Mardi Gras! Galveston 2026 Doubles the Entertainment Lineup, Ushers In a New Era of Coastal Celebration
By Francis Page, Jr.
Click here for updates on this story
December 8, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — For more than a century, Mardi Gras! Galveston has stood as one of Texas’ most vibrant cultural traditions—an island celebration where history, music, pageantry, and Gulf Coast flavor collide in spectacular fashion. Now, as the festival prepares to launch its 115th anniversary season from Friday, February 6 through Tuesday, February 17, 2026, organizers are turning up the volume with double the entertainment, double the energy, and a renewed commitment to preserving the rich legacy of Mardi Gras on the Texas coast.
This year’s theme is simple: bigger beats, brighter colors, and a bolder lineup than ever before.
Mardi Gras! Galveston, the third-largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States, is raising the bar for 2026 with a high-powered slate of performers including Logan Ryan, Wade Bowen, Gym Class Heroes, and Houston’s own Lil’ Keke—a lineup designed to bring together fans of country, rock, pop, hip-hop, and Texas culture under one glittering Gulf Coast sky.
“Mardi Gras! Galveston has grown into one of the most diverse and exciting music celebrations in the entire state,” said organizer Mike Dean, noting that more than 3 million beads, 20+ parades, iconic balcony parties, and nonstop live entertainment make this festival a true regional powerhouse.
A Texas-Sized Opening Weekend
The festivities kick off on Friday, February 6, when red dirt country sensation Logan Ryan transforms The Strand into a beachside honky-tonk. With storytelling hits like “Signed, Love Wynonna,” “Tecovas,” and “Cigarettes and Alcohol,” Ryan’s coastal country sound is set to electrify the night and set the tone for an unforgettable opening weekend.
The excitement continues on Saturday, February 7, with Texas country mainstay Wade Bowen, known for his soulful Americana roots and dynamic stage presence. Bowen’s ability to captivate audiences with both high-energy anthems and heartfelt ballads ensures a standout performance tailor-made for Texas music lovers.
National Acts Ignite Week Two
As week two unfolds, Mardi Gras! Galveston pivots to national-charting talent beginning Thursday, February 13, when multi-platinum group Gym Class Heroes hit the stage. Their signature fusion of pop, rock, and hip-hop promises a lively, genre-blending performance perfect for Mardi Gras crowds ready to dance.
Then on Friday, February 14, Houston takes center stage as Lil’ Keke—a pioneering figure of the city’s legendary Screwed Up Click—brings his smooth Southern flow and defining Houston sound to the island. His Valentine’s Day performance is expected to draw one of the festival’s largest and most enthusiastic audiences.
Electric Mardi Gras Returns With Star DJs
For fans of nightlife and dance culture, Electric Mardi Gras returns with nationally recognized DJs straight from New York and Los Angeles.
Four Color Zack, a world champion turntablist, headlines on February 7 at 10 PM, bringing razor-sharp technical skill and unmatched energy. Angie Vee, one of L.A.’s most sought-after party DJs, takes the stage on February 13, infusing the island with a West Coast house-party vibe. More regional performers, stage schedules, and special appearances will be announced soon, further expanding the entertainment landscape.
A Festival That Honors Tradition While Embracing the Future
Houston Style Magazine readers, from family-friendly parades and dazzling costumes to balcony parties, marching bands, gourmet food, and unforgettable concerts, Mardi Gras! Galveston continues to honor its roots while evolving into a modern cultural experience tailored to visitors across generations.
Celebrating Mardi Gras in Galveston means celebrating vibrancy, diversity, and the enduring spirit of the Gulf Coast.
Discounted ticket packages are available now for a limited time. For tickets, parade maps, performer lineup updates, and full event details, visit MardiGrasGalveston.com.
Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.
Francis Page, Jrfpagejr@stylemagazine.com7139275444