With Mardi Gras parades officially beginning Friday, Feb. 14, the City of Mobile has shared general guidance to help participants have fun and be safe during the festivities.

Parking

For the 2025 Mardi Gras season Mobile will be providing additional parking spaces.

On parade days, the Alabama Cruise Terminal will be available for public parking with overflow parking at the former RV City location near the Interstate 10 overpass.

These parking areas will be available two hours before the first parade and will remain staffed until 11 p.m. Security will remain after 11 p.m. to help individuals access their vehicles.

The flat rate for the parking options will cost $10 for all-day parking, which is cheaper than many locations in downtown Mobile.

For those looking to park downtown during Mardi Gras season, check out a map of parking locations here.

READ MORE: Mobile scrambles to react to big Mardi Gras changes

Towing

On-street parking will not be allowed in areas marked with gold and purple Mardi Gras parking signs. These restrictions will go in effect two hours before, during and after each parade, unless expressed otherwise.

Vehicles found in violation of this prohibition could be towed. Any towed vehicles will be at a temporary impound site at the dead end on South Royal Street, just south of Monroe Street. The temporary impound facility will close at 10 p.m. on each parade day.

According to the Mobile Police Department, it will cost $150 to retrieve a towed vehicle.

For information regarding towed vehicles before 10 p.m. on parade days, call (251) 208-2584. For information about towed vehicles after 10 p.m. and on non-parade days, call (251) 208-2585.

Children and Pets

Police suggest that children be given identity cards in case they are separated from their parents. The card should provide the name of the child, an address, telephone contact numbers and the relative’s name.

Pets are not allowed during parade routes downtown, according to the City of Mobile Animal Services.

Revelers are also being asked to call 311 for non-emergencies and information requests.

Other additional safety tips from the City of Mobile include:

• Attend parades in groups with family or friends.
• Glass containers are prohibited by city ordinance
• Following floats is illegal and could lead to an arrest.
• “Silly String”, “Snap & Pops” and similar products are illegal.
• Do not cross the barricades. Each officer will carry a ticket book and issue citations for the offense.
• No underage drinking is allowed. Special undercover police details will arrest violators.
• Establish a post-parade meeting place for family and friends in case you become separated.
• Park vehicles in secure areas and do not leave valuables in plain sight.
• Uniformed and plainclothes officers will patrol behind the crowds to identify and arrest persons engaging in criminal activity.
• Skateboards and motorized scooters are prohibited.