Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade

The City of Gulf Shores' 2025 Mardi Gras Parade will take place on Tuesday, March 4, at 10 a.m.

The history of the Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade dates back to 1978 when a group of locals decided Gulf Shores needed a parade. Those locals formed the Pleasure Island Players and thus Mardi Gras began in Gulf Shores. A year later, the Mystic Order of Shiners joined the Pleasure Island Players to become what is now the oldest parading order in Baldwin County.

Parade Route/Traffic Modifications

The 46th annual Mardi Gras Parade will begin at the intersection of Highway 59 and East Beach Boulevard (Highway 182) and will travel along East Beach Boulevard to the Gulf State Park Pier Road.

The City of Gulf Shores would like to make all residents and visitors aware of the following traffic flow modifications related to the Mardi Gras Parade:

6 a.m. 

• West Gulf Place beach access and parking lot will be closed. Parking will only be available for parade participants and float setup. 
• West Beach Boulevard (Highway 182 West) will be closed between Highway 59 and West 3rd Street for the staging of the parade.

9:45 a.m.

• Access to West Beach Boulevard and East Beach Boulevard via Highway 59 will be closed. 
• Access to East Beach Boulevard via East 1st, East 2nd and East 4th Street will be closed.
• Traffic headed westbound on East Beach Boulevard near the Gulf State Park Pier will be diverted to State Park Road (Highway 135) for access to Highway 59.

10 a.m.

• Mardi Gras Parade begins.

11:30 a.m.

• All normal traffic conditions should resume.

Parking for the Parade

The City of Gulf Shores has plenty of parking options near East Beach Boulevard, where the Mardi Gras Parade will take place. We invite our residents and guests to park in one of the following public parking locations:

• West 2nd Street
• East 1st Street
• East 1st Avenue from Highway 59 to East 2nd Street
• North side of East 2nd Avenue city-owned, right-of-way parking
• City-owned public parking lot to the west of Gulf Island Grill

Participate in the Parade

Anyone interested in participating in the parade can do so by completing the application packet. To print and fill out an application, click the Visit Event Website button below. You will also need to fill out the parade safety checklist for Gulf Shores Fire Rescue. 

All applications are due by Friday, February 7, 2025, at 5 p.m. Once your completed application packet has been approved, your organization representative, driver(s) and alternate driver(s) are required to attend the parade participation meeting on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

Mail your completed application packet to Erica Bassett, the event supervisor. Mailing information and information related to general liability insurance can be found on the event website.