Kids & Kritters Parade on Pensacola Beach: What to Know for 2026
The Kids & Kritters Parade is one of Pensacola Beach’s most family-friendly Mardi Gras events, combining costumed kids, decorated wagons, and pets dressed for the season.
The 2026 parade returns to Pensacola Beach on Saturday, January 24, with activities beginning earlier in the day and the parade stepping off in the afternoon.
Here’s everything to know if you plan to attend or participate.
When and Where Is the Kids & Kritters Parade
The Kids & Kritters Parade takes place on:
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Parade start time: 2:00 pm
Location: Casino Beach parking lot, near the Pensacola Beach Visitor Information Center
The parade route remains within the Casino Beach area, making it easy to watch, walk, and participate.
Free parking is available, and spectators are encouraged to bring a bag to collect beads and trinkets.
Parade Theme for 2026
The 2026 Kids & Kritters Parade theme is:
Coastal Cowboy
Participants are encouraged to dress accordingly, with costumes for both people and pets. Western-themed outfits, beach-inspired cowboy looks, and creative mini-floats all fit the theme.
Schedule of Events Before the Parade
The fun starts well before the parade steps off.
12:00 pm
Featured guests and kiosks open
1:00 pm
Cowboy Karaoke for Kids
Open to kids ages 10–14, with prizes for participants
1:30 pm
Pre-parade performance by Dancingly Yours
2:00 pm
Kids & Kritters Parade begins
Grand Marshals for the parade are Burma Davis and her horse Jesse, followed by the Krewe of Kids’ Royal Court and krewe members.
Who Can Participate in the Parade
The Kids & Kritters Parade is open to the public and designed to be inclusive and family-friendly.
Participation guidelines include:
Registration begins at 12:00 pm on parade day
Costumes are required
Participants must bring their own Mardi Gras throws
No candy or paper coupons are allowed
There is no entry fee for people.
Pets may participate for $10 per pet.
Pets must be on a short, sturdy leash and remain under the control of their handler at all times.
Mini Floats and Wagons
Mini floats are a popular part of the Kids & Kritters Parade.
Allowed mini-floats include:
Wagons
Strollers
Anything that can be pushed or pulled
Not allowed:
Motorized vehicles
Pedaled vehicles
Bicycles
Skateboards
Battery-powered vehicles
Prizes will be awarded for:
Best costumed pets
Best mini-floats
VIP Golf Cart Fan Spot
Spectators can reserve a VIP Golf Cart Fan Spot for free.
This option allows you to decorate your golf cart and reserve a front-row viewing spot along the parade route.
To reserve a Fan Spot, email:
KandKParade@gmail.com
Spaces are limited and available on a first-come basis.
Who Hosts the Kids & Kritters Parade
The parade is hosted by Pensacola Beach Mardi Gras, Inc. and sponsored by Gulf Breeze Animal Hospital, with support from Island Times Newspaper.
Additional support comes from:
Santa Rosa Island Authority
Escambia County
Pensacola Beach Chamber
Planning Your Kids & Kritters Parade Day
The Kids & Kritters Parade is a great option for families, pet owners, and anyone looking for a relaxed Mardi Gras experience on the beach.
Arriving early allows time to enjoy the pre-parade entertainment, explore the kiosks, and secure a good viewing spot.
For visitors planning a full Mardi Gras weekend, this event pairs well with other Pensacola Beach and downtown celebrations happening throughout the season.
Mardi Gras Guide
If you’re planning more Mardi Gras events this season, there’s a lot happening beyond Kids & Kritters.
Parades, beach events, downtown celebrations, and Fat Tuesday festivities run through February. We’ve put together a complete guide covering dates, routes, and major events across Pensacola.
If this guide helped you plan your trip, you can support Must Do Pensacola by grabbing a sticker.
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