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Mardi Gras Park: Celebrating Mobile's Carnival Heritage

Celebrate the birthplace of Mardi Gras! Discover statues, history, and the vibrant spirit of Carnival in downtown Mobile's Mardi Gras Park.

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Mardi Gras Park in downtown Mobile commemorates the city's rich history as the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States. The park features statues of iconic Mardi Gras figures and offers a vibrant space to celebrate the Carnival season year-round.

A brief summary to Mardi Gras Park

  • 104-148 S Royal St, Mobile, Central Business District, Alabama, 36602, US
  • Visit website
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during the Mardi Gras season to experience the park's full vibrancy and catch a parade.
  • Look for street parking nearby, or use the Premium Parking app to find nearby parking lots.
  • Check the City of Mobile's event calendar for festivals, concerts, and other events held at the park.
  • Take a stroll around the park to see how long the Mardi Gras beads stay on the statues and trees nearby after Fat Tuesday.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Mardi Gras Park is located at the intersection of Government and Royal Streets in downtown Mobile. If you are near the History Museum of Mobile or the Exploreum Science Center, the park is just a short walk away. From Bienville Square, walk east along Government Street for two blocks. The park will be on your right.

  • Public Transport

    The Wave Transit System provides bus service throughout Mobile. Check the Wave Transit website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules to reach the park. A regular fare is $1.25, with one free transfer allowed within two hours when using a MyWAVE card or the MyWAVE Mobile App.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Mobile. A short ride from the Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal to Mardi Gras Park typically costs around $10-$15, depending on traffic and demand.

  • Parking

    Street parking is available near Mardi Gras Park, but it can be limited, especially during events. Several parking lots and garages are also located nearby. Metered parking costs $1.00 per hour. During Mardi Gras season, designated parking areas charge a flat rate of $10-$20 for all-day parking. Some parking areas use the Premium Parking App for payment.

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Discover more about Mardi Gras Park

Mardi Gras Park, situated in downtown Mobile at the intersection of Government and Royal Streets, stands as a tribute to the city's unique place in American history as the original home of Mardi Gras. Opened in November 2016 on the site of the old Mobile County Courthouse, the park provides a dedicated space to celebrate the Carnival tradition. The park features statues of influential Mardi Gras figures, including Joe Cain, who is credited with reviving the city's celebrations after the Civil War, and Ethel Hodsgon, Mobile's first Mardi Gras queen. Visitors can also find representations of jesters and other figures integral to the festivities. The park is a popular spot along the main parade route and a focal point for various events throughout the year. While the Mardi Gras season culminates on Fat Tuesday, the park allows visitors and locals alike to immerse themselves in the spirit of Carnival year-round. The park is adorned with a 'Mardi Gras Tree,' often decorated in the traditional purple, gold, and green colors, adding to the festive atmosphere. Although plans for a second phase including a pavilion and open-air market are still awaiting funding, Mardi Gras Park remains a vibrant testament to Mobile's enduring Mardi Gras legacy.

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