Mardi Gras Trifecta in Pensacola

Mardi Gras in Pensacola is a cherished Gulf Coast tradition. To round off the season, the weekend before Fat Tuesday is always packed with three iconic parades that you just can't miss.

Kicking off the trifecta weekend is the Krewe of Lafitte Night Parade on Friday night, the Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday, and wrapping up the weekend is the Krewe of Wrecks Parade on Pensacola Beach.

We’ll guide you through all the insider tips and tricks to make the most of these parades, from understanding the routes and finding the best parking spots to snagging prime viewing areas and navigating the crowds. Plus, we’ll share suggestions for where to celebrate after the floats have passed.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Mardi Gras Parade Routes

Before we jump in, you'll want to familiarize yourself with the parade routes. Be sure to check out the maps below and let the good times roll!

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Krewe of Lafitte Illuminated Parade

Start your Mardi Gras weekend with the dazzling Krewe of Lafitte Illuminated Parade on Friday night, where the floats come alive with vibrant lights! Pro tip: arrive downtown early to snag a parking spot before road closures take place.

Make the most of the night with a dinner reservation at one of the many downtown dining spots or drinks at your favorite downtown hotspot to kick off the weekend then walk to your parade spot.

This is Pensacola’s only nighttime parade, so it's important to plan ahead. For the best view, position yourself early before the floats start rolling to catch the action as soon as it starts.

The Krewe of Lafitte Illuminated Parade is perfect for those looking for a shorter, more intimate parade since not all the floats participate. When the parade wraps up, keep the party going at Seville Quarter for a night of dancing and showing off your new beads!

Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade

The Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade is the highlight of the weekend and the biggest celebration in Downtown Pensacola. With over 6,000 participants and more than 100,000 spectators, it’s a high energy, unforgettable experience packed with tons of floats, fun music, and an electric atmosphere.

To make the most of this parade, arrive early to claim a spot along Palafox Street. While you wait for the parade to start, treat yourself to a king cake flavored coffee, grab a king cake for the kids (or yourself!), or an adult beverage from a nearby restaurant. Be sure and check out all the king cake treats this Mardi Gras season.

Embrace the festive spirit by dressing in Mardi Gras colors: green, gold, and purple. Locals go all out with feather boas, tutus, hats, masks, and beads to truly stand out in the crowd. Pack your patience! Comfort and patience is key for this all-afternoon celebration, so bring a lawn chair and cooler to settle in for the parade.

A note of advice: When choosing your spot, make sure you’re on the same side of the street as the shop or restaurant you want to visit; crossing the barricaded streets during the parade can be a challenge. Parking can be tricky with the large crowds, so plan to arrive early and secure your spot to avoid getting stuck in traffic.

After the parade, keep the fun going by exploring Downtown Pensacola. Enjoy live music, delicious food, and festive drinks to cap off your perfect Mardi Gras day. The Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade isn’t just an event, it’s a whole celebration that you won’t want to miss!

Krewe of Wrecks Beach Parade

If you didn't catch enough beads and moon pies at the last two parades, you have one more chance to get your Mardi Gras fix in with an island twist! The Pensacola Beach Mardi Gras Parade has all the beachy vibes that makes this parade standout from the rest! The same rules apply - arrive early to secure parking before the road closures, lock down a spot along Via de Luna and come in your best Mardi Gras attire.

Think of it as a Mardi Gras tailgate! The parade route begins at Avenida 10 and Via DeLuna, runs west, and disbands at the Gulfside Pavilion in the Casino Beach parking lot. For a truly memorable experience, start your day with a hearty brunch and bottomless mimosas at one of the many restaurants on Pensacola Beach to fuel up before the festivities.

When the parade ends, the party doesn’t stop! Head to the Sandshaker Lounge for the biggest post parade celebration or explore the lively beach bars and restaurants that keep the good times rolling. The Pensacola Beach Mardi Gras Parade is more than just a parade, it’s a vibrant, sun-soaked celebration of all things Mardi Gras, perfect for closing out the weekend in style.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, Pensacola’s Mardi Gras trifecta offers something for everyone. Grab your friends, family, and festive spirit, and join in the party, because there’s no better way to experience the magic of Mardi Gras than being right here in Pensacola!

Author

Emily Dupuis

Emily is a Pensacola native, born and raised in Florida’s Panhandle. As a proud University of West Florida alum, she’s passionate about sharing the best local spots in Pensacola with her readers. When she’s not uncovering new foodie finds, you’ll find her traveling with her husband or enjoying time with their beloved dachshund, Archie. With a deep love for food, travel, and all things local, Emily loves sharing an insider’s look at all the flavors and hidden gems that make Pensacola unique.

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