During the four years that we lived in Mobile, my husband and I were introduced to Mardi Gras. Any native Mobilian will be quick to tell you that Mardi Gras began in Mobile, not New Orleans. This year, Mardi Gras is on March 4. Birmingham doesn’t celebrate Mardi Gras quite like Mobile or New Orleans. There are still plenty of fun, family-friendly Mardi Gras events in the Birmingham area. Grab your beads, moon pies, and king cakes, and enjoy the Birmingham area’s version of Mardi Gras!
Bluff Park Mardi Gras Parade
The Bluff Park Mardi Gras Parade includes beads, floats, and fun for the whole family. Following the parade, there will be an after party at The Electric that will feature vendors, food, and fun.
Cost: Free admission
When: Saturday, March 1 at 11:00 AM
Where: Bluff Park
Website: Bluff Park Mardi Gras Parade
Mardi Gras Daddy Daughter Dance
The Friendship Fire Department is hosting a Mardi Gras themed night for daughters and their fathers or father figures. Attendees will enjoy dinner, formal pictures, a DJ, and dancing. You must purchase tickets in advance HERE.
Cost: Tickets are $35 per couple and $5 for additional daughters
When:Saturday, March 1 at 6:00-9:00 PM
Where: Friendship Fire Department in Tallassee, AL
Website: Friendship Fire Department’s 2025 Daddy Daughter Dance
Mardi Gras in the Magic City
Enjoy Mardi Gras in downtown Birmingham! The day will be complete with a golf cart parade, music and dancing, food trucks, performances by Magic City Disco, an appearance by Birmingham Squadron Basketball Team, and a Mardi Gras costume contest.
Cost: Free admission
When: Sunday, March 2, 1:00- 3:00 PM
Where: City Walk BHAM
Website: Mardi Gras in the Magic City
Paw-Di Gras Parade
This new community event is a fun outing for the entire family, including your fur babies! Dogs must be leashed for this puppy parade. Each pup will receive a Mardi Gras bandana and will be awarded a treat at the completion of the parade. Every dog registered for the parade will be entered into a raffle for a free bath and groom and a three day punch card at Club Canine Daycare. Stay after the parade for live music at Troup’s, Mr. Larry’s balloons at Lili Pad, face painting, and Doodle’s Italian Ice. All proceeds benefit the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.
Cost: $25 per household, register HERE
When: Sunday, March 2, 3:30-6:30 PM
Where: Meadowlawn Park to Heights Village, 4041 Dolly Ridge Road, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243
Website: Paw-Di-Gras Parade
MOMS Club of Birmingham Mardi Gras Parade
The MOMS Club of Birmingham-East hosts an annual Kids’ Mardi Gras Parade in Homewood Central Park. The parade features decorated strollers, wagons, and boxes, and participants can throw beads, moon pies, and/or candy.
Cost: FREE
When: Tuesday, March 4, 4:00
Where: Homewood Central Park
Website: You can find more info here.
