Pensacola Mardi Gras Kickoff

2026 Pensacola’s Mardi 12th Night Kick Off Celebration

The official Kick-Off will begin inside Seville Quarter at 5 p.m. on Saturday Jan. 3rd.  Floats will be parked on Jefferson St. south of Romana St. all the way down to Zaragoza, and Government Street between Palafox and Tarragona Streets.

After opening ceremonies with the Royal Processional, a Second Line Processional of Royalty will walk the float route and bless the floats.

As we gear up for the 2026 Mardi Gras season, it’s hard to believe that it’s already been 15 incredible years since the inception of the Pensacola Mardi Gras Kick-Off Celebration. What started as a humble idea has blossomed into one of the most anticipated events on Pensacola’s social calendar, and we couldn’t be prouder of how far we’ve come!

Looking back on that chilly and misty Thursday night 15 years ago, we could never have imagined the overwhelming support and enthusiasm that our Krewes and community would bring to the table. With just 10 floats and a couple of radio station vans scattered along a few blocks of South Palafox Street, we took our first steps into what would become a beloved tradition.

Fast forward to 2026, and the growth of the Kick-Off Celebration is nothing short of phenomenal. With 40 floats now gracing the streets and our footprint expanding to include Government and Zarragoza Street, it was clear that our event had truly outgrown its humble beginnings.

Of course, with growth comes change, and over the years, we’ve had to adapt to ensure that the celebration remains accessible and enjoyable for all. One significant change was moving the event from its original date on Twelfth Night (January 6) to a Friday or Saturday. Although we had to bid farewell to the traditional date, the spirit of the celebration remained as vibrant as ever, prompting us to rename it the Pensacola Mardi Gras Kick-Off Celebration.

As we embark on our 15th year, we’re filled with gratitude for the support of our community, the dedication of our Krewes, and the enduring spirit of Mardi Gras that brings us all together. Here’s to another unforgettable celebration and many more years of joy, camaraderie, and good times ahead!