10 Best US Cities to Celebrate Mardi Gras
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If you think Mardi Gras is all about beads, parades, and one big party in New Orleans, you’re not wrong. But the truth is, Carnival season is alive and well in cities across the US, each putting its own spin on the celebrations.
From historic parades along the Gulf Coast to family-friendly festivals and over-the-top block parties, there are plenty of ways to join the fun without booking a flight to the French Quarter.
Whether you’re chasing giant floats, craving Cajun flavors, or just looking for a reason to dress up and dance in the streets, these US cities know how to throw a Mardi Gras bash worth traveling for.
1. New Orleans, Louisiana
No surprise here—New Orleans is the place to be for Mardi Gras. For weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday, the city comes alive with colorful parades, costumed krewes, and enough brass band music to keep you dancing from Bourbon Street to the Bywater.
The French Quarter is legendary for its wild energy, but if you’re traveling with family or just want to soak up the pageantry without the chaos, head to St. Charles Avenue or Uptown for some of the best parade routes.
Don’t forget the food, king cake, po’boys, and gumbo are practically a requirement. And if you want to dive deeper into Mardi Gras culture, pop into the Mardi Gras World Museum to see how the massive floats come together.
In short: if “laissez les bons temps rouler” (let the good times roll) is your vacation motto, this is the ultimate destination.
2. Mobile, Alabama
Think Mardi Gras started in New Orleans? Not so fast. Mobile actually lays claim to America’s very first Mardi Gras celebration, dating back to 1703. Today, the city keeps the tradition alive with parades that are just as colorful—though a little more laid-back—than its Louisiana neighbor. Expect ornate floats, masked balls, and plenty of MoonPies tossed from the krewes (yes, catching a flying snack cake is a legit Mobile tradition).
Mobile’s celebrations stretch over two weeks, so there’s no shortage of events to catch. Families especially love the smaller crowds and festive but welcoming vibe. And when you’re not chasing beads, you can explore the city’s historic downtown, grab Gulf Coast seafood, or visit the Mobile Carnival Museum for a deep dive into Mardi Gras history. It’s a celebration with all the sparkle—without quite as much chaos.
3. St. Louis, Missouri
It might surprise you, but St. Louis throws one of the biggest Mardi Gras parties outside of Louisiana. Centered in the historic Soulard neighborhood, the city’s Carnival season kicks off in early January and builds up to a massive Grand Parade that draws hundreds of thousands of revelers. Floats, beads, and costumes take over the streets, and the party vibe rivals that of cities much further south.
But it’s not all about the big day. Leading up to Fat Tuesday, you’ll find family-friendly parades, a wiener dog derby (yes, it’s as cute as it sounds), and Cajun cook-offs that keep the energy high. If you want the fun of Mardi Gras without heading to the Gulf Coast, St. Louis proves you don’t have to be near the bayou to “let the good times roll.”
4. Galveston, Texas
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and Mardi Gras in Galveston is no exception. This Gulf Coast city hosts one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations in the country, drawing more than 300,000 visitors each year. With over 20 parades, balcony parties, and live concerts, it’s a non-stop festival that transforms the island into a colorful, bead-covered playground.
Unlike some Mardi Gras destinations, Galveston balances its raucous side with family-friendly events too. Daytime parades, a kids’ costume contest, and beachfront festivities make it a solid pick for groups traveling with all ages. Add in the island’s historic architecture, seafood shacks, and Gulf views, and you’ve got yourself a Mardi Gras celebration with a little Texas flair.
5. San Diego, California
On the West Coast, San Diego proves you don’t have to be anywhere near the Gulf to party for Mardi Gras. The city’s Gaslamp Quarter throws a legendary block party each year, complete with DJs, live music, floats, and thousands of revelers packing the historic streets. It’s a high-energy, neon-lit spin on Mardi Gras that feels more like a festival-meets-nightclub than a traditional parade.
If you’re not into shoulder-to-shoulder nightlife, don’t worry, San Diego also embraces the spirit with smaller parades, themed events, and plenty of Cajun-inspired eats popping up around town. Plus, you get the added bonus of perfect California weather in February, so you can celebrate outdoors without bundling up. Beads, beaches, and a buzzing nightlife? San Diego delivers all three.
6. Orlando, Florida
Orlando might be famous for its theme parks, but come Mardi Gras, it’s Universal Studios that steals the spotlight. Each year, the park hosts a family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration complete with nightly parades, dazzling floats, costumed performers, and beads flying through the air—minus the Bourbon Street chaos. Add in Cajun-style food stalls and live concerts, and you’ve got a celebration that feels like New Orleans sprinkled with a little theme park magic.
Beyond the parks, Orlando also has smaller local parades and festivals, so you can join the fun even if roller coasters aren’t your thing. It’s a great option for families, couples, or anyone who wants the festive atmosphere of Mardi Gras in a more polished, playful setting.
7. Lafayette, Louisiana
If New Orleans is Mardi Gras’ big, glitzy stage, Lafayette is its soulful little sibling. This Cajun Country city offers a more local, down-to-earth version of the holiday, with plenty of parades, Zydeco music, and a strong sense of community spirit. The celebrations here blend French, Creole, and Cajun traditions, giving you a taste of Louisiana culture that feels authentic and immersive.
One of Lafayette’s highlights is the Courir de Mardi Gras, a rural Cajun tradition where costumed riders go house to house (often on horseback) collecting ingredients for a communal gumbo. It’s a fascinating, lively custom that feels worlds away from the floats of New Orleans. Pair that with incredible Cajun food, dance halls, and live music, and you’ll quickly see why Lafayette is a Mardi Gras destination in its own right.
8. Lake Charles, Louisiana
Lake Charles may not have New Orleans’ size or fame, but it makes up for it with flair and family-friendly fun. The city’s Mardi Gras season includes more than 60 parades, balls, and parties, with a welcoming vibe that makes it easy to jump right in. The streets light up with colorful floats and bead-tossing krewes, but one of the city’s most unique draws is the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu, home to the world’s largest collection of Mardi Gras costumes.
Foodies will also love Lake Charles’ spin on Carnival season—think king cake tastings, gumbo cook-offs, and plenty of local Cajun and Creole dishes to fuel your celebrations. It’s a destination where you can experience the pageantry of Mardi Gras without battling overwhelming crowds, all with a distinct Louisiana charm.
9. Pensacola, Florida
Over on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Pensacola puts on one of the state’s biggest Mardi Gras celebrations, with a season that stretches over several weeks. The city hosts more than 20 parades, including the kid-friendly Krewe of Lafitte and the massive Grand Parade, which fills downtown with floats, marching bands, and plenty of beads flying through the air.
Pensacola’s Mardi Gras vibe is more relaxed than New Orleans but still festive enough to keep the energy high. Families especially love the welcoming atmosphere, while adults can find plenty of nightlife to keep the party going after dark. And since you’re right on the Gulf, you can balance parade-hopping with beach time—something you won’t find at most Mardi Gras destinations.
10. Biloxi, Mississippi
On Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, Biloxi blends small-town charm with big Mardi Gras energy. The city has been celebrating since the early 1900s, and today its Carnival season features parades along the beach, festive balls, and family-friendly events that attract both locals and visitors. The main parades wind right down Beach Boulevard, so you can catch beads with the Gulf of Mexico as your backdrop—a pretty unbeatable setting.
Biloxi’s celebration is a great option if you’re looking for Mardi Gras without the massive crowds. You’ll still get colorful floats, costumed krewes, and plenty of king cake, but in a more laid-back, coastal atmosphere. Plus, with Biloxi’s casinos, seafood restaurants, and nearby beaches, you can easily turn Mardi Gras into a full getaway.
Mardi Gras might be synonymous with New Orleans, but as you can see, it’s far from the only place to celebrate. From historic Gulf Coast traditions to over-the-top block parties and family-friendly parades, cities across the US know how to let the good times roll in their own unique way. Whether you’re after the full-on, bead-tossing chaos or a more low-key coastal vibe, there’s a Mardi Gras destination that fits your style.
So grab a slice of king cake, pack your purple, green, and gold, and get ready to experience one of the most colorful celebrations in the country—no matter where you choose to go.
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