Mardi Gras Galveston 2024 Dates, Schedule, Tickets, Challenge

Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is a festive occasion that marks the end of the carnival season and the beginning of Lent. It is celebrated in many parts of the world, but few places can match the excitement and extravagance of Mardi Gras Galveston, the third largest Mardi Gras celebration in the country.

In this blogpost, I will give you an overview of the history, date, location, schedule, tickets, challenge, transportation, and tips for enjoying Mardi Gras Galveston 2024.

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Date and Location of Mardi Gras Galveston 2024

Mardi Gras Galveston 2024 will take place from February 2 to 13, 2024. The main location of the celebration is the Historic Galveston Strand District, where most of the parades, concerts, and parties are held.

The Strand District is a National Historic Landmark that features Victorian-era buildings, shops, restaurants, and museums. Some of the parades also start or end at the Galveston Seawall, a 10-mile-long concrete wall that protects the island from storm surges and offers scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Summary: Mardi Gras Galveston 2024 will be held from February 2 to 13, 2024, mainly in the Historic Galveston Strand District and the Galveston Seawall.

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Mardi Gras Galveston 2024 Schedule

Mardi Gras Galveston 2024 will have a packed schedule of events that cater to different tastes and preferences. Here are some of the highlights of the schedule:

• Friday, Feb. 2: The celebration will kick off with the Party Gras! Procession, the George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award Presentation and Parade, the Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade, and the Mardi Gras! Galveston Parade with Grand Marshal Trey from the Fe.
• Saturday, Feb. 3: The second day will feature the Jolly Jester Jaunt 5k Race, the Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Parade, the Zaniest Golf Cart Parade, the Mix Radio, Art Car & Jeep Parade, and the Krewe of Gambrinus Parade.
• Sunday, Feb. 4: The third day will be dedicated to family-friendly events, such as the Family Gras! Parade, the Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Parade, the Children’s Parade, and the Shriners Hospitals for Children Parade.
• Friday, Feb. 9: The second weekend will start with the Danny Weber Memorial Fire Truck Parade, the Krewe Babalu 13th Annual All Krewe Parade, the Krewe of Maximilian Parade, and the Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade.
• Saturday, Feb. 10: The penultimate day will include the Mardi Gras! Galveston 5k Fun Run, the Official Mardi Gras! Galveston Triathlon, the Z Krewe 26th Z Processional, the Houston Chronicle Neauxs Krewe Parade, the Krewe of Thalasar Parade, and the Krewe of Olympus Parade.
• Sunday, Feb. 11: The final day will culminate with the Mardi Gras! Galveston 2024 Challenge, the Krewe of Aquarius Fat Tuesday Parade, and the Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Closing Parade.

Summary: Mardi Gras Galveston 2024 will have a variety of events, from parades and concerts to races and parties, that will span over two weekends and Fat Tuesday.

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Mardi Gras Galveston 2024 Tickets

Mardi Gras Galveston 2024 offers different types of tickets for different levels of access and experience. Here are some of the ticket options:

• General Admission: This ticket allows entry to the Entertainment District, where most of the events take place. It costs $18 for Friday, $22 for Saturday, and $10 for Sunday. Children 12 and under are free. You can also buy a 2-day pass for $32 or a 3-day pass for $42.
• Balcony Party: This ticket allows access to a private balcony party, where you can enjoy the views of the parades, live music, food, drinks, and beads. It costs $99 for Friday, $129 for Saturday, and $79 for Sunday. You can also buy a 2-day pass for $199 or a 3-day pass for $249.
• VIP Experience: This ticket allows access to the VIP Lounge, where you can enjoy premium seating, food, drinks, restrooms, and beads. It costs $149 for Friday, $199 for Saturday, and $99 for Sunday. You can also buy a 2-day pass for $299 or a 3-day pass for $349.
• Parade Viewing Stands: This ticket allows access to a reserved seat in the parade viewing stands, where you can watch the parades up close and catch more beads. It costs $25 for Friday, $35 for Saturday, and $15 for Sunday.

You can buy tickets online at the official website of Mardi Gras! Galveston 2024 or at the gate on the day of the event. You can also get a free general admission ticket by donating blood at the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center from January 18 to 24, 2024.

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Mardi Gras Galveston 2024 Challenge

Mardi Gras Galveston 2024 Challenge is a new and exciting feature that will test your skills and endurance in a series of fun and festive activities. The challenge will take place on Sunday, February 11, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The challenge consists of four parts:

• Part 1: Run or walk the Mardi Gras! Galveston 5k Fun Run, which starts at 12 p.m. at the 24th and Mechanic Streets.
• Part 2: Swim or bike the Official Mardi Gras! Galveston Triathlon, which starts at 1 p.m. at the Stewart Beach Pavilion.
• Part 3: Dance or sing at the Mardi Gras! Galveston Talent Show, which starts at 3 p.m. at the 21st and Strand Stage.
• Part 4: Catch or throw beads at the Krewe of Aquarius Fat Tuesday Parade, which starts at 5 p.m. at the Seawall and 25th Street.

To complete the challenge, you must finish all four parts within the allotted time and collect a stamp at each checkpoint. The first 100 participants who complete the challenge will receive a commemorative medal and a T-shirt.

The challenge is open to anyone who is 18 years or older and has a valid ID. The registration fee is $50, which includes a general admission ticket to Mardi Gras Galveston 2024.

History of Mardi Gras Galveston

Mardi Gras Galveston has a long and rich history that dates back to 1867, when a group of young men from New Orleans organized the first masked ball and parade on the island. Since then, Mardi Gras Galveston has evolved into a two-weekend event that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors and locals every year.

The celebration features more than 20 parades, 20 concerts, and over 3 million beads, as well as balcony parties, costume contests, family events, and more. Mardi Gras Galveston is also known for its unique traditions, such as the Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade, the Zaniest Golf Cart Parade, and the Golden Bead Giveaway.

How to Get to Mardi Gras Galveston 2024

Mardi Gras Galveston 2024 is easy to get to by car, bus, or ferry. Here are some of the transportation options:

• By Car: If you are driving to Galveston, you can take Interstate 45 South and exit at 61. You can park your car at one of the designated parking lots and take a shuttle to the Entertainment District. The parking fee is $20 per day and the shuttle fee is $5 per person. You can find more information about parking and shuttle service at this website.
• By Bus: If you are taking a bus to Galveston, you can use the Island Express service provided by Island Transit. The bus runs from Houston to Galveston every day, with stops at various locations. The fare is $9 for a one-way trip and $15 for a round trip. You can check the schedule and buy tickets at [this website].
• By Ferry: If you are coming from the Bolivar Peninsula, you can take the free ferry service operated by the Texas Department of Transportation. The ferry runs 24 hours a day, with a frequency of every 15 to 30 minutes. The ferry terminal is located at 1000 Ferry Road in Port Bolivar.

Tips for Enjoying Mardi Gras Galveston 2024

Mardi Gras Galveston 2024 is a fun and festive celebration that you don’t want to miss. However, to make the most of your experience, you should follow some tips and precautions. Here are some of them:

• Plan ahead: Mardi Gras Galveston 2024 is a popular event that attracts a large crowd. Therefore, you should plan your trip in advance and book your accommodation, transportation, and tickets as soon as possible. You should also check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
• Be safe: Mardi Gras Galveston 2024 is a safe and family-friendly event, but you should still be aware of your surroundings and follow the rules and regulations. You should not bring any glass containers, weapons, or pets to the Entertainment District. You should also drink responsibly and avoid driving under the influence. You can find more information and tips on safety at [this website].
• Have fun: Mardi Gras Galveston 2024 is a celebration of culture and spirit, so you should have fun and enjoy the festivities. You can watch the parades, listen to the concerts, join the balcony parties, participate in the challenge, or just stroll around the historic district. You can also dress up in costumes, masks, and beads, and join the revelry. You can find more information and ideas on how to have fun at [this website].

Summary: Mardi Gras Galveston 2024 is a fun and festive celebration that you don’t want to miss. However, to make the most of your experience, you should plan ahead, be safe, and have fun.

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Final Thoughts on Mardi Gras Galveston 2024

Mardi Gras Galveston 2024 is a historic and vibrant celebration that showcases the island’s culture and spirit. It is the third largest Mardi Gras celebration in the country, and it features more than 20 parades, 20 concerts, and over 3 million beads.

It also offers different types of tickets, from general admission to VIP experience, and a new and exciting feature, the Mardi Gras Galveston 2024 Challenge. Mardi Gras Galveston 2024 is easy to get to by car, bus, or ferry, and you can find more information and resources at the official website of Mardi Gras! Galveston 2024.

If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate Mardi Gras, you should definitely visit Galveston and join the island’s biggest celebration.

FAQs on Mardi Gras Galveston 2024

What are Mardi Gras dates for 2024?

The Mardi Gras celebration in 2024 kicks off with the start of the Carnival season on Saturday, January 6th, and culminates with the Mardi Gras day on Tuesday, February 13th. These dates bracket the traditional festivities in New Orleans.

What day is the Mardi Gras parade in Galveston?

The Mardi Gras parade in Galveston is part of their grand celebration taking place from February 2 to February 13, 2024. Parades are scheduled throughout this period, including on both weekends and Fat Tuesday. For exact parade dates and times, consult the official Mardi Gras! Galveston schedule.

Do you have to pay to get into Mardi Gras Galveston?

Yes, there’s a gate fee for Mardi Gras Galveston’s downtown entertainment district. This single fee grants access to parades, concerts, and festivities within the area, with no extra charges for individual events. Enjoy a full experience once inside without additional costs.