2026 Mardi Gras Balcony Party Zestival 1

• A full open bar with premium liquor, beer, wine, water, coffee, and soft drinks,
• DJ and dancing,
• Dinner and all-time snacks,
• Entrance to the Strand,
• Guaranteed time on the balcony,
• Clean restrooms (no porta-potties),
• Beads for sale.

Security is on the premises, and you can come and go from the party to explore the Strand as you wish.

Party hours are from 6 pm through 12:00 midnight.

Beads - You can save time and effort by purchasing throw beads and receiving them when you check into the party. You can purchase The Bead Bag at a savings of 20%. This bag includes 15 dozen beads, a bead bag and a select Krewe Theme bead. No ticketing fee will be added to the bead purchase; your total cost for the bead bag package is $80. You are encouraged to bring a box or bag, with a lock, to hold your beads and keep them from being thrown by someone else; however, secure storage for your beads will be available.

The Bead Bag Package can be purchased during ticket purchase check-out.

Tickets – each night is a separate party. Your ticket includes the entrance to the Strand area of downtown (sent separately) and entry to the party.

Weekend Tickets: The cost of the 2/21/25 Friday night party is normally $90. Add the purchase of a Saturday night party, you get a 20% discount on your Friday night party ticket (an $18 discount).

Costumes - The Krewe's theme this year is Salute to Paris France! You are welcome to dressed in any French-related or Mardi Gras Theme costume, but costumes are not required. Dress is casual (see dress policy in FAQs below).

Please note: You MUST BE 21 to attend this party. IDs will be checked. Specific Questions? See the FAQs or E-mail us at [email protected] for more information.

FAQs

Are there group discounts available?

There are no group discounts.

What is the dress policy?

We encourage creativity and fun with your costumes, but we do require proper attire. Shoes are required. Clothing depicting rude, vulgar or offensive language or images is not permitted. Exposure of breasts or genitalia is not allowed. Z Krewe reserves the right to make judgements on inappropriate costumes or dress. Attendees with inappropriate dress will not be allowed to the party.

Is there security for beads at the party?

There will be a place available to store your beads; however, that does not preclude possible bead theft. It is strongly encouraged to bring a box or bag with a lock, such as a suitcase, to hold your throwing beads. The Krewe is not responsible for beads left unattended and unsecured. Due to the number of people at the party, sometimes beads may "walk-away". The only way to know they will be safe is to place them in a locking container or storage.

Does my ticket include entry to the fenced Strand Area during Mardi Gras?

Yes, entry to the Strand is included in the price of your ticket. You will receive a separate e-mail with your Strand Entry tickets attached. You should receive this e-mail within a few days after purchase of your party tickets. You must include a valid e-mail address, when purchasing tickets, in order to receive this entry pass. Tickets are sent to the person's e-mail making the ticket purchase. The purchaser can forward these entry tickets to another person, if necessary.

Does my ticket allow entry to the Strand area during all days of Mardi Gras?

No, your ticket is only good for the day of the party. To access the Strand area for any other day, you will need to buy a separate entry ticket.

Why must I provide my e-mail address?

You will be sent an additional e-mail that will allow you free entry to the Strand on the date of the party. You should receive this e-mail within a few days of purchasing your party tickets. Without a valid e-mail address, you will not receive this pass and will have to pay the entrance fee in order to attend the balcony party.

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

Yes, you must be 21 to attend this event.

What is included in the full bar?

The bar will include beer, wine, a choice of liquors and mixers, soft drinks and water. The price of bar drinks is included with the party and there is no additional charge. On Saturday parties, there will be premium liquor for the asking and at no additional charge.

Is there elevator access to the party?

No, the building is a historic building in downtown Galveston. The access to the second floor, where the party is located, is via a staircase. Please consider if you use a walking aid or require other assistance with stairs.

Will I be able to see the parades from the balcony?

Yes, all parades held in the downtown district and those that start on the Seawall will be passing directly in front of our balcony.

Will I be able to get to the balcony rail to throw beads to the crowd?

Yes. We now have a wonderful location with a lot of balcony space.

Can I throw beads during the parade?

No. People and bands in the parade are not looking for beads and they may be hurt by someone throwing beads at them or damage may occur to instruments. You will be thrown beads by those in the parade, so this is a good time to try to catch them!

What are my parking options for event?

The party is located at the corner of the Strand and 21st Street. There is a public parking garage located two blocks from the party at 21st and Market. Check the web site www.mardigrasgalveston.com for more parking information.

What can I bring into the event?

You are allowed to bring throw beads. It is recommended you bring a locking container (like a suitcase) to hold the beads. You cannot bring alcohol into or out of the party; however, a full bar including wine, beer and liquor is included at the party for no additional charge.

Are there special rules related to conduct on the balcony?

Yes. We do not allow any flashing or vulgar expressions made to the crowd from the balcony. It is also not allowed to toss drinks off the balcony or throw something in such a manner as to purposely injure someone in the street. Guests who exhibit this behavior will be escorted from the party by security.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Send an e-mail to [email protected].

What is Z Krewe?

Z Krewe is a 501-(c)(3) Mardi Gras Krewe. We hold Mardi Gras events throughout the Galveston area and are involved in supporting local charities and organizations with volunteer time and and profit from our activities. For a list of our charitable activities and donations, please see our web-site at www.zkrewe.org.

Is Z Krewe accepting new memberships?

Yes. We are accepting new membership applications. Z Krewe membership include parties such as a Big Daddy / Big Momma party, a formal Ball held at the Tremont Hotel's Davidson Ball Room and 5 balcony parties during the two weeks of Mardi Gras. We are also in 5 parades a year for a fee not included in dues. We are also active all year with monthly Krewe meetings, other social activities and supporting other charitable organizations in the Galveston-Houston area.

If interested in membership or have any questions, just write us at [email protected] or you are welcome as our guest to a monthly Krewe meeting held the first Tuesday of each month at Las Haciendas Mexican Restaurant at 316 West NASA Parkway, Houston Texas beginning at 7:00 pm.

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Host or Publisher Z Krewe of Galveston