12 things to know about Galveston’s 111th Mardi Gras
Next month, Mardi Gras returns to Galveston after a one-year hiatus due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The two-weekend event is essential to Galveston Island’s revenue, according to Mike Dean, president of Yaga Entertainment, Inc. and longtime producer of the annual special event benefiting the Downtown Strand Historic District.
This year’s festivities, marking the 111th Mardi Gras! Galveston, are expected to draw more than 350,000 attendees. Here’s what to know before you go:
1. Two weekends
The first weekend runs Feb. 18-20; the second wraps up Feb. 25-27. Highlights include the “The Jolly Jester Jaunt” 5K on Feb. 19 and the famous Float Barn, where the Krewe of Aquarius — second-oldest krewe on the Island — stores its floats for the Kick-Off Parade and the Fat Tuesday Parade.
2. There are 22 parades in total
The 2022 Mardi Gras! Galveston program has a concert or parade every 90 minutes, Dean boasts. Among the biggest attractions are the Zaniest Golf Cart Parade, Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Parade, Krewe of Gambrinus Parade, Carnes Bumpin’ (party) Bus Parade, The Grand Night Parade featuring the Knights of Momus Krewe and the Firefighter’s Childrens Parade.
3. Expect at least 14 performances
Mississippi rock band 3 Doors Down headlines the first weekend; Arkansasborn country artist Matt Stell gets top-billing during the next. Other musical acts include Scooter Brown Band, Jeff Canada, David Lee Garza y Los Musicales, Jay Perez and Siggno on Fiesta Gras, Mardi Gras! Galveston’s annual celebration of Hispanic Heritage.
4. Fifth annual Fiesta Gras
In addition to Siggno’s concert on Feb. 20, Mardi Gras! Galveston’s “A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage” also offers two parades (1 and 4 p.m.) and
special viewing opportunities on the Up Close & Personal Balcony Party.
5. Four Balcony Parties
Those interested in VIP access and perks will want to consider Mardi Gras! Galveston’s balcony party options. C-Force Water by Chuck Norris Balcony Party offers VIP views of four parades, 3 Doors Down’s performance and admission into the Entertainment District. On Feb. 20, Siggno will host a meet and greet at the Up Close & Personal Balcony Party. On Feb. 25, Matt Stell will make a special appearance at the Up Close & Personal Balcony Party, as well. The following day, Mardi Gras Kings Court Balcony Party is the most exclusive spot to catch three parades and several live music concerts.
6. Bead recycling program
Yaga Entertainment purchases approximately 3 million strands of plastic beads each year for Mardi Gras! Galveston, Dean says. This year, the special events producer launched “Beads for Needs,” a bead recycling program in partnership with the Galveston Independent School District art program and Life Skills program. Students are challenged to collect 1 million discarded beads this year to be repurposed for future Mardi Gras! Galveston events.
7. Airstream rally
Also new in 2022 is Streamin’ on the Strand, an Airstream rally presented by Texas Gulf Coast & Airstream Unit 103, Texas Hill Country Unit 104 and members of Airstream Club International. The event replaces a previous RV rally
and will be stationed on Mechanic Street in the Entertainment District.
8. Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade
Since its inception in 2011, the Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade has broken the world record for having the most decorated umbrellas in a single parade. More than 1,980 partygoers participated in 2019.
9. Calling all first responders
Another beloved tradition is the Danny Webber Memorial Parade on Feb. 25, which includes more than 25 firetrucks from League City, Hitchcock, La Marque and Jamaica Beach, among other cities. All first responders, plus one guest, are invited to celebrate that day’s festivities for free.
10. Family day
Family Gras, sponsored by Moody National Bank, is another opportunity to experience events for free. Parades, vendors and live entertainment will be available to the public on Feb. 27. At noon that day, Shriners Hospital for Children & Sunshine Kids Parade participants and their loved ones will enjoy lunch and throw beads from the CForce Water by Chuck Norris Balcony on Strand Street.
Shriners Hospital for Children is a 30-bed nonprofit pediatric burn hospital, research and teaching center on campus at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.
11. Pet day
Four-legged family members are welcome to join the fun on Feb. 27 for Galveston Island Humane Society’s Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Parade. This special event, created 24 years ago, isn’t just for dogs and cats — horses, pigs and birds can strut their stuff, too.
12. Book now
In past years, island hotels have reported 90 percent occupancy during Mardi Gras! Galveston, Dean advises. General weekend admission tickets and balcony access are also now on sale, visit mardigrasgalveston.com for more information.