For 12 days, the word hurricane will refer to a sticky-sweet alcoholic concoction, not a swirling windstorm, as some 250,000 fun-seekers take to the Strand and its surroundings to eat, drink and generally do everything their mothers told them not to. Thank you, Galveston Mardi Gras! The raucous, wide-ranging celebrations this year will be not just a blast, but a boon to local residents and businesses as they continue to recover after Hurricane Ike washed over the island. Salsa, jazz, rock and Cajun music will fill the streets, courting revelers as they hop from bead parties with the Knights of Momus to concerts with the likes of the Zydeco Dots. This year also features a motorcycle procession by the aptly named Krewe de Vroom. Theres plenty to do both day and night, including 11 parades and a beachfront carnival, so kids and adults alike should have no problem getting overstimulated. Through February 24. For information and a complete schedule, call 888-425-4753 or visit www.mardigrasgalveston.com. Free or price varies per event.
Mondays-Sundays. Starts: Feb. 13. Continues through Feb. 24, 2009