The vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras comes alive along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, where residents and visitors experience coastal beauty, southern charm and the excitement of an authentic Mardi Gras celebration.
The region’s storied 116-year history with Mardi Gras is on display within downtown Biloxi’s Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum, which offers an extensive collection of costumes and memorabilia from over 20 different krewes, showcasing the many traditions of these clubs and their balls, parties and parades over the years.
Biloxi 12th Night Celebration | January 5th
The annual Biloxi 12th Night Celebration kicks off the Mardi Gras season each year in Coastal Mississippi, as the lights of Christmas are replaced with the lights of Carnival and the royal courts’ parade to city hall. Now in its 116th year, the special tradition is free to the public and will coincide with First Friday at Biloxi City Hall on January 5, 2024, from 5:30 to 9:00 PM.
15th Annual OS Night Parade | February 9th
What started in 2009 with the Ocean Springs Carnival Association’s first Night Parade has grown into one of the most popular Mardi Gras parades on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The OS Night Parade is held on the Friday night before Fat Tuesday, beginning at 7:00 p.m. from Front Beach in Ocean Springs.
Krewe of Diamondhead Mardi Gras Parade | February 10th
The Krewe of Diamondhead hosts an annual, family-friendly Mardi Gras Parade on the Saturday before Mardi Gras Day. The procession begins at noon, welcoming kids and families to catch plenty of beads and stuffed animals as the parade rolls from City Hall to the Diamondhead Country Club.
2024 Krewe of Neptune Night Parade | February 10th
The Krewe of Neptune’s first parade was held on Mardi Gras Day in 1983 on the streets of downtown Biloxi. The unique celebration features booming marching bands and towering floats that are commissioned in New Orleans and transported to Biloxi for the parade, which kicks off at 5:30 p.m. on February 10.
Gulf Coast Carnival Association Mardi Gras Parade | February 13th
Coastal Mississippi’s oldest and most prestigious Carnival organization has provided the greatest free show on the coast since 1908. 116 years later, the parade boasts 24 association floats, many private entry floats, over 450 sponsors, and its King d’Iberville and Queen Ixolib are considered the official royalty of MS Gulf Coast Mardi Gras. The 116th celebration will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on February 13th.
For more information on these events, visit https://www.gulfcoast.org/events/mardi-gras-events/.
