient morning and evening departures greatly enhances connectivity for Mardi Gras revelers, encouraging more visitors to enjoy the coastal celebrations.
St. Louis’ Soulard Mardi Gras Celebrations
St. Louis, Missouri, is also gearing up for its renowned Mardi Gras festivities in the historic Soulard district. The 2026 season begins on January 6 and runs through Fat Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Highlights include:
- Purina Pet Parade: A distinctive feature showcasing costumed pets in a fun and interactive setting.
- Bud Light Grand Parade: The climax of the season, attracting thousands of spectators on February 14, 2026.
These events combine French heritage, Midwestern hospitality, and modern celebration, offering a unique take on Carnival traditions far from the Gulf Coast.
Conclusion
With Mississippi’s enhanced Mardi Gras celebrations in 2026, the state proudly joins a vibrant lineup of cities across the U.S. offering electrifying festivities. From the Gulf Coast’s parades to St. Louis’ Soulard celebrations, these events provide diverse and exciting experiences for all attendees. Engaging in local events such as these not only enriches community ties but reinforces the cultural traditions that bring vibrancy to life.
FAQ
What are the key Mardi Gras events in Coastal Mississippi for 2026?
Coastal Mississippi is hosting over 20 parades, parties, and special events starting in early January 2026, running through February 17, 2026. Notable events include Twelfth Night, St. Paul Carnival Association Parade, Mystic Krewe of the Seahorse Lundi Gras Parade, and the Gulf Coast Carnival Association Mardi Gras Parade.
How does Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service facilitate travel to these events?
Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service, launched on August 18, 2025, operates twice daily between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Mobile, Alabama, with stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula, Mississippi. This service enhances connectivity for Mardi Gras revelers traveling to the Gulf Coast region.
What are the highlights of St. Louis’ Soulard Mardi Gras celebrations in 2026?
St. Louis’ Soulard Mardi Gras celebrations in 2026 begin on January 6 and run through Fat Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Highlights include the Purina Pet Parade and the Bud Light Grand Parade on February 14, 2026.
Key Features of the 2026 Mardi Gras Celebrations
| Location | Event | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Mississippi | Twelfth Night | February 15, 2026 | Annual event hosted by the Gulf Coast Carnival Association at Biloxi City Hall marking the start of Mardi Gras season. |
| Coastal Mississippi | St. Paul Carnival Association Parade | February 15, 2026 | Celebrating its 96th year, this parade takes place through the streets of Pass Christian. |
| Coastal Mississippi | Mystic Krewe of the Seahorse Lundi Gras Parade | February 16, 2026 | An evening Mardi Gras golf cart parade in Bay St. Louis. |
| Coastal Mississippi | Gulf Coast Carnival Association Mardi Gras Parade | February 17, 2026 | Known as the greatest free show on the coast, this parade concludes the Mardi Gras season in Biloxi. |
| St. Louis, Missouri | Purina Pet Parade | February 14, 2026 | A distinctive feature showcasing costumed pets in a fun and interactive setting. |
| St. Louis, Missouri | Bud Light Grand Parade | February 14, 2026 | The climax of the season, attracting thousands of spectators. |
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