Last Updated on February 7, 2024
There are lots of fun Florida Mardi Gras festivals, parades and celebrations to attend this year.
“Mardi Gras” is French for “Fat Tuesday.” Traditionally, it is the last night to feast on rich and fatty foods before fasting for Lent.
Mardi Gras festivals are celebrated in many parts of the world. New Orleans, Louisiana, is almost synonymous with Mardi Gras in the United States.
However, Florida has its own collection of Mardi Gras festivals taking place throughout the state.
From big celebrations and parades to block parties, get ready to catch some beads and discover what the Sunshine State has to offer.
These are our recommendations for Florida Mardi Gras events held in 2024.
“Laissez les bons temps rouler”
Table of contents
- Northwest Florida
- 6th Annual Krewe of Airship Pirates Mardi Gras Parade – Milton
- Annual Fort Walton Beach Mardi Gras Parade – Fort Walton Beach
- 38th Annual Navarre Krewe of Jesters Mardi Gras Parade – Navarre
- Pensacola Mardi Gras Celebrations – Pensacola
- Panama City Beach Mardi Gras and Music Festival – Panama City Beach
- West Central Florida
- Central Florida
- East Central Florida
- Southwest Florida
- Mardi Gras at Florida Theme Parks
Northwest Florida
6th Annual Krewe of Airship Pirates Mardi Gras Parade – Milton
When: January 27th, 2024
Where: Jernigan’s Landing, 5158 Willing St., Milton, FL 32570
Description: Milton is celebrating its 6th Annual Mardi Gras Parade with plenty of festivities. In addition to the cool, pirate-themed parade, there is a fun after-party scheduled at Jernigan’s Landing.
Enjoy live music, food trucks, fireworks, and more at this cool event.
This event is free to attend.
Learn more on the All Events Website.
13th Annual Apalachicola Mardi Gras Barkus Parade and Street Festival – Apalachicola
When: February 24th, from 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Riverfront Park, 199 Water Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320
Description: The 13th Annual Apalachicola Mardi Gras Barkus Parade is a celebration for furry friends. The dog-friendly event includes a parade, live entertainment, food vendors, and more.
The parade is scheduled to start at Riverfront Park and make its way around town with a variety of floats, golf carts, and walkers.
Bring your well-behaved dogs with you to join in on the fun!
This exciting event is for a good cause. Profits from the event go to benefit places like the Franklin County Humane Society, the Apalachicola Dog Park, and the Florida Wild Mammal Association.
This event is free to attend. Parade registration is $5 for walkers, $25 for golf carts, and $50 for floats.
Learn more from the official Apalachicola Mardi Gras Parade Facebook page.
While you’re in the area, check out: Getaway to Authentic Apalachicola
Annual Fort Walton Beach Mardi Gras Parade – Fort Walton Beach
When: January 28th, 2024
Where: Corner of Ferry Road SE and First Street SE, Fort Walton Beach
Description: Head over to Downtown Fort Walton Beach for a festive parade celebration. The parade is scheduled to travel down First Street and Eglin Parkway.
Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe are performing live music during this event.
The event is free to attend.
Learn more on the Fort Walton Beach Website.
38th Annual Navarre Krewe of Jesters Mardi Gras Parade – Navarre
When: February 3rd, 2024
Where: Gulf Boulevard, Navarre, FL 32566
Description: Navarre is celebrating its biggest event of the year with its 38th Annual Mardi Gras Parade.
Enjoy the theme, “music through the decades,” during the parade.
After the parade, the festivities continue at Andy D’s, a popular beachside restaurant. The restaurant is holding an after-party with live music and delicious dining options.
This event is free to attend.
For more information visit the Navarre Beach Chamber of Commerce website.
Pensacola Mardi Gras Celebrations – Pensacola
Kick Off Celebration on the 12th Night
When: Saturday, January 6th, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Where: Downtown Pensacola: Palafox and Government Streets, Pensacola, FL 32501
Description: Pensacola’s Mardi Gras 12th Night Celebration is an event that celebrates its 13th year in 2024.
This annual event is also known as the Pensacola Mardi Gras Kick-Off celebration.
The New Orleans-style event has processionals led by the New Orleans Ramblers, with band marches, costumed Krewes, festive floats, and much more.
Delicious and free King Cake is available from the event sponsor.
Learn more by visiting the Pensacola Mardi Gras official website.
While in the area, check out Fun Things to Do in Pensacola & Pensacola Beach – 2023.
Cordova Mall Ball
When: Saturday, January 20th, at 8:00 pm
Where: Cordova Mall, 5100 N 9th Ave, Pensacola, FL 32504
Description: The Cordova Mall Ball is a ticketed event that is part of Pensacola’s Mardi Gras celebrations.
The ball is an exciting evening of live music, dancing, and a parade through the mall. Enjoy live music and aerial performers.
Guests can stroll through a French Market, try food samples from local restaurants, and a specialty cocktail at this fun party.
Learn more by visiting the Pensacola Mardi Gras official website.
Pensacola Mardi Gras Mambo
When: Friday, January 26th, 2024, at 6:30 pm
Where: Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E Gregory St., Pensacola, FL 32502
Description: The Mardi Gras Mambo is another one of Pensacola’s fantastic Mardi Gras events.
This all-ages, ticketed mambo boasts a selection of live music, as well as Mardi Gras-themed food and drink options.
Flo Rida, a well-known American rapper (with a great name), is headlining the big 2024 celebration.
Learn more by visiting the Pensacola Mardi Gras official website.
While you’re in the area, make sure to check out: Experience Authentic Pensacola (& Pensacola Beach)
Panama City Beach Mardi Gras and Music Festival – Panama City Beach
When: Friday, January 26th, 2024
Where: 600 Pier Park Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
Description: The Panama City Beach Mardi Gras & Music Festival has some fun events planned in January.
These events include the Mardi Gras Festival and the Krewe of St. Andrews Mardi Gras Celebration.
There are 3 parades planned for the Mardi Gras Festival at Pier Park in Panama City Beach:
- Kids Parade – 5:00 pm on 1/26/24
- Second Line Parade – 5:30 pm 1/26/24
- Krewe of Dominique Youx Mardi Gras at the Beach (Main Parade) – 4:15 pm on 1/27/24
Learn more by visiting the Visit Panama City Beach website.
West Central Florida
31st Annual Dunedin Mardi Gras Parade and Festival – Dunedin
When: February 10, 2024
Where: Douglas and Main Street, Downtown Dunedin
Description: Dunedin’s Mardi Gras celebration is part parade and part street festival.
This family-friendly event is held downtown and packed full of fun, with live music, food vendors, and plenty of Mardi Gras beads.
Learn more on the Dunedin Mardi Gras Website.
While you’re in the area, check out: 19 Best Things to Do in Dunedin, FL – 2024
Central Florida
Inaugural Ocoee Mardi Gras Block Party and Concert – Ocoee
When: February 9th, 2024; 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
Where: McKey Street Downtown Ocoee Shopping District, Ocoee, FL
Description: Downtown Ocoee is holding a Mardi Gras Block Party with tons of fun activities scheduled.
Watch the 2nd Line Walk, listen to live music, and partake in food from local food trucks at this inaugural party.
This event is free to attend.
Learn more on the event Facebook page.
Mardi Gras Music Festival and Dog Parade – Casselberry
When: February 9, 2024, 6 – 9 pm
Where: Lake Concord Park, 95 Triplet Lake Dr, Casselberry, FL 32707
Description: Lake Concord Park in Casselberry is the site of the city’s 2024 Mardi Gras Music Festival.
This street party has tasty Cajun food and New Orleans live music.
A favorite for this event is the Mardi Gras Dog Parade.
Dogs of all sizes and breeds dress up, parading and competing for awards like the Cutest Canine, Most Original, Funniest Family, and People’s Choice.
This event is free to attend.
Learn more on the Casselberry website.
10th Annual Sanford Mardi Gras – Sanford
When: February 17, 2024; 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Where: Downtown Sanford
Description: Sanford Mardi Gras is another great Central Florida Mardi Gras celebration.
The event is celebrating its 8th year with a Sashay through Downtown Sanford, food trucks, live music, and other fun activities.
Proceeds from this event benefit Meals on Wheels.
This event is free to attend.
Learn more about on event Facebook page.
While you’re in the area, check out: 18 Best Things to Do in Sanford, FL (2024)
Lake Sumter Landing Mardi Gras Festival – Lady Lake
When: February 13th, 2024
Where: Lake Sumter Landing in Lady Lake
Description: The Lake Sumter Landing Mardi Gras Festival is a fun and free event with a lot to do.
Watch the Mardi Paw March, a dog parade that benefits Your Humane Society SPCA.
Get something to eat from a variety of food trucks and vendors and enjoy entertainment from bands and stilt walkers.
The festival also hosts a market full of local vendors selling gifts, snacks, jewelry, and more.
This event is free to attend.
Learn more on the official event website.
East Central Florida
Mardi Gras Dog Parade and Festival – DeLand
When: February 10th, 2024
Where: Downtown DeLand
More Information: DeLand’s Mardi Gras Dog Parade is an annual event that is perfect for dog lovers. Every year, the parade takes on a different theme.
This year, the parade’s theme is “Canine Royale,” a fun, 007-inspired theme starring Polly, a 7-year-old German Shepard.
In addition to the parade, there is a dog costume contest and a festival with food and shopping vendors.
This event is free to attend.
Learn more on the Deland Dog Parade website.
While you’re in the area, check out: 15 Best Things to Do in DeLand
18th Annual Flagler Avenue Mardi Gras Parade – New Smyrna Beach
When: February 13th, 2024
Where: Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach
Description: The 18th Annual Flagler Avenue Mardi Gras Parade is a celebration of the Mardi Gras spirit with festive floats and plenty of beads.
Registered parade groups compete for awards like “Best Float” and “Best Marching Group.”
This event is free to attend and participate in.
For more information visit the All Events website.
While you’re in the area, check out: 14 Top Things to Do in New Smyrna Beach in 2024
Cocoa Mardi Gras Festival and Parade – Cocoa
When: February 24th, 2024
Where: Cocoa Riverfront Park
Description: Cocoa’s Mardi Gras celebration includes a parade, concert, street performers, and food vendors.
Enjoy music from Fox Royale and Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. while sampling Cajun food from festival vendors.
General admission is $12. Children 12 and under are admitted for free.
Learn more on the official event website.
Palm Bay Mardi Gras Festival – Palm Bay
When: February 24th, 2024
Where: Fred Poppe Regional Park in Palm Bay
Description: Head over to Fred Poppe Regional Park for Palm Bay’s Mardi Gras Festival. This day-time event has a schedule of activities planned.
Listen to live music, shop from local vendors, and sample some new dishes at this fun festival.
This event is free to attend.
Learn more on the official event website.
Southwest Florida
Sarasota Mardi Gras 5 Miles – Sarasota
When: February 11th, 2024
Where: Van Wezel in Sarasota
Description: The Sarasota Mardi Gras 5 Miles is a fun running event where runners get to run over the scenic Ringling Bridge while completing a 5-mile loop.
Registration for this event is $60.
Learn more on the official event website.
While you’re in the area, check out: Top 10 Awesome Things To Do in Sarasota
Mardi Gras at Florida Theme Parks
For our Authentic Florida readers who also love the theme parks, these Mardi Gras events are for you.
Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando
When: Select Dates from February 3rd – April 7th, 2024
Where: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
Description: Universal Mardi Gras is a big event that runs through most of February and March.
Enjoy live music, parades, and authentic New Orleans cuisine during this celebration.
Valid theme park admission is required for this event.
Learn more from the Universal Orlando website.
SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Mardi Gras
When:
SeaWorld – February 8th – February 18th, 2024
Busch Gardens – January 13th – March 3rd, 2024
Where:
SeaWorld Orlando – 7007 Sea World Dr., Orlando, FL 32821
Busch Gardens Tampa – 10165 McKinley Dr., Tampa, FL 33612
Description: SeaWorld and Busch Gardens each have their own Mardi Gras events scheduled.
At SeaWorld, enjoy special Mardi Gras food, cocktails, and live entertainment.
At Busch Gardens, there are parades and a variety of Cajun dishes to try.
Valid theme park admission is required for these events.
Learn more from the Sea World and Busch Gardens websites.
Mardi Gras at Port Orleans
Where: Port Orleans Resort in Disney World
Description: While the Disney theme parks don’t have any official Mardi Gras events, you can head over to the property’s Port Orleans Resort for a bit of Louisiana fun.
Cast Members hold a Mardi Gras golf cart parade, which has been a resort tradition for over ten years.
Learn more from the Disney Parks website.
History of the King Cake
Dive into the colorful tale of the King Cake, a delightful twist on a coffee cake, shaped like an oval and braided with care.
Nestled within its braids are mouth-watering fillings. While you might find a variety, nothing beats the classic cinnamon.
Now, imagine it dressed up in a sweet, thin icing and sprinkled with sugars that aren’t just tasty, but meaningful too.
We’re talking gold for power, green for faith, and purple for justice – a true carnival of colors!
But here’s the quirky twist – tucked inside this festive treat is a teeny-tiny plastic baby. Now, this isn’t just any trinket; it’s a symbol with a multitude of meanings, all depending on what you believe.
Most of the time, this little surprise is hidden in the cake after it’s baked, like a secret waiting to be discovered.
And who finds the baby in their slice? Well, that’s where the fun begins. Some say it’s a sign of good luck, a little blessing from the cake itself.
Where to Buy King Cakes in Florida
But more often, nabbing the baby means you’ve got a sweet duty for next year – then it’s your turn to bring the King Cake to the party. That’s the spirit of sharing and celebration, Florida style!
Some local bakeries in Florida carry King Cakes or you may special order them.
Publix and Fresh Market have great King Cakes, too. If they carry them this year, they are usually available the week before Fat Tuesday.
Do you know a bakery in Florida that sells King Cakes? Let us know in the comments below.
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