Ruins of the Second Fort Conde
Ruins of the Second Fort Condé
Mardi Gras Park: A Downtown Celebration
Celebrate Mobile's Mardi Gras history year-round in this downtown park featuring statues, green space, and a festive atmosphere.
Mardi Gras Park in Mobile, Alabama, commemorates the city's rich Mardi Gras history, being the first city in the United States to celebrate it. Located downtown, the park features statues of iconic Mardi Gras figures and offers a year-round glimpse into the city's festive spirit.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Mardi Gras Park
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
104-148 S Royal St, Mobile, Central Business District, Alabama, 36602, US
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Getting There
Walking
Mardi Gras Park is located in downtown Mobile at the corner of Government and Royal Streets. From most downtown hotels, the park is easily accessible on foot. For example, from the Battle House Hotel, walk two blocks east on Government Street. The park will be on your left.
Public Transport
Mobile's public transportation system, The Wave, has several bus routes that stop near Mardi Gras Park. Check the Wave's website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From the Mobile Civic Center, take any bus going towards downtown and get off at the Government Street and Royal Street stop, the park will be across the street. A single ride fare is $1.25.
Parking
If driving, be aware that on-street parking near Mardi Gras Park can be limited, especially during events. However, there are several parking garages and lots nearby. Premium Parking offers several options around downtown Mobile, and rates vary. During Mardi Gras, the city opens additional parking at the Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal and the former RV City site near I-10 for a flat rate of $10. You can pay via the Premium Parking app or with a credit/debit card at the kiosk.
Local tips
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Visit during the Mardi Gras season to experience the park's lively atmosphere as parades pass by.
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Take photos with the statues of Joe Cain and other iconic Mardi Gras figures.
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Check out nearby attractions like the History Museum of Mobile and Colonial Fort Conde.
Discover more about Mardi Gras Park
Located in the heart of downtown Mobile, Alabama, Mardi Gras Park stands as a tribute to the city's unique and vibrant history as the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States. The park, situated on the site of the old Mobile County Courthouse at the intersection of Government and Royal Streets, opened in November 2016 and provides a year-round celebration of Carnival season.The park features statues of notable figures in Mobile's Mardi Gras tradition, including Joe Cain, who is credited with reviving the celebrations after the Civil War, and Ethel Hodsgon, Mobile's first Mardi Gras queen. Visitors can also admire the colorful statues of jesters and Mardi Gras royalty, capturing the whimsical and festive spirit of the celebration. The park is not very large, but it is located on the parade route.Mardi Gras Park serves as a gathering place for locals and tourists alike, offering a space to relax and soak in the atmosphere of downtown Mobile. While the park's initial phase is complete, plans for a pavilion and open-air market are still in development, promising further enhancements to this downtown space.
A brief summary to Mardi Gras Park
Use Mardi Gras Park as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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Discover Mobile, Alabama: A historic city on the Gulf Coast with rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations.
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