Mardi Gras weekend lights up Daphne

Daphne heads into the first big Mardi Gras weekend of 2026 with parades, balls and live music drawing crowds to the Eastern Shore. After a busy Friday night, tonight and the week ahead bring more chances to celebrate, but also a reminder to plan around traffic and city events.

Apollo’s Mystic Ladies parade rolls through town

The Apollo’s Mystic Ladies parade stepped off in Daphne on Friday evening, marking the city’s first major Carnival procession of the season. The all-female krewe rolled shortly after 6:30 p.m., bringing floats, marching units and plenty of beads to the US‑98 corridor and Olde Towne area.

City officials issued a road closure notice ahead of the event, with streets along the parade route shutting down beginning at 6 p.m. Friday. Drivers were urged to detour early and expect delays before and after the parade as barricades were placed and later removed along the route.

Tonight: Masquerade ball and live music

On Saturday, the 9th Annual Eastern Shore Moonlight Masquerade Ball takes over the Daphne Civic Center, giving residents a dress-up option close to home. The formal event is part fundraiser, part community party, and typically draws a mix of local professionals, civic leaders and Mardi Gras regulars.

For a more casual night out, a local rock and funk band is scheduled at Top of the Bay Music Hall, also in Daphne. Between the ball, club shows and neighborhood gatherings, city venues are expecting heavy evening traffic, especially around the civic center and Olde Towne.

More Eastern Shore parades on the way

Saturday afternoon and evening will also see Eastern Shore crowds head south to nearby Fairhope, where pet and night parades are set to roll. Many Daphne residents traditionally split their time between the two cities, catching at least one parade there before returning home.

Closer to home, the Shadow Barons parade and the beloved Fire Truck Mardi Gras Parade are both set for next weekend in Daphne, promising another round of throws along the bayfront. Regional schedules also list multiple parades across Baldwin County through Fat Tuesday, so residents can expect periodic road closures and heavier traffic on major routes throughout the Carnival season.

Looking beyond Mardi Gras, organizers have also opened registration for the Eastern Shore Business and Home Expo at the end of April, giving Daphne area businesses an early chance to reserve booth space and plan spring marketing.

Sources

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