Get ready to party..it's Galveston Mardi Gras time!

GALVESTON, TEXAS – Texas’ largest Mardi Gras celebration will kick off this weekend in Galveston, marking the start of carnival season with headliner concerts, elaborate parades and plenty of bead throwing.

Festivities will begin at 5 p.m. Friday with Party Gras! Procession immediately followed by the George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award Ceremony and Parade. At 8 p.m., ,ore than 2,000 umbrella dancers will twist through the streets of downtown Galveston at the fifth annual Fu7nky Uptown Umbrell Brigade. The 10 p.m. Krew da Yaga’s Parade and a number of concerts will keep the party going through the night.

On Saturday, several parades will take place along Galveston’s Seawall and through the downtown Mardi Gras Entertainment District, including two of Mardi Gras! Galveston’s largest events. Revelers won’t want to miss the Mystic Krw of Aquarius Kick-Off Parade at 12 p.m. or the Krewe of Gambrinus “Light Up the Night” parade at 6 p.m.

Saturday’s live entertainment lineup will be headlined by folk rock group Delta Rae, which will perform at 5:30 p.m. on the Budweiser Stage located at 23rdd and Strand inside the Mardi Gras Entertainment District. In addition, “Electric Mardi Gras” will return to the Jageremeister DJ Stage at 21st & Strand, providing continuous concerts for electronic music fans.

This Sunday is the “Family Gras” at Mardi Gras! Galveston — a special day in which the public can enjoy free admission to the downtown entertainment district and family-friendly activities in honor to two area children’s charities. Sponsored by Moody National Bank, Family Gras will kick off at 12 p.m., featuring live music, the Sunshine Kids Parade and the Shriners Hospital for Children – Galveston Parade.

First Weekend Major Events

FRIDAY

5 p.m. Party Gras! Procession (Entertainment District)
5 p.m. DJ Performances Begin on the Jagermeister Stage (Entertainment District
5:30 p.m. George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award Ceremony (The Tremont House)
6:30pm Boss Street Brass Band
7 p.m. George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Parade (Entertainment District)
8 p.m. Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade (Entertainment District)
10 p.m.Krewe da Yaga’s Parade (Entertainment District)

SATURDAY

11 a.m. Mardi Gras Fun Run 5K and 1K Run/Walk (Entertainment District
12 p.m. Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Mardi Gras Parade (Seawall & Entertainment District)
12 p.m. Mambo Jazz Kings on the Budweiser Stage (Entertainment District)
1 p.m. Zaniest Golf Cart Parade Entertainment District)
4 p.m. Krewe d’iHeart Media Parade (Entertainment District
5:30 p.m. Delta Rae on the Budweiser Stage (Entertainment District)
6 p.m. Krewe of Gambrinus Parade (Seawall & Entertainment District)
10 p.m. John Evans on the Budweiser Stage (Entert ainment District)

SUNDAY