Mardi Gras Galveston

Mardi Gras Galveston 2008

The Guide to Galveston, presents Mardi Gras! Galveston 2008. Welcome to Texas Explorer magazine's Mardi Gras webpage, this page includes a calendar of events and other information about one of Galveston's most popular annual Festivals.

Mardi Gras, the traditional festival of feasting and merrymaking that precedes the season of Lent, has been publicly observed on Galveston Island as early as 1867 and later revived in 1985 by Galveston-born preservationist and developer George P. Mitchell.

This year's celebration marks the 24th consecutive year of Mardi Gras! Galveston since its 1985 revival.

Now coordinated by the Galveston Park Board of Trustees in conjunction with 18 participating Krewes, the success of Mardi Gras! Galveston continues to grow as hundreds of thousands of revelers participate in Texas' largest Mardi Gras celebration.

THE ORIGIN OF MARDI GRAS

The date of Mardi Gras began on the date of Easter. The celebration takes place at the end of a long carnival season beginning January 6, or "Twelfth Night," and is celebrated in many Roman Catholic communities around the world-most notably in New Orleans and in Rio de Janeiro.

Revelers eat, drink, carouse and make merry during Mardi Gras, attempting to satiate the desires of the flesh prior to the abstinence observed during the Lenten season. Although Mardi Gras is a Christian tradition, its origins lie in the ancient Roman custom of merrymaking before a period of fasting.

2008 Mardi Gras Galveston 23rd Anniversary

This is the 2008 Mardi Gras Galveston tentative schedule, changes to dates and times could happen at anytime, please contact the official Mardi Gras website for details, www.MardiGrasGalveston.com

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Krewe of Gambrinus Christmas/King’s Day Celebration – 6:00pm – 9:00pm. The King and Queen of the Krewe will be chosen by our traditional King’s Cake cutting. Enjoy great food, drink, music, specialty beads, and general merriment. Krewe members, sponsors, and invited guests. Aquarium Restaurant on the Kemah Boardwalk. Info: 409-770-0876, tjmorgan1995@sbcglobal.net or www.kreweofgambrinus.org.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Krewe Babalu Annual Christmas Party – 7:00pm. Annual Christmas Party held at Jack’s Market Street Tavern, 2310 Market in Galveston. Cash bar, food, door prizes and raffles. $10 admission. Info: 409-621-5225.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Krewe of Gambrinus Den Party – 2:00pm – 5:00pm. Come preview the parade floats!!! Food, drink, specialty beads and more! Krewe members, sponsors and invited guests. Krewe float barn, 44th and Winnie in Galveston. 409-770-0876, tjmorgan1995@sbcglobal.net, or www.kreweofgambrinus.org.

Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Mardi Gras Ball and Pageant – A celebration of “The Renaissance” at the Galveston Island Convention Center’s Grand Ballroom. Begins 7:00pm with a cocktail hour at 8:00pm with the coronation of King A.J. Shaper and his Queen Charlene Manning.

The pageant will feature the 18 member theme-dresses Royal Court. Dancing will follow the pageantry with “Green Onions” until 1:00am. Buffet & Cash Bar. Info: www.krewe-of-aquarius.org.

Z Krewe’s “Le Buccaneers Bon Temps Ball” – Z Krewe salutes the pirates that gave Galveston Island some of its most colorful history at their 14th Annual Coronation Ball following the royal coronation of Z Krewe’s King and Queen Zanie XIV.

The costume or black tie event “Le Buccaneers Bon Temps Ball” (The Buccaneer’s Good Time Ball) will be held at the historic Tremont Hotel’s Davidson Ballroom.

Festivities will begin at 6 PM with a champagne reception prior to the coronation. Buffet dinning with open bar and dancing to live music will start at 8 PM immediately following the coronation ceremony.

Limited seating is available. For event or ticket information please contact event chairperson Barbara Rodgers at (409) 933-4413 or visit our krewe web site at www.zkrewe.net.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire Youth “Hollywood” Mardi Gras Dance –7:30pm at Senior Citizen Community Center. There will be a dance and costume contest for the kids. Dress is costume or casual, and refreshments will be provided as well as beads. Begins at 7:30 with crowning of the royalty. Admission is $5.00. Info: LaChaundra or Lanette Patton at 409-256-2161, or 409-256-5841.

Krewe Babalu 13th Annual Mardi Gras Ball – 8:00pm. Live music, dancing, dinner, open bar, pictures, and just a good time with good people. Hotel Galvez on Seawall Boulevard in Galveston. $85 at the door, early ticket discounts available. Info: Jennifer at 409-739-0420.

Krewe of Gambrinus Coronation Ball - 8:00pm to 1:00am. Presentation of the King and Queen and their Royal Court. Live music, open bar, champagne breakfast and more. Black tie or festive costume. Galveston Island Convention Center Grand Ballroom, 5600 Seawall in Galveston. Info: 409-770-0876, tjmorgan1995@sbcglobal.net or www.kreweofgambrinus.org.

Knights of Momus Den Party - Party held at float den for members to preview the refurbished floats. Members and their immediate families only.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

52nd Annual Treasure Ball Royal Pageant Spectator Night – 7:30pm. The Treasure Ball Association presents 52nd Anniversary Celebration “Pirates and their Ports of Call”, unveiling more than 100 Mardi Gras capes and costumes, benefiting O’Connell Consolidated High School. Moody Gardens Expo C, One Hope Blvd. $10.00 per person. Info: O’Connell High School, 409-765-5534 or 409-77-0053 after 5:00pm.
: Friday, January 25, 2008; Stars on the Brazos Krewe Balcony Party – 5:00pm ‘til “the push”. Roof Garden, 2214 Strand on the balcony! Plenty of room for bead throwing. Tickets $125 per person for the weekend, with lunch, dinner draft beer and set-ups provided. Info: www.sobkrewe.com or e-mail mardigrastickets@sobkrewe.com or contact David Howarth at 979-665-9851, Vivian Alford at 9779-665-5060, or Staci Walden at 979-997-2100.; Krewe Babalu Annual Den Party – 6:00 - 11:00pm. Float viewing and last preparations for our floats. Music, food, beer and wine, (set-ups for BYOB). Door prizes and raffles. Krewe Babalu float barn, 4801 Avenue E in Galveston. Admission: $10 for age 21 and up, $5 for under 21. Info: J.J. at 409-682-0372.; Mystic Krewe of Aquarius “Barn Bash” – The biggest public party in all of Mardi Gras, the “Barn Bash” will be from 7:00pm until 11:00pm at the Krewe float barn, 31st Street and Avenue N 1/2. Guests will get a sneak preview of the Krewe floats and enjoy a Texas-sized buffet. The party features a huge bead booth and bead toss. Dancing will be to the sounds of “Bare Necessities”. Tickets are $15 per person 21 and over. Info: www.krewe-of-aquarius.org.

52nd Annual Treasure Ball Royal Pageant and Ball – 7:30pm. The Treasure Ball Association presents their 52nd Annual Celebration, “A Salute to Pirates and their Ports of Call”, unveiling more than 100 Mardi Gras capes and costumes, benefiting O’Connell Consolidated High School. Dinner and Dance, Moody Gardens Expo C. One Hope Blvd. Tickets $100.00 per couple, $50.00 per person. Semi-formal. Info: 409-744-3307 or 409-771-0053. Tickets available at the door.

Krewe of Thalasar Ball – 8:00pm to midnight. Join our celebration at The Trolley Station, above Bistro LeCroy Restaurant, 2021 Strand Avenue. The Krewe of Thalasar invites all Mardi Gras enthusiasts to join us for food, drink, and fun right in the heart of the Mardi Gras entertainment district! Voulez les bon temps roulez! All tickets must be purchased in advance. Ticket includes a balcony to throw beads, a catered meal, and an open bar. MUST BE 21 & UP. Info: Heather Young at 409-939-8895.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated’s 22nd Annual Mardi Gras Masked Ball – 9:00pm to 1:00am. The Beta Phi Omega Chapter of Galveston hosts this annual gala benefiting scholarships and community service projects. Moody Gardens Convention Center, Floral Ballroom. Costume, semi-formal, live music, and hors d’ouvres buffet. $50.00 per person. Tickets/info: Maggie Williams at 409-744-1491.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Mystic Krewe of Aquarius 21st Annual Mardi Gras Kick-off Parade – 12:00 noon. Galveston’s Seawall Boulevard will come alive with Mardi Gras fever as the Mystic Krewe of Aquarius opens the 2008 to 57th Street. This most-colorful of all parades will feature 180 costumed Krewe members on 10 theme-decorated floats. The big parade will also showcase 20 marching bands and numerous dance drill teams. For the most beads, do not miss this family parade.

Galveston County Firefighter’s Association Fire Truck Parade – 3:00pm. A huge hit in its first year, the Fire Truck Parade looks to be even bigger this year. Parade begins at 14th Street and Seawall and heads west on Seawall to 61st Street.

Krewe of Gambrinus “Beads and Make Believe ” Parade - 6:00pm, King Gambrinus throws a party for 200,000 of his closest friends with over 650,000 throws and a fantastic fireworks display. Parade runs along Seawall Blvd. from 22nd St. to Central City Blvd. (63rd St.) in Galveston. Free to the public. Info: 409-925-2130, 409-925-0559, 770-0876, tjmorgan1995@sbcglobal.net, www.kreweofgambrinus.org

9th Annual Mardi Gras Beach Run – 10K Run, 5K Run/Walk and 1K Kids Run. Food, music and much more. Activities for children under age 12 includes games, crafts and face painting. Benefits the Galveston Family YMCA and UTMB Physical Therapy Class of 2008. Stewart Beach Pavilion, 4th and Seawall. Race Times: 5K Run/Walk starts at 8:30a.m. 10K Run starts at 8:50a.m. 1K Kids Run starts at 9:45a.m. Children’s Festival 8:30 am – 11:00 a.m. Early Registration Deadline : January 5th. Galveston Family YMCA: 409-763-4607, www.mardigrasbeachrun.com.

Stars on the Brazos Krewe Balcony Party – 12:00 noon ‘til “the push”. Roof Garden, 2214 Strand on the balcony! Plenty of room for bead throwing. Tickets $125 per person for the weekend, with lunch, dinner draft beer and set-ups provided. Info: www.sobkrewe.com or e-mail mardigrastickets@sobkrewe.com or contact David Howarth at 979-665-9851, Vivian Alford at 9779-665-5060, or Staci Walden at 979-997-2100.

Z Krewe Zestival #1 – 4:00pm to midnight. Join the Zanies on the Trumpets balcony to start the Mardi Gras off right! Your Zestival pass includes access to Trumpets on the Strand and party with Z Krewe. Zestival I tickets include a meal, 4 drink tickets, access to the balcony, security, and a band from 7-11pm, storage for beads and clean restrooms. Extra drink tickets may be purchased. Tickets are $75.00. Info: Kristie at 713-645-4777, www.zkrewe.net.

Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire Adult Mardi Gras Ball – 8:30pm. “Walk on the Red Carpet to Salute Hollywood”. Walk on the red carpet and have your picture taken as you enter the Hollywood Ballroom for the festivities. Music by Klockwork Band of Houston. Food will be served and there will be a cash bar. Crowning of royalty begins at 8:30pm with dance to begin afterwards. There will be a silent auction, costume contest, bead throwing, second line band, and lots of fun. Moody Gardens Expo Hall. Admission: $35 each or $240 for a table of 8. For more information, contact Janis Matthews at 409-772-3424.

Krewe of Gambrinus Brew Ha-Ha - 9:00pm- 1:00am. Share parade stories, food, drink, fun and dancin’ immediately following the parade. Members, sponsors, and invited guests. Victorian Condo-Hotel, 6300 Seawall Blvd. in Galveston. Info: 409-740-1234, 409-770-0876, tjmorgan1995@sbcglobal.net, or www.kreweofgambrinus.org

Knights of Momus Coronation Ball – Lavish pageant at the Grand 1894 Opera House, presentation of Duchesses of the Royal Court, crowning of King and Queen Ceremonies, followed by an elegant ball at the San Luis Resort Convention Center.

Friday, February 1, 2008

Krewe du Vroom 2nd Annual Motorcycle Parade – 7:00pm. The first and only All-motorcycle Mardi Gras Krewe in the United States will parade for the second time. Come early to see and hear “VROOM”. Begins at 25th and New Strand. Parade travels south to 25th Street to Mechanic, east on Mechanic to 20th Street, north on 20th Street to Strand, west on Strand to 25th Street, south on 25th Street to Market Street. Information: Flyer; kreweduvroom@aol.com

Krewe Babalu 3rd Annual “All Krewe Parade” – 8:00 pm Start time. Begins at 26th and Santa Fe Place. Right on 25th Street, Left on Mechanic to 21st Street. Left on 21st Street to Strand. Left on Strand to 25th Street. 25th Street to Santa Fe Place. Parade participation open to all Krewes, businesses, civic and fraternal entities. Info: Gladden Walters at 281-703-3331.

Krewe of Gambrinus Gathering - Don't miss the Krewe of Gambrinus Gathering, Friday, February 1, 2008, 6pm to midnight, at the Dargan-Tobyn Building, 2228 Strand. Parade viewing and bead throwing! Food, beer, soda, music - party on the balcony!!! Beads will be sold.
Call 281-331-4803 for ticket information.

Krewe Babalu Balcony Party – 5:00pm – 12:00am. Balcony party at 21st and Strand, overlooking parade routes. Live music, cash bar. Admission: $60 per person. Info: Gladden Walters at 281-703-3331.

Z Krewe Zestival #2 – 6:00pm. to midnight. End the work week by kicking up your heels and throwing some beads! From atop the Trumpets Balcony you will hold the crowd below captive, waiting for your beads. Your pass includes access to Trumpets and party with Z Krewe. Zestival 2 tickets include a meal, 4 drink tickets, access to the balcony, security, and a band from 7-11pm, storage for beads, rest rooms. Extra drink tickets may be purchased. Tickets will be $75.00. Info: call Kristie at 713-645-4777, www.zkrewe.net.

Le Krewe Du Lac Royal Cruise - 6:30pm. Party aboard the Spirit of Texas Paddlewheeler. Cruise Clear Lake, Galveston Bay and along the Kemah Boardwalk where we shower the visitors with beads. LIVE MUSIC, snacks, beer & setups provided. This event sells out quickly! Must be 21 years of age. Tickets $50 Info: Annabelle Ruch at 832-771-7661

Krewe Maximilian Bead Party - 7:00pm. The Friday Night Bead Party is open only to Krewe Members and their guests for both the Krewe of Maximilian and Knights of Momus. The party provides live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, and cocktails with bead throwing from the balcony at the Roof Garden. Members $120 per couple, Non-members $200 per couple. Info: Michael at 713-529-5770.

San Luis Salute – 7:00pm. Eleventh Annual gala held at The San Luis Hotel. For more information, please call 409.744.1500.

Krewe of Who? Loft Party - The hottest parties on the Strand are above the street! Join the Krewe of WHO? for our Mardi Gras Loft Party and Bead Throw. Live music by the Zydeko Dots, dancing, dinner, and a cash bar inside. Outside on the balcony, throw beads to the crowd and enjoy the Carnival atmosphere Galveston style. Info: www.kreweofwho.com.

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire presents “Hollywood Parade: Riding on the Red Carpet” – Battle of the Bands begins at 9:00am at Kempner Park, with the parade beginning at 11:00am. Fun for families with lots of beads, trinkets, stuffed animals, and bands with their high-stepping marching style from Houston. After the parade, come join us in the church yard for cultural food and more bead throwing and dancing. For more information, contact Valerie Clouser McHenry at 713-494-9746 or valmac2001@aol.com.

Z Krewe 14^th Z Processional - 1:00pm. Z Krewe will present it’s 14th Annual Processional through the historic streets of downtown Galveston and the Strand area, perpetuating the spirit of Mardi Gras with bands, beads, and pirate booty. This year’s Zanie Pirate Processional, led by Captain Big Daddy and Big Momma 14, will wind its way to the Trumpet’s balcony where King and Queen Zanie XIV and their royal court of Zoots and Zaftigs will salute the crowd and party on the Strand. The processional route will begin at 25th Street and Mechanic, travel east along Mechanic to 20th Street, and the proceed to the Strand. Z Krewe’s parade of pirates and partygoers will continue west on the Strand ending at 25th. For more information, visit www.zkrewe.net or call 409-933-4413.

Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade - 6:30 p.m. Mardi Gras! Galveston’s largest parade will feature floats, Mummers, marching bands, dignitaries, bead throwing and more. Parade starts at Seawall Boulevard and 21st Street, turns right on 25th Street and continues to Mechanic Street. Right on Mechanic Street to 21st Street, turn left on 21st to The Strand. Left on Strand and end at the Railroad Museum, public viewing, no charge. Info: 409-744-3307.

Z Krewe Zestival #3 – 12:00pm to midnight. Ride on in to Z best party! Eat, throw beads, drink, throw beads, dance, throw beads, listen to the band, on the Trumpets balcony! Your Zestival III pass includes access to Trumpets on the Strand and party with Z Krewe. Zestival III includes 2 meals, 4 drink tickets, access to the balcony, security, a live band from 7-11pm, storage for beads and clean restrooms. Zestival III also includes a front row seat to view the World famous “Philadelphia Mummers”, who will perform on our balcony. Tickets/Info: call Kristie at 713-645-4777, www.zkrewe.net.

Krewe of Gambrinus Gathering – Don't miss the Krewe of Gambrinus Gathering, Saturday, February 2, 2008, noon to midnight, at the Dargan-Tobyn Building, 2228 Strand. Parade viewing and bead throwing! Food, beer, soda, music - party on the balcony!!! Beads will be sold.
Call 281-331-4803 for ticket information.

Krewe of Who? Mardi Gras Ball – 6:00pm. Dress to the theme or whatever you are in the mood for, and come ready to dance and party the night away! Bring your Mardi Gras decorated Umbrella for the Second Line processional lead by our King and Queen. Guests are welcome, but space is very limited for this event and members get priority. We are having a membership drive, so visit www.kreweofwho.com for more info and contact us at party@kreweofwho.com. Info: call Becky at 281-350-8918.

Krewe du Lac's Royal Ball is being held aboard the Stargazer yacht in the 9th Annual Yachty Gras Parade along the Kemah Boardwalk. Boarding begins @ 6:30 p.m. and we will sail from 7 to 10 pm. Attire is classy dressy or "Dressy Pirate" as Krewe du Lac celebrates Mardi Gras with "Return of the Pirates". Cajun dinner, live entertainment, wine, champagne and beer are included. Cash bar available. Tickets $85. Contact Annabelle Ruch 832-771-7661. Open to the public - limited seating.

Krewe of Maximilian Ball – 7:00pm. Held at the Railroad Museum, Strand and Rosenberg Avenue. Te party includes Krewe of Maximilian and their invited guests. There will be live entertainment and a buffet. The ball will introduce the Krewe of Maximilian King and Queen and Duchess from the Knights of Momus. Members $190 per couple, Non-members $340 per couple. Info: Michael at 713-529-5770.

The San Luis and Mardi Gras! Galveston’s 24th Annual Mardi Gras Costume Contest m. registration, 1 p.m. contest begins - Known for its zany entries, celebrity judges and rowdy spectators, the San Luis Costume Contest is a favorite among Mardi Gras goers of all ages. The San Luis Hotel Grand Ballroom, 53rd & Seawall Blvd. Infomation: Kim Schultz at (409) 744-1500.

Le Krewe du Lac King’s Cake Party – 3:00pm – 6:00pm. Public welcome & encouraged to join Krewe du Lac for the crowning of the King and Queen. Free admission and King’s Cake for all! Tickets on sale for 2008 Royal Cruise and Royal Ball. Palapa’s Bar, 6th Street and Kipp Street in Kemah Lighthouse District. Info: Annabelle Ruch 832-771-7661.

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Mystic Krewe of Aquarius “Fat Tuesday” Parade – Aquarius will celebrate the final hours of the 2008 Mardi Gras with their annual “Fat Tuesday” Parade at 6:30pm. Many participating Krewes will follow the route through historic Downtown and the Strand District. The lighted parade will feature dozens of floats and numerous marching bands and is a favorite with locals. As always, Aquarius members like to say “We end what we begin”.

Z Krewe Pancake Day Breakfast - Avast, ye landlubbin’ swabs and shiver your timbers as the pirates of the Royal Court and swashbucklin’ Zanies gather in the wee hours of the morning to pass out pirate booty and serve a hardy pirate breakfast to the students, parents, and staff of Galveston Catholic School. For information, call 281-286-5738.

Krewe Babalu Fat Tuesday Public Celebration and Blessing of the Season – 7:30om – 12:00am. The official public celebration party to celebrate the end of Mardi Gras Galveston 2008. All-Krewe event open to the public (21 and older), free of charge. Follows the Fat Tuesday Parade. Live music from FUNKSION 10 - piece dance band. The evening is capped by the 2008 royalty from each Krewe pronouncing their “blessing of the season”. Hilarious and fun. Cocktails Dance Club, 2411 Mechanic in Galveston. Info: Jim Harrison at 409-692-3366.

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