Most people think of New Orleans when they hear “Mardi Gras,” but here at Fort Morgan RV Park, we know the real secret: it all started right down the road in Mobile, Alabama, in 1703.

If you’re staying with us this February, you are perfectly positioned to experience the most authentic Carnival in the country without the chaotic French Quarter crowds. Here is your survival guide to celebrating like a local:

The History: Mobile is the Mother Before New Orleans ever threw a bead, Mobile was hosting masked balls. Just a short drive from the park, you can visit the Mobile Carnival Museum to see the intricate gowns and history that define the “Mother of Mystics.”

Local Parade Highlights for 2026:

• Fort Morgan Parading Society (Sunday, Feb 15 @ 1:00 PM): This is our local favorite! It’s quirky, fun, and right in our backyard.
• Gulf Shores Fat Tuesday Parade (Feb 17 @ 10:00 AM): The big one! It rolls down Highway 59. Arrive early—parking fills up by 8:30 AM.
• Orange Beach Parade (Feb 17 @ 2:00 PM): Catch the afternoon floats along Perdido Beach Boulevard.

Pro-Tips for RVers:

1. Stock Up on MoonPies: Forget the beads; in Alabama, MoonPies are the ultimate catch. Keep a stash in your RV to share with neighbors.
2. The “Quiet Retreat” Strategy: Use the park as your basecamp. Head into the city for the noise and the glitter, then retreat back to the peace of Fort Morgan to watch the sunset by the water.
3. Decorate Your Rig: Purple, green, and gold lights are highly encouraged!

Ready to join the party? Sites are filling up fast for the February festivities. [Link: Book Your Mardi Gras Stay Here]

 2026 Mardi Gras Parade Guide: Fort Morgan to Gulf Shores

Where to be, when to leave, and how to catch the best throws.

1. The “Local Secret”: Fort Morgan Parading Society

When: Sunday, February 15, 2026 @ 1:00 PM

The Route: This is a true “peninsula parade” right in our backyard. It begins at Triple Tail Lane, rolls west down Ponce de Leon Court, and ends at Bernard Court East.

• Insider Tip: This is a golf-cart and trailer style parade. It’s laid back, very friendly, and the best way to meet your Fort Morgan neighbors. Walk to the route from the RV park!

2. The Big Show: Gulf Shores Fat Tuesday Parade

When: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 @ 10:00 AM

The Route: New for 2026! The parade returns to Highway 59. It begins at Clubhouse Drive (near City Hall) and travels south toward the beach, ending at the intersection of Highway 59 and Beach Blvd (Hwy 182).

• Parking: Avoid the beach-front lots; they fill up by 7:30 AM. Instead, look for parking along the side streets near the north end of the route (near the Sportsplex or Sims Park) and walk down.
• Road Closures: Highway 59 will close to southbound traffic at Clubhouse Drive starting around 9:00 AM. If you aren’t there by then, you’ll be stuck!

3. The Double-Header: Orange Beach Fat Tuesday Parade

When: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 @ 2:00 PM

The Route: Along Perdido Beach Blvd (Hwy 182). It starts at Wolf Bay Lodge, travels east, and ends at the Publix shopping center (Hwy 161).

• The Strategy: Many people watch the Gulf Shores parade at 10:00 AM, grab a quick lunch, and then head east to Orange Beach to catch this one at 2:00 PM. It’s the “Iron Man” of Mardi Gras!

4. The “Cool Down”: LuLu’s Boat Parade

When: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 @ 4:00 PM

The Route: If you’re tired of the streets, head to the Intracoastal Waterway. Boats decorated in purple, green, and gold will cruise past LuLu’s and Homeport Marina.

• Insider Tip: This is the best place to see the “Birthplace of Mardi Gras” (Mobile) influence, as many boaters travel down the bay to participate.

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 Pro-Tips for Guests

• The MoonPie Rule: In South Alabama, we don’t just throw beads; we throw MoonPies (it’s a Mobile tradition!). They are soft, so try to catch them with your hands, not your head!
• Bring a Bag: You will catch way more than you can carry. A reusable grocery bag or a small bucket is essential.
• Check the Ferry: If you plan to head to Dauphin Island or Mobile for even bigger parades, check the Mobile Bay Ferry schedule. Fog often delays the morning crossings in February.