When is Mardi Gras 2026? This is one of those years when Mardi Gras occurs in the middle in the season. Fat Tuesday 2026 happens on February 17, 16 days earlier than last year. Have no fear, this highly-anticipated late winter holiday will be here soon! Of course, if you live along the Gulf Coast or are visiting the area, you’re no doubt aware when Mardi Gras Carnival season arrives! Parades and other festivities begin about a month before Fat Tuesday. Most stores and restaurants will be open with regular hours of operation on February 17. However, some locations will be closing early for the parades. Other retailers and eateries will be closed for the entire day on Fat Tuesday so their employees can enjoy the festivities. Trust me, Mardi Gras is a big deal in this region! Not just in New Orleans, but also in Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, Pascagoula, Mobile, Pensacola, even as far east as Destin and Panama City!
As I mentioned earlier in this article, the Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday date this year (February 17) is earlier than last year. This is because Easter Sunday also arrives earlier (April 6.) Fat Tuesday always occurs 47 days prior to Easter. The good news here is that Fat Tuesday temperatures should be moderately warm. A jacket probably won’t be needed, but you might want to pack one just in case. The other advantage of a mid-February Mardi Gras is it’s proximity to St. Patrick’s Day. If you just can’t get enough celebrating in on February 17, come back in 4 weeks for St. Patrick’s Day parades on the Coast! In any case, a fun time is guaranteed for the 2026 Carnival season. Be sure to call ahead and confirm hours for your favorite shopping mall, store, or restaurant before heading out on Fat Tuesday. If you’re visiting from out of the area, be sure to make your hotel reservations in advance as rooms do tend to fill up on the weekend prior to and extending through Fat Tuesday. Have a great and safe Mardi Gras!