The spirit of the Bayou is heading to the Alamo Metropolis, bringing a wave of colourful beads, jazz music, and world-class parades to our favourite native spots. Whether or not you might be in search of an enormous river-side get together or a family-friendly celebration with the children, San Antonio’s 2026 Mardi Gras season has one thing for everybody.
Anticipate a light and festive window for the celebrations, however maintain a light-weight jacket helpful for these breezy evenings by the water; the river breeze can get surprisingly chilly as soon as the solar goes down.
It is a fast abstract of the highest occasions taking place this 12 months; for a whole record, try our article on Mardi Gras San Antonio 2026.
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Associated Content material: Finest River Stroll Eating places for Households, 100 Free and Low-cost Youngsters Actions in San Antonio, and Finest Date Evening Concepts in San Antonio!
This Yr’s Mardi Gras Occasion Highlights in San Antonio
The center of the season beats loudest on the Bud Gentle Mardi Gras Pageant, the place the River Stroll transforms right into a floating model of the French Quarter. For a novel memento, we advocate visiting the Artisan Present between February 13–15; arriving early on Friday morning is one of the best ways to snag one-of-a-kind woodwork or jewellery earlier than the weekend crowds descend. In case you’re trying to escape the downtown core, SeaWorld San Antonio provides a month-long carnival beginning January 31. Households ought to head straight to the “Bayou Bay” space, which supplies the proper quantity of house for teenagers to bop to reside brass bands.
For these searching for high-octane thrills, Six Flags Fiesta Texas hosts its “Spectacle of Colour” parade from February 7 by means of mid-March. To get the complete expertise, time your go to for nightfall when the float lights are most vibrant. In case you desire a extra energetic celebration, the Mardi Gras Insanity 5K/10K at Pearsall Park on February 21 encourages runners to don purple, inexperienced, and gold leggings for an opportunity at “spirited” prizes. In the meantime, these within the Hill Nation can discover a aggressive edge on the Gumbo Cook dinner-Off in Boerne on February 22—simply be sure you arrive by 2:00 PM, as the most well-liked recipes are inclined to promote out rapidly.
The “Fats Tuesday” finale on February 17 provides choices for each pace, from a complicated seafood Mardi Gras dinner at Ostra to an immersive homicide thriller on the Moonglow Theatre. In case you’re planning on becoming a member of the First Friday Pub Run on February 6, undoubtedly buy your wristband on-line prematurely to bypass the large check-in traces.
What to Anticipate This Yr – Mardi Gras 2026 in San Antonio
For 2026, San Antonio is increasing its “Dwelling Listing” of celebrations, with extra neighborhood-centric mini-parades than in earlier years. Safety and crowd administration have been ramped up close to the River Stroll, so count on bag checks at main entry factors. Moreover, many distributors have moved to a very cashless system this 12 months, so guarantee your digital pockets or playing cards are prepared for these memento and snack purchases.
There’s all the time numerous enjoyable and attention-grabbing occasions taking place in San Antonio. Take a look at our all the time up to date, curated record of Issues to Do in San Antonio this Weekend.
Maya is a lifelong Texan native to the San Antonio space. Between her English research at UTSA, two younger youngsters, and small herd of canines, she’s all the time in search of methods to get out and become involved. When she’s inside she’s studying, writing, or enjoying video video games, however she’s all the time prepared for a facet quest to native museums, exhibitions, and occasions.
