Weekend Staycation New Orleans Style

It’s a couple of months after the holidays and many people are attempting to find something different to do on the weekends. You many want to go to somewhere – like New Orleans for Mardi Gras, but can’t take the time off. Or maybe you’ve already made plans to travel for spring break. Well, this weekend you can accomplish that weekend getaway without the hassle or expense of travel. KRPC 2 has all the details.

Mardi Gras Galveston Starts Friday

GALVESTON, Texas – Thousands of people will pack balconies and streets in Galveston starting Friday as the coastal city kicks off its nearly two-week Mardi Gras celebration.

Mardi Gras, which is French for “Fat Tuesday,” is always observed on the Tuesday before the beginning of Lent, the religious observance of penance and self-denial. It’s seen as a time to indulge before the six weeks of Lent that lead up to Easter.Mardi Gras Galveston starts with an awards ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Friday, followed by the first parade of the festival at 7 p.m.

The celebration ends with the Krewe of Aquarius Fat Tuesday Parade at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 28.

Parades

Feb. 17

• 7 p.m. – George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award Parade
• 8 p.m. – Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade Parade
• 9 p.m. – Galveston Pride Parade

Feb. 18

• Noon – Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Kick-Off Parade
• 1 p.m. – 6th annual Zaniest Golf Card Parade
• 3 p.m. – Krewe D’iHeartMedia Art Car Parade
• 6 p.m. – Krew of Gambrinus Parade

Feb. 19

• 1 p.m. – LULAC 151 Tejano Gras
• 4 p.m. – Fiesta Gras: Parade Tres

Feb. 24

• 7 p.m. – Danny Weber Memorial Fire Truck Parade
• 8 p.m. – Krewe Babalu 12th Annual All Krewe Parade
• 9:30 p.m. – Krewe of Maximilian Parade

Feb. 25

• 11 a.m. – Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire Parade
• 1 p.m. – Z Krewe 23rd Z Processional
• 2:30 p.m. – Mardi Gras King’s Parade
• 3:30 p.m. – Les Bon Temps Roule Parade
• 6:30 p.m. – Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade

Feb. 26

• Noon – Shriners Hospitals for Children and Sunshine Kids Parade
• 1:30 p.m. – Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Parade
• 3 p.m. – Firefighters Children’s Parade

Feb. 28

• 6:30 p.m. Mystic Krewe of Aquarius 21st annual Fat Tuesday Parade

For more information about the parades, click or tap here.

Balcony parties

Feb. 17

• 5 p.m. – Mardi Gras! Headquarters Balcony Party
• 8 p.m. – 2017 Krewe of Thalasar Annual Mardi Gras Ball
• 8 p.m. – Krewe of Thalasar Balcony Party & Ball

Feb. 18

• Noon – iHeart Media Up Close & Personal with Sugar Ray, Tropkillaz & Bright Lights
• Noon – Mardi Gras! Headquarters Balcony Party
• Noon – Z Krewe Balcony Party: Zestival 2

Feb. 19

• 11 a.m. – Mardi Gras Brunch at Hotel Galvez
• Noon – Fiesta Gras! Up Close & Personal with La Mafia

Feb. 24

• 5 p.m. – Krewe Babalu Balcony Party
• 5 p.m. – Mardi Gras! Headquarters Balcony Party
• 5 p.m. – Up Close & Personal with Stoney LaRue
• 6 p.m. – Z Krewe Balcony Party: Zestival 3

Feb. 25

• Noon – Krewe Babalu Balcony Party
• Noon – Mardi Gras King’s Court Balcony Party
• Noon – Mardi Gras! Headquarters Balcony Party and Grand Night Parade Viewing
• Noon – Z Krewe Balcony Party: Zestival 4
• 3 p.m. – Island ETC Mardi Gras Parade Viewing Party

Feb. 26

• Noon – Firefighters Children’s Parade Balcony Party
• Noon – Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Mardi Gras Parade Balcony Party

Feb. 28

• 5 p.m. – Kiwanis Club of Galveston Fat Tuesday Balcon Party

For more information about any of these parties, click or tap here.

Other entertainment

In addition to the parades and parties, there are two stages featuring music from dozens of artists, including Sugar Ray, La Mafia, Brandon McDermott, Mozelle, DJQwest, Bright Lights and T-Gray.

For more information about the music lineup, click or tap here.

For more information about tickets and discount packages, visit mardigrasgalveston.com.

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