Lake Wales Mardi Gras Festival + Parade

Lake Wales Mardi Gras is back for its annual family-friendly celebration on February 13-14, 2026. Since 1984, the annual Mardi Gras parade and festival has entertained thousands of residents and visitors in Lake Wales with floats, beads, live music, food and spirits. Lake Wales Mardi Gras draws estimated crowds of 20,000 people to Lake Wales over the 2-day event. Lake Wales Mardi Gras is one of the largest events of its kind outside of New Orleans!

Annual 5k Glow Run – Friday @ 6pm
Mardi Gras Festival – Friday @ 6-11pm & Saturday 10am-11pm
Mardi Gras Parade – Saturday @ 3pm

The Festival includes live music, children’s activities, local food vendors, beer and wine sales, and activities for the entire family. The parade boasts dozens of floats from the local Mardi Gras Krewes, media personalities, County Commissioners and the Polk County Sheriff Dept.