Keep Calm and Mardi On: 11 Mardi Gras Destinations Beyond Louisiana

Louisiana isn't the only place that goes all out with floats, krewes and general revelry. A handful of destinations host similar festivities, all with unique touches. However, all celebrations have one thing in common ~ you're guaranteed to have a memorable time. 

So, wear your best purple, green or gold duds and get ready to yell, "throw me somethin', mister!" Hold your hands out to catch the throws raining down from the floats, and laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll)!

Mardi Gras Tree at Mardi Gras Park in Mobile, Ala. photo personal collection (Feb. 2020)

St. Louis, Missouri

It's considered one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations outside of New Orleans, and it all takes place in the neighborhood of Soulard in St. Louis, Missouri.

Events over the weeks-long period include a Cajun Cook-Off (Jan. 31) and Taste of Soulard (Feb. 7 -8), to superlative-worthy events such as the Purina Pet Parade (Feb. 8), the Guinness World Record holder for the largest costumed pet parade in the world, and Tito's Wiener Dog Derby (Feb. 8), the longest-running dachshund derby in the nation). The merriment culminates with the Bud Light Grand Parade (Feb. 14) featuring over 100 krewes.

Did You Know: Soulard is one of the oldest neighborhoods in St. Louis. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places (one of its many distinctions) in 1972, the eclectic area is home to the oldest church, building, and various restaurants/bars/boutiques. In addition to its Mardi Gras celebration, annual events include the Soulard Concert Series and the Soulard Oktoberfest.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Float on with Eureka Springs' Mardi Gras festivities, beginning with the Taste of Mardi Gras (Jan. 17), hosted by the Krewe of Krazo, celebrating the unique flavors and cultures of Eureka Springs and New Orleans.

In addition to three balls (Coronation Ball at the Crescent Hotel, Jan. 30; Black Light Ball, Jan. 31; and Masquerade Ball at the Inn of the Ozarks, Feb. 13), there are two parades: the Night Parade (Jan. 31) brings the dazzle, while the Day Parade (Feb. 14) brings the energy.

Normal (is) Boring: Being called 'eclectic' or 'odd' is a net positive for Eureka Springs. Its many peculiarities, such as no street crossing at right angles and no stoplights in town, made it a favorite of Robert Ripley of Ripley's Believe It or Not.

Powell Arch in Galveston, Texas photo personal collection (Apr. 2013)

Galveston, Texas

Beads, beads and more beads are thrown into the crowds as parades, including a Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade (Feb. 6) and a Golf Cart parade (Feb. 7), roll through the Entertainment District during the two weeks of Mardi Gras! Galveston. 

Recognized as the largest celebration in Texas and the third-largest in the U.S., the event appeals to all with live entertainment performances, Fiesta Gras activities (Feb. 8) and Family Gras (Feb. 15).

Worth Seeing: Out of destruction comes art in Galveston. Hurricane Ike destroyed the stately oak trees in 2008, leaving only stumps behind. With the assistance of three artists (Jim Phillips, Earl Jones and Dayle Lewis), homeowners decided to do something positive with the remains and created whimsical sculptures, which you can see on a self-guided tour.

Mississippi Gulf Coast

From Picayune to Pascagoula, the good times roll along the Mississippi Gulf Coast as parades through Fat Tuesday. Claim a spot to watch such events as the Ocean Springs Elks and Krewe Unique Parade (Jan. 31) in Ocean Springs, the Krewe of Neptune Night Parade (Feb. 14) in Biloxi, and the North Bay Mardi Gras Association Parade (Feb. 15) in D'Iberville.

There is also the Gumbo Fest (Jan. 24) in Gulfport and the Krewe of Barkloxi PAWrade (Feb. 1)

Creative Coast: Given its surroundings, it is no surprise that artists are drawn to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Whether it's galleries or museums like the Walter Anderson Museum in Ocean Springs, the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum in Biloxi, or murals in Fishbone Alley in Gulfport, art is plentiful in the region. Discover artists who have called the Mississippi Gulf Coast home and those currently calling it home.

Mobile Mardi Gras Day Parade (Feb. 2020) photo personal collection

Mobile and Coastal Alabama

It's all about catching MoonPies, beads and creative throws during parades in the birthplace of America's original Mardi Gras - Mobile. Over 40 pass through downtown, making it easy to see multiple parades each day. 

However, the snack cakes and other unusual items aren't the only unique attributes of the city's celebration. Mobile's Joe Cain Day (Feb. 15) honors the man said to have brought back Mardi Gras after the Civil War. 

Don't forget about the parades on the Alabama Gulf Coast (Orange Beach and Gulf Shores) and on the Eastern Shore (Fairhope, Daphne, Foley, Spanish Fort), the Historic Blakeley State Park offers the Mardi Gras Cruise (Feb. 12 -13), which explores Mobile's rich history and more.

The More You Know: Mobile is home to seven National Register Historic Districts throughout midtown and downtown.

Alabama's Gulf Coast offers 32 miles of beaches to explore.

Daphne is known as "The Jubilee City." It's one of the few spots in the world where conditions are favorable for fish, shrimp, and crabs to move to the shoreline and easily be scooped up.

Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis Mardi Gras on Main Street (Feb. 6 - 8) is three days of partying. The Glow Party Bar Crawl (Feb. 6) offers a fun way to explore downtown Memphis. The Mardi Gras Parade and Block Party (Feb. 7) is precisely what it says: floats, bands and more roll down the street, followed by a celebration with live music on multiple stages, food-tasting stations, and much more. Wrapping it up is the Mardi Gras Tailgate Bowl (Feb. 8) at The Columns.

Bison Roam: Shelby Farms Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country, is home to around 15 free-roaming bison. The park also offers several outdoor activities, including biking, paddleboarding, kayaking, and zip lining.

St. Marys, Georgia

St. Marys exudes a bon temps atmosphere with its Mardi Gras Celebration (Feb. 15 and 17).

Howard Gilman Memorial Waterfront Park rocks with Mardi Gras Jubilee (Feb. 15). Enjoy an afternoon of a DJ spinning music, king cake, food and much more. And for the kids, there are games, mask-making opportunities and other engaging activities.

The Fat Tuesday Fest (Feb. 17) is an evening celebration featuring an illuminated parade through the streets, culminating in a concert.

The celebration isn't confined to these two events, either. Be sure to check out the citywide Mardi Gras window and porch decorating contest, and vote.

Let's Explore: Take a short 45-minute ferry ride to Cumberland Island and take one of the ranger-led tours.

Pensacola, Florida

Mardi Gras in Pensacola and the nearby area is heavily parade-centric, with everything from the Navarre Krewe of Jesters Mardi Gras Parade (Feb. 7) to the Krewe of Wrecks Parade (Feb. 15) in Pensacola Beach.

Pets can join the fun, too, with the Pensacola Pawdi Gras (Feb. 1), complete with a costume contest and a parade. 

The apex of the Pensacola Mardi Gras celebration is with the last parades: Krewe of Lafitte Illuminated Parade, a night parade (Feb. 13), and the Pensacola Mardi Gras Grand Parade (Feb. 14).

Go Back in Time: From Fort Pickens, a pre-Civil War era fort on Pensacola Beach, to the Historic Pensacola Village, with 28 museums, historic homes and properties, Pensacola offers over 450 years of history to explore. 

Krewe of St. Andrews Mardi Gras' Main Parade (Feb, 2017) in Panama City, Fla. photo personal collection

Panama City and Panama City Beach, Florida

Get the Mardi started in Panama City Beach Mardi Gras and Music Festival (Jan. 30 -31). In addition to a Second Line Parade (Jan. 30) and Krewe of Dominique Youx Mardi Gras at the Beach Parade (Jan. 31), there's a Kids' Fun Zone and Festival Village (both days) to enjoy and more to experience, including fireworks (Jan. 31).

What's Underneath: Man In The Sea Museum opened in 1982 and is owned by the Institute of Diving. The museum educates guests on man's ongoing exploration of the sea. Exhibits provide an up-close look at the evolution of outerwear, devices and technology. Also on display are artifacts, equipment and more.

Across the Hathaway Bridge in Panama City, experience the life of the Mardi as over 14 krewes and over 30 floats take the streets during the two-day Krewe of St. Andrews Mardi Gras (Feb 6 -7).

It all kicks off with the Pets and Kids' Parade (Feb. 6), followed by the Mask Parade (Feb. 6) and ends with the Pet Parade (Feb. 7). Also, during the two days of parades, partake in the festival (both days) featuring music, food and merriment.

By Trail: Get to know Panama City by exploring one or all of its trails, including the Mural Trail, the Ale Trail, and self-guided Historic Walking Tours.

Beaufort, North Carolina

It's a Mardi party in Beaufort. Over two days, take in a masquerade ball, and enjoy a parade and street carnival during Beaufort's Mardi Gras (Feb. 20 -21).

The masquerade ball (Feb. 20) kicks off the festivities. The parade (Feb. 21) is said to highlight Beaufort's quirkiness, and of course, there'll be throws. In the afternoon, head to the Street Carnival (Feb. 21) featuring Cajun and Creole cuisine from local restaurants' food booths, arts and crafts vendors, and a Cajun cook-off competition and tasting.

DYK: Beaufort is the third-oldest town in North Carolina. Interesting facts about it include the wreckage of Blackbeard's infamous ship, the Queen Anne's Revenge, which rests just three miles off its shores. Sometimes, while dining at one of Beaufort's waterfront restaurants, across the water, wild horses that roam freely on the Rachel Carson Reserve can be seen