The spirit of New Orleans comes alive during the annual Fort Walton Mardi Gras Celebration, Parade and Ball on Okaloosa Island every February. You'll swear you're in the "Big Easy" when Mardi Gras kicks into high gear on the Island with its carnival atmosphere and outlandish Mardi Gras-style costuming. It's time to gather up those beads and baubles and head to Okaloosa Island for some good old-fashioned New Orleans-style revelry.
The big celebration takes place in early February, usually on the first Saturday of the month, and if you're coming to Fort Walton Beach at this time, you'll want to set aside time to visit Okaloosa Island for some real Cajun fun!
Some of the Mardi Gras highlights you won't want to miss:
- "Mardi Gras on the Island Parade" in the late morning, rolls down Santa Rosa Boulevard with all the flamboyant and exotic costuming of the Mardi Gras. Grab your beads!
- "Festival on the Boardwalk" features Cajun food of course, music, children's activities, and more. It starts at noon and continues until 5 p.m.
- "Mardi Gras by the Sea Ball at the Mall" recreates a carnival atmosphere of New Orleans Mardi Gras and kicks up from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. with live music, food, and carnival fun. Only Mardi Gras costume or black-tie please.
It’s not too late if you haven’t booked your accommodations yet. Try a Fort Walton Beach vacation rental conveniently located on the island so you won’t miss a Cajun beat of the Mardi Gras Celebration.
Don the beads and baubles and head to the Fort Walton Mardi Gras celebration that New Orleans would be proud to call their own!
