Updated 2026
Laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll with the family in tow this February. Or, make it a date night or girls trip to some festive places in our area – Houston has tons of purple, gold, and green fun to be had.
I was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. And even though I consider myself a true Texan, my Cajun roots run deep. We often go back to visit family and get the added bonus of fun, food, and all things Mardi Gras.
Just because you aren’t catching beads or seeing the bright floats on Bourbon Street doesn’t mean you can’t have let those good times roll right here in our awesome city. We are the perfect place for the festive, the King Cakes, and bright colors!
What is Mardi Gras? Dating back to the 1600s, Mardi Gras is a feast and celebration {and in some cases debauchery and excessive indulgence} leading up to the observance of Lent, which is a solemn observance in the Christian religion that often includes fasting and giving up earthly pleasures. Mardi Gras is also known as Fat Tuesday. This year Fat Tuesday falls early on February 17th, so it’s time to get in the spirit.
Events Around Houston
Mardi Gras Galveston 2026
Location: Galveston
Day/Time: Friday, Saturday and Sunday February 6-17, 2026
Cost: Packages are available depending your schedules.
Galveston is the biggest spot for your Mardi Gras fun in our local area. Prepare for crowds, but prepare for all the fun! There are kid-friendly (and some not so friendly) events in the area – so check out what is best for your Krewe.
Mardi Gras at Kemah Boardwalk
Location: Kemah Boardwalk
Day/Time: Saturday, February 7 from 12pm-7pm
Cost: Free
Enjoy a full day of fun with the family. Live music, crafts for the kids, and you can’t miss the Yachty Gras Boat Parade
Kingwood Mardi Gras Festival and Parade
Location: Kingwood, Town Center Park
Day/Time: Sunday, February 15 from 11am-5pm
Cost: Free
There will be live Zydeco music, a kids zone, craft vendors and food trucks. The Parade at 2:00 pm includes local schools, businesses, and non-profit groups.
Mardi Gras Celebration and Indoor Parades
Location: The Woodlands Children’s Museum
Day/Time: Tuesday, February 17 at 10:30 am
Cost: $9 for adults and children one year or older
Join us for a Fat Tuesday celebration, Louisiana-style! Create festive Jester Hats in vibrant Carnival colors and enjoy face painting, then march through our whimsical Mardi Gras parades at 10:30am and 11:30am. Cap off the festivities with a slice of delicious King Cake upon exiting. Town Center Trolley visit from 9:45am-11:00am.
Fun Ideas to Celebrate at Home
Kings Cake Celebration
This is the easiest and most delicious way to celebrate! Pick up a kings cake at your local grocery store or bakery, or check out one of these special bakery finds. In many cakes, there is a little hidden surprise for your family to uncover. The person who “wins” the surprise gets to bring king cake next year! Want to try making your own? Check out this mom-friendly recipe from our friends over in New Orleans. Or go the super easy route, grab your favorite crescent rolls in a can, add some icing, and some green and purple sprinkles! Yummy!
Have Homemade Mardi Gras Fun
Pinterest is full of fun ideas to craft your own masquerade ball. Start with these great ideas of activities you can do at home with your little ones. We know Mardi Gras brings out all the goodness, so these recipes below can be made with (and some without) your kids!
- Lime Swamp punch {non-alcoholic}
- Grape & Ginger Ale “Chunky” purple punch {non-alcoholic}
- Traditional New Orleans Hurricane
- Mardi Gras Rum Punch
Organize Your Own Neighborhood Krewe
A Krewe is a group that organizes a Mardi Gras parade, ball, or celebration. Get your neighborhood friends together this year to celebrate the joie de vivre spirit of sharing in good times, good food and spirits, and throwing trinkets! Parade the kids in their decorated wagons or tricycles, and let them dress up in their favorite costumes.
Whatever you choose to do, be safe and let those good times roll!
