As the vibrant streets of Mobile prepare for our annual Mardi Gras festivities, we invite you to step off the parade route and discover the quieter (but equally magical) side of the celebration. By navigating through these captivating events and attractions, you'll experience the essence of Mardi Gras outside of the parades and masquerades. 

 

  • Mardi Gras Kickoff, Beer Release and Live Performance of the Dark Side of the Moon Pie at Braided River Brewing Company: Ain't no party like a Mardi Gras party! Begin carnival season at Braided River Brewing Company on Friday, January 5. Join Chief Slacabamarinico for the ribbon-cutting and witness the RSA Tower lighting up gold and purple, signaling the start of king cake season. This kickoff will feature live music by The Cordial Brothers, Mardi Gras-themed beers, food trucks and king cakes for sale. Sip on Braided River’s new seasonal brews, Boom Boom and Lil’ King Cake Baby, to further set the festive tone for Mardi Gras. Braided River Brewing Company is located at 420 St Louis St, Mobile, AL 36602.

 

  • Lighting of the Mardi Gras Tree: On the 1st day of Mardi Gras, my true love gave to me: a beautifully beaded Mardi Gras tree! On Saturday, January 6 at 5:30 p.m., kick off the most wonderful time of the year at Mardi Gras Park during the annual tree lighting ceremony. Sounds from The Jukebox Brass Band help set the tone for the upcoming Mardi Gras season. Mardi Gras Park is located at 104-148 S Royal St, Mobile, AL 36602.

 

  • Mobile Museum of Art’s Family Mardi Gras Day: Get ready to kick off Mardi Gras season in style with Mobile Museum of Art from 1 -5 p.m. on Friday, January 13. Dive into a world of creativity with MMoA’s education team, where guests of all ages can craft dazzling masks and turn shoeboxes into mini-float masterpieces. Groove along to live music and second line dancing with Gloria Petit Williams. Best part? Admission to the Museum is on the house all day, so join the fun and let the good times roll! The Mobile Museum of Art is located at 4850 Museum Dr, Mobile, AL 36608.

 

  • King Cake Off: What’s Mardi Gras without king cake? Put your judging skills to the test at the King Cake-Off on Friday, January 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the Mobile Civic Center. Rank the finest king cakes from local bakeries and stores. Immerse yourself in live music, explore offerings from local vendors and treat your kids to exciting activities. All proceeds will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Gulf Coast. Don’t miss out on indulging in this seasonal treat! The Mobile Civic Center is located at 401 Civic Center Dr, Mobile, AL 36602.

 

  • Murder Creek Mystery Show’s Mystic Order of Murder: Bring your best improv skills to the Perdido Queen this Mardi Gras season. From January 4 to February 29, join the Murder Creek Mystery Show for the chance to immerse yourself into a murderous affair where all participants are guilty until proven innocent. Develop your best alibi over a delicious dinner and panoramic views of the cityscape.

 

  • Mobile Carnival Museum: The Mardi Gras experience isn’t complete without a trip to the William & Emily Hearin Mobile Carnival Museum! Housed in the historic Bernstein-Bush mansion, this museum features relics, memorabilia and court regalia from the past 300 years. The Mobile Carnival Museum’s gift shop, Toomey’s, is the perfect one-stop-shop for beads, custom masks and more. The Mobile Carnival Museum is located at 355 Government St, Mobile, AL 36602.

 

  • Bienville Bites Food Tours’ Floats and Food: Discover Mardi Gras magic on Bienville Bites Food Tour’s exclusive 21+ food experience! Indulge in a 4-hour feast at downtown hotspots guided by Mardi Gras experts. Enjoy history insights, savor king cake at a private parade-viewing spot and make this a delicious highlight of your experience. Voted #2 in USA Today’s Best Food Tours of 2023, the Bienville Bites Food Tours team will ensure that this celebration is like no other!

 

If the bustle and buzz of the parades is more of your speed, check out the parade schedule and routes for the 2024 Mardi Gras season. You’re bound to have a memorable experience no matter where you go in Mobile!