Mardi Gras on the Emerald Coast: Where the Florida Panhandle Lets the Good Times Roll

Mardi Gras may trace its roots to New Orleans, but along Florida’s Panhandle, the season takes on a distinctly coastal character. This February, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and its lively entertainment hub, The Village of Baytowne Wharf, once again set the stage for Northwest Florida’s most anticipated Carnival celebrations. With food-forward festivals, live music, and thoughtfully paired places to stay, the Emerald Coast offers a polished yet playful way to experience Mardi Gras by the Gulf.

At the heart of the celebration is the 37th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival, returning February 20 to 21, 2026. Now a winter tradition on the Emerald Coast, the two-day event draws local chefs and restaurants into friendly competition, each vying for gumbo bragging rights. Guests can expect a broad range of styles, including seafood-driven bowls and deeply layered roux-based recipes, all served alongside live music and family-friendly activities.

Adding to the festival’s appeal is the ever-popular Bloody Mary contest, where inventive garnishes and bold flavor combinations take center stage. Running from noon to 4 p.m. each day at The Village of Baytowne Wharf, the festival captures the spirit of Mardi Gras while remaining approachable and community-driven.

For travelers planning to turn the festivities into a full weekend escape, the Sandestin Gumbo Festival and Stay Package offers 20 percent off accommodations with a two-night minimum stay. The package includes one Saturday Main Event ticket per registered adult, along with access to resort amenities such as pools, bike rentals, tram service, and more, making it easy to balance celebration with downtime.

The celebrations begin earlier in the week with the Baytowne Beads and Bingo Bash on Tuesday, February 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. This Mardi Gras-inspired Merchant Bingo Crawl invites guests to pick up a bingo card by the main stage and explore Baytowne Wharf while uncovering bead-worthy merchant specials. Completed cards can be turned in for festive prizes, followed by live music from Boukou Groove on the main stage. Costumes and Carnival flair are encouraged, setting a playful tone for the week ahead.

Throughout the season, Fat Tuesday Daiquiri Bar at Baytowne Wharf keeps the energy going. Known for its frozen cocktails like the 190 Octane and Hurricane, the colorful spot channels Bourbon Street spirit with a Gulf Coast sensibility, offering an easy stop for a celebratory drink while strolling the Wharf or catching live entertainment.

Sandestin offers several lodging options that place guests at the center of the action. Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection provides a refined retreat within the resort, featuring contemporary coastal interiors, a rooftop pool and bar, a full-service spa, and elevated dining. Its proximity to Baytowne Wharf makes it a natural choice for travelers looking to enjoy Mardi Gras events without sacrificing comfort or style.

For families and groups, Osprey Pointe at Sandestin offers residential-style accommodations with two, three, and four-bedroom residences. Full kitchens, private balconies overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay, and resort-style pools create a relaxed home base well suited for group celebrations.

Just west of Sandestin, The Pensacola Beach Resort presents a romantic alternative that pairs Carnival season with Valentine’s Day. From Friday, February 13 through Saturday, February 14, the beachfront property will offer a Valentine’s Weekend dining experience featuring a three-course menu. Highlights include Shrimp Cocktail, Prime Rib served with whipped potatoes, asparagus, au jus, and horseradish cream, and Chocolate Lava Cake with strawberry compote. Pricing is $75 per person, $80 for a two-top three-course experience, or $60 for the Prime Rib entrée only. The celebration extends to themed cocktails at the bar, including Mezcal My Heart and Petals and Kisses, making it an appealing option for couples blending Mardi Gras festivities with a coastal Valentine’s getaway.

Mardi Gras on the Florida Panhandle trades packed parade routes for walkable villages, chef-driven events, and Gulf views that invite guests to linger a little longer. Anchored by Sandestin and Baytowne Wharf, the season delivers a balance of tradition and ease, proving that Carnival spirit travels well when paired with good food, live music, and a place to stay that feels like part of the celebration itself.