Plan a Carnival-season beach stay near parades, MoonPies, The Wharf, and family-friendly fun with a Brett/Robinson condo in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach.
Search Gulf Shores RentalsSearch Orange Beach CondosMardi Gras brings Carnival season to Alabama's beaches with parades, throws, MoonPies, music, and waterfront celebrations in the weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday. It is also a great reason to plan a winter beach trip, with time for the shoreline, restaurants, and your condo between events.
Choose Gulf Shores or Orange Beach based on the events your group wants to see, then use this year's dates to plan arrival, parking, and check-in around the parade routes.
Fat Tuesday is February 9, 2027. Confirm official details before you travel, since parade schedules, routes, and road closures can change.
Rolls at 6 p.m. along Perdido Beach Boulevard in Orange Beach, with The Marshals motorcycles and floats. In 2027 the route returns to its original west-to-east direction, starting near Phoenix West and ending at the Highway 161 intersection by the Publix shopping center.
The Wharf's Lundi Gras celebration starts with a Kid and Pet Parade at 4 p.m., followed by outdoor activities, entertainment, and an evening float parade at 6 p.m.
Rolls at 2 p.m. and typically includes nearly 100 units. The route travels east on Perdido Beach Boulevard from the traffic signal at Wolf Bay Lodge, east of Phoenix West, to Highway 161 just past the Publix shopping center. At the median near Romar Beach Access, the parade moves into the eastbound lanes.
Gulf Shores has celebrated Mardi Gras with a parade since 1978. Parade plans are changing for the 2027 season, so check the City of Gulf Shores for the confirmed date, time, and route before you book.
During the parades, Highway 182 (Perdido Beach Boulevard) closes to vehicles within Orange Beach city limits along the parade route: Saturday from as early as 4 p.m. until as late as 7:30 p.m., and Tuesday from as early as 1 p.m. until as late as 4 p.m.
Police typically keep roads open as long as possible before each parade. The Highway 161 and Highway 182 intersection closes as the parade approaches and reopens once all floats and units are clear.
For road closure questions, call the Orange Beach Police Department non-emergency line at 251-981-9777.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach parades bring floats, marching bands, beads, and crowds of spectators to local routes, from nighttime energy on Saturday to a daytime Fat Tuesday celebration.
MoonPies are a familiar parade throw and part of the Gulf Coast Mardi Gras experience, right down to the name of The Wharf's Lundi Gras celebration.
LuLu's in Gulf Shores adds waterfront Mardi Gras fun with live music, costumes, and a boat parade.
Add beach walks, Gulf Coast restaurants, shopping, family attractions, and downtime at your condo so the trip still works even if event timing shifts.
For many guests, Mardi Gras is one part of a longer Gulf Coast stay. The right rental depends on whether your group wants to be near Gulf Shores events, Orange Beach parades and The Wharf, or resort-style amenities.
Best for guests planning around the Gulf Shores parade, LuLu's, restaurants, family attractions, and beach access.
Best for guests who want The Wharf, Perdido Beach Boulevard parade access, and Phoenix properties nearby.
Best for travelers comparing familiar Brett/Robinson properties with resort-style amenities, including Phoenix-area condos near the Orange Beach route.
Looking for savings? See our current specials and promotions, or ask our team for help choosing a property.
Gulf Shores rentals suit guests focused on the Gulf Shores parade, LuLu's, restaurants, and beach access. Orange Beach condos suit guests focused on The Wharf, the Perdido Beach Boulevard parades, and Phoenix properties.
The Mystics of Pleasure parade rolls at 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 6. Moon Pies on Main at The Wharf is Monday, February 8, with a Kid and Pet Parade at 4 p.m. and a float parade at 6 p.m. The City of Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade rolls at 2 p.m. on Fat Tuesday, February 9.
Gulf Shores parade plans are changing for the 2027 season. Check the City of Gulf Shores Mardi Gras parade page for the confirmed date, time, and route before you book.
Yes. The season includes parades, throws, MoonPies, music, and family events, including the Kid and Pet Parade at The Wharf's Moon Pies on Main.
Yes. Highway 182 (Perdido Beach Boulevard) closes to vehicles within Orange Beach city limits along the parade route, from as early as 4 p.m. until as late as 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and from as early as 1 p.m. until as late as 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
Yes. Book early if you need specific travel dates, bedroom counts, Gulf views, or a particular Brett/Robinson property such as a Phoenix condo near the Orange Beach route.
Yes. Mardi Gras pairs well with a winter Gulf Coast stay that includes beach time, restaurants, shopping, family attractions, and condo amenities.
Search Gulf Shores and Orange Beach rentals online, or call our reservations team at 1-800-211-7892.
Search Brett/Robinson vacation rentals in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach with room for your whole group, or call our reservations team at 1-800-211-7892.
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