Mardi Gras Celebrations in Pensacola

Fifty two miles of beaches and a picturesque downtown district in Pensacola come alive with festivities during Mardi Gras season. This year, Pensacola's beachfronts and area attractions are gearing up for a spectacular Mardi Gras celebration. From parades to carnivals, buffet dinners and formal Mardi Gras balls, here's where you need to join the forces of celebratory glee in Pensacola, Florida!

Les Petits Enfants Mall Ball kicked things off in late January with an annual benefit that donates to the Sacred Heart Children's Hospital. A few days later, the Pensacola Mardi Gras Blab TV Show spotlighted other area events. Revelers can tune in almost daily to Cox Cable Channel 6 for the latest and greatest places to observe Mardi Gras in action.

As the countdown begins to Mardi Gras, The Krewe of the South hosts a kickoff party at Paddy O'Leary's Irish Pub on February 3. Music, beads, and all the fun won't stop until the wee morning hours, so be prepared for an exciting weekend--and plenty of rest time in between. You'll need your energy for the Krewe of Seville Mardi Gras Ball, a popular feature at the Midnight at the Museum of Commerce. The black-tie event fills up fast, hosting a night of live music and local celebrities.

The Krewe of Warriors Ball hosts their Mardi Gras bash on February 9. If the convivial energy doesn't rub off on you within the first half an hour, you probably haven't learned enough about 'Pensacola's Hardiest Mardi Gras Partiers.' This year's theme is 'Shogun',and guests are encouraged to dress in costume or formalwear.

Don't pass up your chance for the best of locally-made gumbo, at the annual Big Brother and Big Sisters benefit, otherwise known as Gumbo Ya Ya. This popular event takes place on February 10, with cooking contests all day. The event is sponsored by the Seville Quarter, and celebrates its 10^th year as one of the area's most popular cook-offs. You don't want to miss the cornbread!