Louisiana isn't the only place that goes all out with floats, krewes and general revelry. A handful of destinations host similar festivities, all with unique touches. However, all have one similarity: the experience will be memorable.
So, wear your best purple, green, or gold duds and get ready to yell, "Throw me somethin', mister!" Hold your hands out to catch the throws raining down from the floats, and laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll)!
St. Louis, Mo.
It's considered one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations outside of New Orleans, and it all takes place in the neighborhood of Soulard.
Events over the weeks-long period include a Cajun Cook-Off (Feb. 15) and Taste of Soulard (Feb. 22 -23), as well as superlative-worthy events such as the Purina Pet Parade (Feb. 23), the Guinness World Record holder for the largest costumed pet parade in the world, and Tito's Wiener Dog Derby (Feb. 23), the longest-running dachshund derby in the nation. The merriment culminates with the Bud Light Grand Parade (Mar. 1), featuring over 100 krewes.
DYK: Soulard is one of the oldest neighborhoods in St. Louis. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places (one of its many distinctions) in 1972, the eclectic area is home to the oldest church, building, and various restaurants/bars/boutiques. In addition to its Mardi Gras celebration, annual events include the Soulard Concert Series and the Soulard Oktoberfest.
Eureka Springs, Ark.
Float on with Eureka Springs' Mardi Gras festivities. In addition to three balls (Coronation Ball at the Crescent Hotel, Feb. 21; Black Light Ball, Feb. 22; and Masquerade Ball at the Inn of the Ozarks, Feb. 28), there are two parades. The Night Parade (Feb. 22) brings the dazzle, while the Day Parade (Mar. 1) brings the energy.
The celebration concludes with a Jazz Brunch at the Crescent Hotel (Mar. 2).
Not Normal: Being called eclectic or odd is a net positive for Eureka Springs. Its many peculiarities, such as no street cross at right angles and no stoplights in town, made it a favorite of Robert Ripley of Ripley's Believe It or Not.
Galveston, Texas
Beads, beads, and more beads are thrown into the crowds as parades, including a Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade (Feb. 21) and a Golf Cart parade (Feb. 22), roll through the Entertainment District during the two weeks of Mardi Gras! Galveston.
Recognized as the largest celebration in Texas and the third-largest in the U.S., the event appeals to all with live entertainment performances, Fiesta Gras activities (Feb. 23), and Family Gras (Mar. 2).
Worth Seeing: Out of destruction comes art in Galveston. Hurricane Ike destroyed the stately oak trees in 2008, leaving only stumps behind. With the assistance of three artists (Jim Phillips, Earl Jones and Dayle Lewis), homeowners decided to do something positive with the remains and created whimsical sculptures, which you can see on a self-guided tour.
Hattiesburg, Miss.
Two weekends with plenty of revelry make up Hattiesburg's Mardi Gras. The celebration begins with the Krewe of St. Catherine Roll and Stroll Parade and Block Party (Feb. 21), celebrating Hattiesburg's culinary scene with the theme HattiesBurger Bacchanal. The Mardi Gras Mambo Pub Crawl (Feb. 22) includes beads, drinks, food and a block party with a King Cake Bar. Carnaval Brasileiro (Feb. 22) brings the heat to the 'Burg with sounds and flavors of Rio de Janeiro's carnival.
Life is short, so catch the throws and wear those beads at Hattiesburg Caerus Mardi Gras Parade (Mar. 1).
Palate Pleasing: With nearly 200 local restaurants, Hattiesburg is a foodie's dream. There is something for all tastes and budgets. The hardest decision to make is deciding where to eat.
Mississippi Gulf Coast
From Picayune to Pascagoula, the good times roll along the Mississippi Gulf Coast as parades through Fat Tuesday. Claim a spot to watch such events as the Krewe Unique Parade (Feb. 15) in Ocean Springs, the Krewe of Neptune Night Parade (Mar. 1) in Biloxi, and the St. Paul Carnival Parade (Mar. 2) in Pass Christian.
More fun activities include the annual Gautier's Mardi Gras Tailgate Party (Feb. 22) and the Mardi Gras Sugar Cookie Decorating Class (Feb. 26) in Gulfport.
Creative Coast: Given its surroundings, it is no surprise that artists are drawn to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Whether it's galleries or museums like the Walter Anderson Museum in Ocean Springs, the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum in Biloxi, or murals in Fishbone Alley in Gulfport, art is plentiful in the region. Discover artists who have called and those currently calling the Mississippi Gulf Coast home.
Mobile and Coastal Alabama
It's all about catching MoonPies, beads and creative throws during parades in the birthplace of America's original Mardi Gras - Mobile. Over 40 pass through downtown, making it easy to experience multiple parades daily.
However, the snack cakes and other unusual items aren't the only unique attributes of the city's celebration. Mobile's Joe Cain Day (Mar. 2) honors the man said to have brought back Mardi Gras after the Civil War.
Don't forget about the parades on the Alabama Gulf Coast (Orange Beach and Gulf Shores) and Eastern Shore (Fairhope, Daphne, Foley, Spanish Fort) - even OWA gets in on the Mardi Gras action with a Mardi Gras Mystery Dinner Show (Feb. 21), Krewe du Kids Masquerade (Feb. 22), Puppy Gras Pet Parade (Mar. 1) and Mardi Gras Parade & Party (Mar. 2).
The More You Know: Mobile is home to seven National Register Historic Districts throughout midtown and downtown.
Alabama's Gulf Coast offers 32 miles of beaches to explore.
Daphne is known as "The Jubilee City." It's one of the few spots in the world where conditions are favorable for fish, shrimp, and crabs to move to the shoreline and be easily scooped up.
Memphis, Tenn.
Memphis Mardi Gras on Main Street is three days of partying. The Glow Party Bar Crawl (Feb. 21) provides a fun opportunity to experience downtown Memphis and all it offers. The Mardi Gras Parade and Block Party (Feb. 22) is precisely what it says: floats, bands and more roll down the street, followed by a celebration with live music on multiple stages, food-tasting stations, and much more. Wrapping it up is Mardi Gras Masquerade Night (Feb. 23), as businesses and venues host masked-themed parties.
Bison Roam: Shelby Farms Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country, is home to around 15 free-roaming bison. The park also offers several outdoor activities, including bike riding, paddle boarding, kayaking and zip lining.
Pensacola, Fla.
Like its counterparts to the west, Mardi Gras in Pensacola and the nearby area are heavily parade-centric, with everything from the Pirates of the Lost Treasure Flotilla (Feb. 15) in Perdido Key to the Krewe of Wrecks Parade (Mar. 2) in Pensacola Beach.
Pets can join the fun at the Pensacola Pawdi Gras (Feb. 16), which includes a costume contest and a parade.
The apex of the Pensacola Mardi Gras celebration is with the last parades: Krewe of Lafitte Illuminated Parade, a night parade (Feb. 28), and the Pensacola Mardi Gras Grand Parade (Mar. 1).
Go Back in Time: From Fort Pickens, a pre-Civil War era fort on Pensacola Beach, to the Historic Pensacola Village, with 28 museums, historic homes and properties, Pensacola offers over 450 years of history to explore.
Panama City and Panama City Beach, Fla.
Get the Mardi started with the Panama City Beach Mardi Gras and Music Festival (Feb. 14 - 15). In addition to a Second Line Parade (Feb. 14) and Krewe of Dominique Youx Mardi Gras at the Beach Parade (Feb. 15), there's a Kids' Fun Zone and Festival Village to enjoy and more to experience, including fireworks (Feb. 15).
What's Underneath: The Man In The Sea Museum opened in 1982 and is owned by the Institute of Diving. The museum educates guests on man's ongoing exploration of the sea. Exhibits provide an up-close look at the evolution of outerwear, devices, and technology. Also on display are artifacts, equipment and more.
Across the Hathaway Bridge in Panama City, experience the life of the Mardi as over 14 krewes and over 30 floats take the streets during the three-day Krewe of St. Andrews Mardi Gras. It all kicks off with the Kids' Parade (Feb. 21), followed by the Main Parade (Feb. 22) and ends with the Pet Parade (Feb. 23). Also, during the three days of merriment, enjoy food and music.
By Trail: Get to know Panama City by exploring one or all of its trails, such as the Mural Trail, the Ale Trail and self-guided Historic Walking Tours.
Beaufort, N.C.
It's a Mardi party in Beaufort. Over two days, enjoy a parade and street carnival, take in a masquerade ball, and indulge in the Sinner's Remorse Brunch during Beaufort's Mardi Gras.
The Street Carnival (Mar. 1) is an all-day event that includes Cajun and Creole cuisine from local restaurants' food booths, children's activities, such as mask making, arts and vendors, and a Cajun cook-off competition and tasting. The parade (Mar. 1) is said to highlight Beaufort's quirkiness, and of course, there'll be throws. The masquerade ball (Mar. 1) rounds out the day.
For one more experience of a bon temps atmosphere as the Mardi Gras celebration closes, head to the Sinner's Remorse Brunch (Mar. 2) for more Cajun-infused bites, cocktails and entertainment.
DYK: Beaufort is the third oldest town in North Carolina. Interesting facts about it include the wreckage of Blackbeard's infamous ship, the Queen Anne's Revenge, which rests just three miles off its shores. Sometimes, while dining at one of Beaufort's waterfront restaurants, across the water, wild horses that roam freely on the Rachel Carson Reserve can be seen.
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