Activities and Events > Entertainment and Events > Fairhope Mardi Gras Parades

Downtown Fairhope, Alabama

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Once the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, a new celebration begins in the South – Mardi Gras season. Designers, builders, and organizers work tirelessly throughout the year to bring their creativity to life in the form of giant colorful Mardi Gras floats to parade through the streets of downtown Fairhope. The Fairhope Mardi Gras parades are especially popular due to its beautifully lighted backdrop and family-friendly environment. To view the Fairhope Mardi Gras parade route, click here. 

With three separate downtown parades, the nights leading up to Fat Tuesday couldn’t be more fun! The city of Fairhope, as well as local shops and boutiques, dress up in its finest purple, green, and gold to celebrate the season. Local bakeries and restaurants begin to sell fresh and delicious king cakes, which can only be found during the Mardi Gras season, while also including special festive adaptations to their drink and food menus. 

What is Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras is a carnival-like celebration where organizers and participants dress up in costume and parade through the city on huge decorated floats while throwing a variety of souvenirs to the crowd. Children and adults alike raise their hands in excitement to catch their favorite “throws” which include Mardi Gras beads, printed cups, stuffed animals, candy, and moon pies.

Even if you’re not from the South, you probably have heard of this popular event. Although many think of New Orleans as the birthplace of Mardi Gras, it actually originated in Mobile, Alabama and has since spread throughout the southeast. Along the Eastern Shore and Gulf Coast, there is a parade almost every night of the week leading up to Fat Tuesday!

There are three Mardi Gras organizations that parade through the streets of downtown Fairhope as well as the popular dog parade that kicks off the festivities. Each organization comes up with a theme for that year’s parade and ball. The Mardi Gras floats, costumes, and certain throws are designed to coordinate with the selected theme. 

The Knights of Ecor Rouge (KOER), was the first men’s Mardi Gras krewe established on the Eastern Shore.  The most popular of all of the downtown parades, it kicks off the Mardi Gras season in downtown Fairhope. The KOER parade typically takes place two Saturdays before Fat Tuesday.

The Maids of Jubilee (MOJ) and the Order of Mystic Magnolias (OOMM) are the two women’s Mardi Gras organizations in Fairhope. The MOJ parade is held the Friday before Fat Tuesday while the ladies of OOMM put on the grand finale on Lundi Gras, which is the Monday before Fat Tuesday. 

After the parade, each organization finishes up the evening with a Mardi Gras ball filled with live music, food, and libations. Participants can be seen throughout the crowd wearing their finest tuxedos, tails, and ball gowns. Mardi Gras balls are ticketed events, which cannot be purchased. Tickets are limited and only available through members of the organization. 

While not an official Mardi Gras parade, this beloved event is a crowd favorite and perfect for the whole family. The Mystic Mutts of Revelry (MMOR) takes place the day of the KOER parade, typically two Saturdays before Fat Tuesday. Each year with the designation of a new theme, pups and participants get dressed up and decorate carts, wagons, and other rolling vehicles for the walking parade. Complete with pets, throws, and a whole lot of fun, this popular event is a fun kick-off to the Mardi Gras season in Fairhope.

Participants pay a registration fee for all humans and dogs that will be walking in the parade. Tickets can also be purchased for your pet to enter the royal court as king or queen. The more tickets are purchased, the greater the chance of winning. All proceeds benefit The Haven, No-Kill Animal Shelter. 

The parade starts at 3:00pm, but onlookers will begin lining up as early as 2:00pm so arrive early if you would like a good spot. Folding chairs are allowed to be setup along the street of the parade route. Click here for a map of the MMOR parade route. 

The Fairhope Mardi Gras Parades take place on the streets of downtown Fairhope including Fairhope Avenue, South Section Street, North Church Street, and De La Mare Avenue.

Directions from the interstate to the parking garage in downtown Fairhope, Alabama. 

Take exit 35A for US-98 (.2 miles)
Turn right onto US-98 E / AL-42 E towards Daphne / Fairhope (7.4 miles)
Take slight right onto Veterans Drive (1.9 miles)
Turn right onto Oak Avenue (0.1 miles)
Turn left onto North Church Street (0.2 miles)

Entrance to the parking garage will be on your left.

The Mardi Gras parades in Fairhope typically begin at 6:30pm or 6:45pm, weather permitting. The Fairhope police will start closing the roads in downtown Fairhope around 5:00pm, but sometimes a little earlier. If you are planning to park downtown, it is recommended to arrive by 4:45pm, at the very latest. Cars parked on the street along the parade route and other designated areas will be towed.

Public parking is available at no cost on the streets of downtown Fairhope on a first come first serve basis. A public parking garage is available behind the Hampton Inn off of North Church Street. There is also a small parking lot behind Julwin’s Restaurant off of North Bancroft Street and a larger parking lot on the north side of Fairhoper’s Community Park on South Church Street. Handicap parking is available at these locations, but be advised that downtown parking is limited during special events. Some churches will also allow parking at its facilities for a small cash donation. 

Take note that if you are parked in a parking lot within the parade route or where roadways are closed for the parade, you will not be able to leave until the police have removed the barricades when the parade is complete.

To ensure you have the best time at the Fairhope Mardi Gras parades, please be aware of all “No Parking” signs, “Handicap Only Parking,” or blocking of driveways or businesses. Violators will be towed at the owner’s expense. 

After the Fairhope Mardi Gras parades are over, it can be especially difficult to get back on the main roads. If possible, it is always easier to leave heading southbound, rather than northbound towards Daphne on Highway 98 or Scenic Highway 98. These roads will be extremely congested so be prepared. Another option is to have a late dinner and wait for the bulk of the Fairhope Mardi Gras parade attendees to leave before attempting to get out of the downtown area. This makes for a much more peaceful exit. 

The downtown Fairhope Mardi Gras parades begin at the Fairhope Civic Center. The floats will proceed south down Section Street turning right on Fels Avenue and making an immediate right on Church Street. From Church Street the floats will make a right onto Fairhope Avenue and then a left on Bancroft. From Bancroft the Fairhope Mardi Gras parade route takes you left onto Magnolia, another left for a second sweep through Church Street, another left on Fels, and a final run down Section Street. 

If your aim is to collect as much loot as possible, many people like to start on Section Street and then move to Fairhope Avenue or Church Street to catch the parade a second time. If you want a front row spot along Section Street, especially close to the intersections, we’d advise you to reserve your space at least 45 minutes before the parade starts. There will be people set up with chairs even earlier than that. 

For an easier front row spot, you can wait along Fairhope Avenue for the parade to make its way to you. Then if you would like to catch it a second time, hop over to Church Street or Section Street for the grand finale. Typically, you can expect to catch a lot of beads, moon pies, and cups along the second pass through, as Fairhope Mardi Gras parade riders are looking to get rid of their stash.

Fairhope has a wide variety of hotel and lodging options for every style of vacationer.  Mardi Gras in Fairhope is one of the most exciting times of the year, but also one of the most popular. If you are looking for a hotel room or rental house conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Fairhope and the parade route, it is essential to make your booking early. These accommodations make for an easier stay as you don’t need to arrive early for parking (and walking to your viewing location).

If you prefer to stay at a hotel, the Hampton Inn is one of the best for its downtown location. From the lobby doors, you will be welcomed with the sights and sounds of the festival. Enjoy some of Fairhope’s finest boutiques and restaurants, all within walking distance from the hotel.

When searching for something more intimate with an amazing bay view, try one of the local bed and breakfasts or check out one of the many cottage and vacation rentals for the ultimate in space and privacy.

For the epitome of southern hospitality and charm, make a reservation at The Grand Hotel Resort and Spa. With picturesque views of Mobile Bay, several on-site restaurants, a luxurious spa, fitness center, and pool, it is the ideal spot to relax after a night full of Mardi Gras fun. Shuttle service is available from the resort to downtown Fairhope and back to the resort during the day time. Check with the concierge’s desk for exact shuttle times and location pickup.

Fairhope is known for its delicious eateries and restaurants. These dining spots offer delicious casual fare and are ready to serve the Mardi Gras crowds. Typically, there will be a surge in crowds about an hour before the parade starts and immediately after the parade ends. Reservations are usually not available at most casual dining restaurants on parade nights. While reservations are always recommended at one of these outstanding fine dining restaurants, you will want to make them early, especially those along the parade route. 

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