Pensacola Mardi Gras Parade Routes & Information

Mardi Gras in Pensacola is a special time when the city comes to life. From scenes of purple, gold, and green, layers of beads, moon pies, and more, there are many reasons to attend a Mardi Gras Parade. Excitingly, the Pensacola Bay Area boasts three parades - two in downtown Pensacola and one on Pensacola Beach, along with other parades in neighboring cities like Navarre and Milton. Read below for parade information and insider tips to enjoy Mardi Gras in Pensacola!

Downtown Pensacola Parades

Downtown Pensacola boasts two Mardi Gras Parades, the Illuminated Parade on Friday evening at 7 p.m. and the Grand Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday at 2 p.m. Fun tip: If you love the Mardi Gras floats, head to Spring street early to get a closer look! The street is closed, but be mindful that floats are being pulled in and out, so be on the lookout. Downtown parades typically last several hours, so pack your patience, get a good spot, and be ready to hurry up and wait. Being earlier in the parade route ensures seeing all the floats the quickest, versus towards the end, where you have to wait for them to make it through.

Kids Viewing Zone

Looking to bring the family but want to get away from the alcohol & smoking? The Kids Viewing zone will be located in the median on Palafox between Garden & Wright Streets - where Palafox Market is located.

Handicap Amenities & Map

  • The handicap viewing area is on the corner of Gregory and the west side of Palafox.
  • Handicap parking is available on the corner of Gregory and Palafox, across from the Smart Bank.
  • Parking and the viewing area are first come, first served. There will be no bleachers in the viewing area.
  • There are handicapped porta potties at this location and the kid's viewing area.

Downtown Road Closure Information

Friday:
3:00- No Parking signs will be put up (they will be moved after parade so they aren’t facing street Saturday morning)
5:30- Lineup of Floats begins on Spring Street
6:00- Streets Close
7:30- Parade Starts
10:00- Streets open

Saturday:
9:00- No Parking signs will be put up
10:00- Lineup of Floats begins on Spring Street
Noon- Streets Close
2:00- Parade Starts
7:00- Streets open

Pensacola Beach Parade

Mardi Gras parade with an island atmosphere! After the parade, parties are everywhere and the biggest is on the boardwalk at the shell where the revelers wait for the results of the judges and trophies to be awarded. Of course, the music is playing, and partiers are dancing!

Rain or shine, the parade route begins at Avenida 10 and Via DeLuna, runs west, and disbands at the Gulfside Pavilion in the Casino Beach parking lot.