Mardi Gras 2025: Where to Celebrate in Houston and Galveston

Mardi Gras 2025 is almost here, and it's time to get ready for a season of festive fun, vibrant parades, delicious food, and unique cultural celebrations. Whether you're in Houston or Galveston, there’s a Mardi Gras celebration for everyone. Here's your ultimate guide to the best places to celebrate Mardi Gras 2025 in the Houston area!

What is Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras, also known as Carnival, is a holiday that dates back thousands of years, with deep roots in Christian tradition. It's celebrated on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent. The season of Mardi Gras is known for its revelry, parades, extravagant costumes, and feasts—particularly the indulgence of sweets, like the famous king cake.

Though Mardi Gras celebrations take place around the world, cities like New Orleans, Venice, and Rio de Janeiro are renowned for their vibrant festivities. In the U.S., New Orleans is most famous, but Texas has a tradition all its own, especially in Galveston!

Mardi Gras 2025 Dates

In 2025, Mardi Gras Day (Fat Tuesday) falls on March 4, the day before Ash Wednesday on March 5. The festivities will span the days leading up to this exciting final celebration, and in some places, like Galveston, the party lasts for two weekends!

Mardi Gras in Galveston

Mardi Gras! Galveston is the place to be for a full-on celebration, with festivities running from February 21 through March 4, 2025. Known for its vibrant parades and coastal charm, Galveston offers one of Texas’s most unique Mardi Gras experiences. The island will host more than 20 parades over two weekends, along with top-tier concerts and entertainment.

The headlining performers for Mardi Gras! Galveston 2025 include Bret Michaels, Kevin Fowler, and the Cameron Sacky Band. Expect a mix of Gulf Coast tradition, high-energy performances, and the spirited, festive atmosphere that makes Mardi Gras so special.

Houston Area Mardi Gras Celebrations

Houston is also home to plenty of Mardi Gras fun, from parades to unique events for the whole family. Here are some key events:

1. Mardi Gras on Main - La Porte (Feb. 22)

La Porte will be hosting its Mardi Gras on Main celebration, starting at 4 p.m. off Fairmont Parkway. It’s a fun event featuring the Second Line Parade, with a mix of colorful floats, umbrellas, pets, and even golf carts and Jeeps!

2. 31st Annual Mardi Gras Festival & Parade - Kingwood (March 1)

Join the colorful festivities at Kingwood's Mardi Gras Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Town Center Park. The event will feature live zydeco music, Cajun foods, and, of course, an exciting parade starting at 11 a.m. This is an excellent family-friendly celebration for those who love live music and a lively atmosphere.

3. Fat Tuesday Celebration at The Woodlands Children's Museum (March 4)

For the little ones, head to The Woodlands Children's Museum for a Louisiana-style celebration. Kids can join in on whimsical Mardi Gras parades at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and enjoy live jazz performed by the Woodlands Symphony Orchestra's Brass Ensemble.

4. Mardi Gras at Brennan's Houston (March 4)

Indulge in a special Mardi Gras meal at Brennan’s Houston on Fat Tuesday. It’s a must-visit spot for a delicious, festive celebration. Make your reservation by calling 713-522-9711.

5. Mardi Gras Brunch at B&B Butchers (March 1)

Enjoy a Mardi Gras Brunch at B&B Butchers from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature live Zydeco music, face painting, and New Orleans-inspired brunch dishes. It’s the perfect way to kick off your celebration in style.

6. Mardi Gras Party at Gotti’s Cajun and Creole (March 1)

Gotti’s Cajun and Creole restaurant in EaDo is hosting a Mardi Gras celebration from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Get ready for a night of festive food, music, and fun in one of Houston's most vibrant neighborhoods.

7. St. Theresa Catholic Church Fat Tuesday Celebration (March 2)

St. Theresa Catholic Church in Memorial Park is hosting a Fat Tuesday celebration after the 10 a.m. Mass on March 2. Expect live jazz music by Raquel Cepeda and plenty of Louisiana-style food, creating a perfect atmosphere to celebrate before Ash Wednesday.

8. Mardi Gras Fridays at Baker Street Pub - Sugar Land (Every Friday)

Starting on the first Friday of February, Baker Street Pub in Sugar Land will host a Mardi Gras celebration every Friday. Enjoy exciting parades, fun prizes, and a great atmosphere leading up to Fat Tuesday.

Mardi Gras Treats: King Cakes

No Mardi Gras celebration is complete without a king cake! These sweet, fluffy cakes are often decorated in traditional Mardi Gras colors—purple, gold, and green—and are a staple of the Carnival season. The best part? The king cake typically contains a hidden plastic baby, and whoever finds it in their slice is said to host the next Mardi Gras party.

Celebrate Mardi Gras in Houston and Galveston!

Whether you’re in Galveston or Houston, there are tons of ways to celebrate Mardi Gras 2025! From lively parades and concerts to delicious food and drinks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendars for the fun-filled festivities leading up to Fat Tuesday on March 4 and get ready to “let the good times roll” in Texas!

Let the celebrations begin!