Fairhope and Orange Beach dates
Maids of Jubilee is confirmed for February 5. Orange Beach has confirmed Mystics of Pleasure on February 6, MoonPies on Main on February 8 and the city parade on February 9.
Fairhope · Daphne · Gulf Shores · Orange Beach
Coastal Alabama Mardi Gras Guide
This locally curated guide brings together parade schedules, routes, parking guidance, viewing areas and practical family tips across Coastal Alabama. America’s Mardi Gras began in Mobile, Alabama; here, the focus stays on celebrations across the Eastern Shore and Alabama beaches.
Current Carnival season
Coastal Alabama parade schedule
The municipal parade schedules, route maps and closure notices for Fairhope, Daphne, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have not all been published for 2027. Nothing below is presented as a confirmed city parade unless an official source has posted the date, time and location.
As official details are released, each parade listing will include its name, sponsoring organization, city, confirmed date and start time, starting location, route map, parking, road closures, recommended viewing area, family notes and official source.
Remaining 2027 details
Daphne and Gulf Shores schedules remain pending, along with Fairhope's other parades, Maids of Jubilee's start time and route, and official parking guidance.
Local organizations and traditional settings
Names and locations mentioned below describe previous Carnival seasons. They are not confirmation of 2027 participation.
Eastern Shore
Fairhope Mardi Gras
Confirmed for the current Carnival season
Maids of Jubilee Parade
- Sponsoring organization
- Maids of Jubilee
- City
- Fairhope
- Date
- Start time and location
- Awaiting official confirmation
- Route, parking and closures
- Awaiting official confirmation
- Recommended viewing area
- Choose after the official route is published.
Mystic Mutts of Revelry, Knights of Ecor Rouge and Order of Mystic Magnolias remain listed only as prior-year participants until their 2027 details are officially posted.
Official Maids of Jubilee source →Local context
Downtown Fairhope rewards an early arrival
The compact downtown setting makes restaurants and shops convenient, but public parking fills quickly and parade closures can separate you from the direction you planned to leave. Wait for the city’s current route before choosing a corner.
Check the City of Fairhope →The Jubilee City
Daphne Mardi Gras
Awaiting official confirmation
Parades and organizations
Daphne’s prior Carnival seasons have included Apollo’s Mystic Ladies, the Shadow Barons and the Loyal Order of the Firetruck. Treat every name, date and route as unconfirmed until the city or sponsoring group posts the current details.
Local context
Olde Towne streets change the arrival plan
Daphne’s intimate setting feels especially local, but Main Street access and Civic Center activity can change before a parade begins. Choose parking with a walking route that does not require crossing the parade after barricades are in place.
Check the City of Daphne →Pleasure Island
Gulf Shores Mardi Gras
Awaiting official confirmation
City parade details
Gulf Shores has traditionally held a community Mardi Gras parade during Carnival season. The 2027 start time, staging location, route, parking and road closures will be posted here when the city releases official details.
Local context
Highway 59 requires a same-side plan
When a route uses Gulf Shores Parkway, crossing the roadway may become impossible once closures begin. After the official map is released, select parking and a viewing area on the same side of the route, with a safe setback from traffic.
Check the City of Gulf Shores →Alabama Gulf Coast
Orange Beach Mardi Gras
Confirmed for the current Carnival season
Mystics of Pleasure Mardi Gras Parade
- Sponsoring organization
- Mystics of Pleasure
- City
- Orange Beach
- Date and start time
- Starting location
- Near Phoenix West on Perdido Beach Boulevard
- Route
- West to east on Perdido Beach Boulevard, ending at Highway 161 by the Publix shopping center.
- Parking
- Awaiting official confirmation
- Road closures
- The city advises Highway 182 may close as early as 4:00 p.m. and remain closed as late as 7:30 p.m.
- Recommended viewing area
- No official best-viewing area has been designated. Choose a legal location outside the median and plan to stay on one side of the boulevard.
- Family tip
- Arrive before the closure window and do not plan to cross the route after barricades are placed.
The Marshals motorcycles and floats also ride in the Mystics parade.
Official City of Orange Beach source →Confirmed for the current Carnival season
Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade
- Sponsoring organization
- City of Orange Beach
- City
- Orange Beach
- Date and start time
- Starting location
- Traffic signal at Wolf Bay Lodge, east of Phoenix West
- Route
- East on Perdido Beach Boulevard to Highway 161; units move into the eastbound lanes beginning at Romar Beach Access.
- Parking
- Awaiting official confirmation
- Road closures
- Highway 182 may close as early as 1:00 p.m. and remain closed as late as 4:00 p.m.; Highway 161 closes as the parade approaches.
- Recommended viewing area
- No official best-viewing area has been designated. Avoid the median and active intersections.
- Family tip
- Park and watch from the same side of the route whenever possible.
Groups the city says participate include Bon Temps Cabrix, Treasures of the Isle, Sirens of the Sea, Order of Disorder, Order of Aurora, Maidens in Pink Stilettos, Mystics of Pleasure and The Marshals, along with Orange Beach High School band and cheerleaders.
Official City of Orange Beach source →Confirmed for the current Carnival season
MoonPies on Main
- Host
- The Wharf
- City
- Orange Beach
- Date
- Kid and Pet Parade
- 4:00 p.m.
- Float parade
- 6:00 p.m.
- Location
- The Wharf
- Parking and closures
- Check The Wharf's current event guidance before attending.
Local context
Perdido Beach Boulevard takes advance planning
Convenient-looking lots along the beach corridor may be private, and access can change as barricades are placed. Confirm city-designated parking, stay on the same side of the boulevard as your viewing spot and never use the median as a viewing area.
Check the City of Orange Beach →Plan after the map is released
Coastal Alabama parade routes and parking
A familiar route can change because of construction, public safety or staging needs. Use the official current-season map—not an old screenshot—and recheck city notices on parade day.
Parade routes and parking
Park legally outside the closure area, avoid residential driveways and private lots, and leave enough time to walk several blocks. If a route follows a divided highway, keep your car and viewing spot on the same side.
Best viewing locations
Families usually do well on a legal mid-route block with room behind the curb, nearby lighting and a clear walk back to the car. Avoid float staging, tight turns, disband areas, medians and active intersections.
Road closures and leaving
Closures may begin well before the first float and remain until cleanup is complete. Park facing the direction you want to leave and expect a patient walk after the final unit passes.
Family parade playbook
Family tips for Coastal Alabama Mardi Gras
Many local parades are popular with families. A comfortable outing still depends on the specific event, weather, crowd and viewing location, so read the city’s current safety guidance before leaving home.
Arrive earlier than feels necessary
Allow extra time for traffic, a longer walk and changing closures. Popular evening parades can fill nearby parking well before roll time.
Choose a family meeting point
Put a parent’s cell number on a wristband or card for children and identify one easy-to-find place to regroup.
Respect the route
Stay behind barricades, keep chairs and ladders where permitted and never enter the street for a throw.
Pack lightly
What to bring to a Mardi Gras parade
- Water and weather-appropriate layers
- Wipes and hand sanitizer
- Hearing protection for sensitive children
- A small flashlight for evening parades
- One sturdy bag for throws
- A charged phone and portable battery
Mobile’s Mardi Gras history
America’s Mardi Gras began in Mobile
Mobile celebrated America’s first Mardi Gras in 1703. Its mystic societies, masked riders, floats and throws shaped a Gulf Coast tradition that later found its own local expression around Mobile Bay and throughout Baldwin County.
This page is not a general guide to Mobile’s parade schedule. It follows the Eastern Shore and beach communities where many families celebrate today.
Explore Mobile’s Mardi Gras history →Helpful answers
Frequently asked questions
Where are the best Mardi Gras parades in Coastal Alabama?
Fairhope and Daphne offer walkable Eastern Shore celebrations, while Gulf Shores and Orange Beach bring Mardi Gras to the beach communities. The best choice depends on the official schedule, crowd size, parking needs and the setting your family prefers.
When are the Fairhope Mardi Gras parades?
Maids of Jubilee has confirmed its 2027 Fairhope parade for Friday, February 5. Its start time and route—and the dates for Fairhope's other parades—remain pending official publication.
Does Daphne have Mardi Gras parades?
Yes. Daphne has traditionally hosted mystic-society parades in and around Olde Towne. Confirm the current schedule, route and closures with the City of Daphne before making plans.
Where can families watch Mardi Gras in Gulf Shores?
After the official route is published, choose a legal mid-route area with room behind the curb and parking on the same side of the route. Avoid staging, disband and active traffic areas.
Where should I park for an Orange Beach Mardi Gras parade?
Use parking specifically allowed by the city or a property where you have permission. Do not assume private business lots are public, and park on the same side of Perdido Beach Boulevard as your viewing area when possible.
Did Mardi Gras begin in Mobile, Alabama?
Yes. Mobile celebrated America’s first Mardi Gras in 1703. This guide focuses on the related Carnival traditions found today across Coastal Alabama and Baldwin County.
What should families bring to a Mardi Gras parade?
Bring water, weather-appropriate layers, wipes, hearing protection for sensitive children, a flashlight for evening parades, identification with a parent’s phone number and one sturdy bag for throws.
Are Coastal Alabama Mardi Gras parades family-friendly?
Many are popular with families. Comfort and safety depend on the specific parade, viewing location, weather and crowd conditions, so review the official city guidance before attending.
Keep exploring
Local guides from Mobile Bay to the beach
Browse Baldwin County real estate and community information, see more local events across Coastal Alabama, read the home buyer guide, view featured listings or meet Chaunette McKinney.