When you think about Mardi Gras, you probably think about The Big Easy. You might even think about the state of Louisiana as a whole. Aside from that… St. Louis? Galveston? Mobile, Alabama?

It might come as a surprise to some, but the Sunshine State doesn’t get enough credit for its one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebrations. Break out the purple, green, and gold, because we’re listing off some of the best Fat Tuesday festivities in Florida.

January 6^th to February 17^th

Considering it’s only a few hours from the French Quarter, it makes sense that the westernmost city in the state would have a banger of a Mardi Gras. It may have already started, but there’s still plenty more fun things to do.

The annual Grand Mardi Gras Parade is the largest yearly gathering in the city, drawing crowds that number into the hundreds of thousands. Over 6,000 people participate in this event, and there are more floats than you can count. The whole thing lasts over three hours, and surprisingly, it’s a dry event to ensure the area remains family-friendly.

Another main draw is the February 13^th Fat Tuesday Celebration. This Mardi Gras party features Cajun-inspired food trucks, dancing, and live music of all varieties. Basically, when you picture Mardi Gras, this is what you’re picturing, and you won’t want to miss it.

Other events include the Mardi Gras Mambo and the Cordova Mall Ball. If you’re going with a group and feel like being an even bigger part of the celebration, be sure to register your Krewe on their website.

January 26^th to January 27^th

PCB is a renowned Florida destination for a reason, and they’re putting on one heck of a Mardi Gras music fest.

Performers include Mark Wills and Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, but that’s just the beginning. A nightly fireworks show will be held over Russell-Fields City Pier, and both days will have their own parade to take part in. There’s also a kid’s fun zone open for most of the festival, plus all of the great food and attractions that Panama City Beach has year-round.

February 13^th

Moving into Central Florida, we have a free-to-attend festival in one of the most prestigious communities in the state. The event takes place at Lake Sumter Landing, and it’s sure to be a great time for the older crowd.

Aside from all the usual fun things to do, this event hosts the Mardi Paws March, a pet-themed event that benefits Your Humane Society SPCA.

There will be tons of carnival games, food vendors, musical guests, street performers, and open-air markets to attend. The only thing you have to worry about is how you’re going to fit it all in.

February 9^th to February 10^th

Just south of The Villages, we have possibly the largest Mardi Gras celebration in the Florida interior. This carnival of delights has been going strong since 1984, which means this is the 40^th anniversary, so you know it’s going to be extra special.

As you’d expect, the massive parade is the main attraction, but you’ll want to stay for both days to take in the eclectic blend of music, which includes blues, zydeco, Dixieland, and more. There’s also more Cajun food than you’ll know what to do with, and a 5K Glow Run along the banks of the lake for you to work off all those aforementioned calories, if you’re so inclined.

February 10^th

Across the water from New Orleans, just outside of Tampa, one of the Gulf’s biggest festivals kicks off with a parade that features more than 50 floats and draws close to 35,000 attendees yearly.

You probably know the drill at this point—delicious food, groovy music, and an unbeatable ambiance in the streets of Dunedin. The party will be going until well after dark, and we’ve even heard rumors of a few afterparties throughout the city. If you’re in Western Florida and looking for a Mardi Gras celebration near you, this is the place to be.

February 3^rd to April 7^th

We couldn’t make a list of Florida Mardi Gras extravaganzas without including the one and only Universal. Every year, they transform their park for the occasion, and every year, they outdo themselves.

If you’re looking for something unique and unforgettable for the whole family, check out the Ride and Dine Experience, which lets you sit on one of the parade floats while you indulge in a three-course meal from one of the park’s renowned restaurants. There’s also plenty of chances to indulge in delectable Cajun-inspired cuisine.

The park will be chock full of attractions highlighting Carnaval celebrations from around the globe, plus all of the familiar favorite rides and games that Universal is known for.

Celebrate Mardi Gras in Style

If you’re looking for a bespoke ride to carry you to the next big occasion, give us a call at (786) 577-5217 and allow our Rolls-Royce dealer in South Florida to walk you through the customization process. As always, remember to celebrate responsibly.