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When you think of Mardi Gras, you might first think of New Orleans, but did you know that Texas has one of the country’s biggest Mardi Gras celebrations? From the renown parades of Galveston to other notable celebrations across the state, you won’t have to travel far to experience the fun of Fat Tuesday.
Mardi Gras! Galveston is held annually and this year, the celebrations will take place February 21 – March 4th, 2025, with festivities held on both weekends (Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays) and Fat Tuesday.
The bulk of Mardi Gras festivities take place in Galveston’s historic downtown in the Mardi Gras Entertainment District, with activities running in the area bordered by 20th to 25th Streets and Harborside Drive to Mechanic Street. Many parades and events also take place along the beachfront on Seawall Boulevard between 25th Street and 57th Street.
Whether you’re attending the events in Galveston or hosting a party at home, we’ve got you covered with pro tips, the best Mardi Gras beers and cocktails, and must-have snacks from Spec’s!
Pro Tips for Preparing for the Festival
If you’re heading to Galveston for Mardi Gras, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Get Your Tickets in Advance
Mardi Gras Galveston is the third-largest Mardi Gras celebration in the U.S., drawing over 300,000 attendees each year. Some events, concerts, and balcony parties require tickets, so be sure to secure yours before the festival.
2. Dress the Part
Mardi Gras colors—purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power)—are a must! Whether you go for a flashy mask, feathered boa, or deck yourself out in beads, festive attire makes the experience even better.
3. Plan Your Drinks & Snacks
If you’re celebrating at home or in a hotel before hitting the streets, make sure to stock up on Louisiana-inspired beers, cocktails, and snacks to keep the party going. We’ll cover all the best picks from Spec’s below!
4. Bring a Bag
Parades mean beads and doubloons will be flying your way! Bring a bag or backpack to carry your Mardi Gras treasures!
Mardi Gras Beers: Louisiana Brews to Try
What’s a Mardi Gras celebration without the right beer? Whether you prefer crisp lagers, fruity wheat beers, or strong ales, Spec’s has some amazing options straight from Louisiana breweries.
Top Picks from Spec’s:
Abita Andygator
This high-gravity Helles Doppelbock is strong and smooth, packing an 8% ABV punch while delivering a slightly sweet, malty finish.
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Abita Strawberry Lager
A light lager brewed with Louisiana strawberries, offering a crisp and refreshing taste with a subtle fruity finish.
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Abita Purple Haze
This raspberry-infused wheat beer is fruity, tart, and incredibly smooth—perfect for Mardi Gras!
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Parish Ghost in the Machine
Pungent grapefruit aromas and flavors, waves of tropical fruit, and less harsh bitterness than most IPAs.
Add to cartMardi Gras Cocktails: Big Easy-Inspired Drinks
Mardi Gras isn’t complete without iconic New Orleans cocktails, and Spec’s has all the essential spirits and mixers to create them at home!
1. The Classic Hurricane
This fruity rum cocktail is a Mardi Gras staple, known for its sweet yet potent kick.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bayou Silver Rum
- 2 oz Finest Call Hurricane Mix
- Ice
- Orange slice & cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice, add rum and Hurricane mix.
- Shake well and pour into a tall glass over ice.
- Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
2. The Sazerac
A true New Orleans classic, this rye whiskey cocktail is smooth and sophisticated.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Sazerac Rye 6yr
- 1 sugar cube
- 3 dashes bitters
- 1 tsp water
- Lemon peel for garnish
Instructions:
- Muddle the sugar, bitters, and water in a glass.
- Add rye whiskey and stir.
- Garnish with a lemon peel.
3. Spicy Cajun Bloody Mary
For those who love a little heat, this bold and savory cocktail is perfect.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz JT Meleck Vodka
- 4 oz Dr. Swami & Bone Daddy Spicy Cajun Bloody Mary Mix
- Celery stick, olives, and lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Pour rum and Bloody Mary mix into a glass filled with ice.
- Stir and garnish with celery, olives, and lime.
Mardi Gras Food & Snacks
No party is complete without bold Cajun flavors to snack on between sips. Here are some must-have Louisiana-inspired treats from Spec’s.
- Zapp’s Cajun Crawtator Chips
- Rap Snacks Boosie Louisiana Heat Chips
- Virginia Diner Cajun Peanuts
- Wicked Mix Snack Mix
Other Cities That Celebrate Mardi Gras in Texas
If you can’t make it to Galveston, don’t worry—Mardi Gras fun can be found across Texas!
1. Dallas Mardi Gras Parade
Dallas hosts Krewe of Orleans Mardi Gras, featuring a big parade, Louisiana-themed drinks and a carnival.
2. Austin’s Bourbon Street Parties
Austin’s 6th Street transforms into the city’s own version of Bourbon Street, with bars hosting themed parties.
3. Houston’s Mardi Gras Celebrations
Houston’s bars and restaurants throw Fat Tuesday parties with Cajun food, hurricanes, and live jazz.
No matter where you celebrate Mardi Gras in Texas, you can bring the flavors, drinks, and spirit of New Orleans home with the best beers, spirits, mixers, and snacks from Spec’s.
