It takes dedication to pregame your pregame, but that’s what Mobile does when it comes to Mardi Gras.
Yes, we’ve got a little time before the Conde Cavaliers kick off Mobile’s 2026 parading season Jan. 30, an evening that will be augmented by (what else) pre-game festivities for the Jan. 31 Panini Senior Bowl. But if you wait for that, you’ll miss the boat on a few notable events.
Heck, even if you plan to tailgate at the Krewe De La Dauphine parade on Jan. 17, you’ll be getting a late start compared to some people.
The totality of Carnival season is, in some weird theological sense, pregaming for Lent. Here are a few ways to get an early start in the Mobile area.
Monday, Jan. 5: Braided River Kick-off Party and the lighting of the RSA Tower – Mobile has a small contingent of revelers determined to uphold Twelfth Night, aka Jan. 5, as the true and proper start of the season. Fortunately they have more to offer than finger-wagging at heathens who dare to eat king cake before sundown on the 5th. This block-party-style event starts at 4 p.m. at Braided River Brewing, 420 St. Louis St. Chief Slac and city officials will participate in a sunset ribbon-cutting, and the spire of the RSA Tower will be lighted in purple and gold.
Other promised attractions include King Cakes sold by Bread By Beck and Dropout Bakery & Co.; a special stage performance by the Blow House Brass Band; the release of three seasonal beers; limited-edition T-shirts from Nutria Rodeo Trading Co.; more seasonal merch; and food trucks. Representatives of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Gulf Coast will be on hand with tickets to the 8th annual King Cake-Off (see below).
Braided River says its Mardi Gras kick-off celebrations will continue Jan. 10 with a free outdoor concert featuring the music of Prince, performed by Symone French & The Trouille Troupe.
For updates, visit www.facebook.com/braidedriverbrewing or www.braidedriverbrewing.com.
Saturday, Jan. 10: Krewe de Palooza ’26 – HopHounds Brew Pub & Dog Park at 806 Monroe St., in conjunction with the Krewe de Rescue, will present a dog-centric celebration starting at noon that aims to showcase some pets available for adoption. Other attractions include food, beverages and the debut of a canine king and queen. An after-party follows at the nearby Ice Box.
Info: https://www.facebook.com/krewedepalooza
Saturday, Jan. 10: Lighting of the Mardi Gras Tree – Why take down a perfectly good Christmas tree when you can redecorate it as a Mardi Gras tree? The city got in on this informal trend a few years back, and it will present a festive occasion in Mardi Gras Park for this year’s tree-lighting. The event starts at 5:30 p.m., with the tree-lighting at 6:20. Featured musical acts include the Magnolia Breeze Youth Ensemble, the Second Line Society Brass Band, the 9th Avenue Brass Band and the Southern Komfot Brass Band. Food trucks and other vendors will be on hand.
Info: www.cityofmobile.org/events, event page on Facebook.
Friday, Jan. 23: King Cake-Off 2026 – This family-friendly event gives competitors including local bakeries, restaurants and grocery stores the chance to land bragging rights for Best King Cake and Best King Cake-Inspired Treat, as determined by popular vote. Aside from the opportunity to sample a wide variety of king cakes and related treats, attractions include local vendors, activities for children, specialty cocktails and more. The event benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Gulf Coast.
The event starts at 5 p.m. at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center. For information and ticketing link, visit www.centralgulfbbbs.org/events.
Friday, Jan. 23: Mardi Gras Kick-Off concert at the Merry Widow – 95KSJ will present a performance by country artist Kelsey Hart, with local opener Wes Loper. The 8 p.m. show benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. $20-$25.
51 S. Conception St., themerrywidow.net for info and tickets.