Barefoot Mardi Gras began in 2009 as a backyard gathering hosted by Dwayne Ebert and Denise Ebert and a group of friends on Padre Island . What started as a small, local celebration remained community-driven in its early years, growing organically as neighbors joined in, many showing up in costume to mark the occasion. As attendance increased, the event evolved into a fundraiser, with Big Brothers Big Sisters selected as its first beneficiary.

Each year brought new additions, beginning with a simple neighborhood parade that eventually expanded into a daytime parade on the beach and an evening King and Queen Ball. As those events reached capacity, the Eberts partnered with the Padre Island Business Association to guide the celebration’s next phase. In 2015, the Eberts officially handed leadership to PIBA, which contracted event organizer Elaine Motl of EM Marketing to manage the festival. Over the next nine years, the event continued to grow, drawing attendees from across the Coastal Bend and beyond. In 2016, Barefoot Mardi Gras expanded into a full weekend of beachside festivities, solidifying its place as a signature Padre Island event.

The parade kicks off the day at 11:00 a.m. and runs for about an hour and a half along a mile-long stretch of beach. Floats and golf carts roll by dressed in purple, green, and gold, with beads flying, feather boas, glitter, and sequins everywhere. Even pets often join in, decked out for the occasion. Over the years, the parade route has expanded to include more community engagement and souvenir stops, reflecting the steady growth of the event. Daytime activities remain family friendly, with free arts and crafts and sandcastle building available throughout the beach. In contrast, the evening King and Queen Ball has shifted to an adults-only event, offering a different experience once the daytime festivities wrap up.

Today, Barefoot Mardi Gras is guided by a subcommittee of the Padre Island Business Association, with the celebration continuing to evolve each year. What was once a single event has grown into a full Mardi Gras season, with island businesses offering special promotions, themed products, and additional events tied to the celebration. The result is a connected experience that brings locals and visitors together across Padre Island. At its core, Mardi Gras is about authenticity and community, and the coastal setting makes that feel natural here. With mild winter temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and the beach as the backdrop, Barefoot Mardi Gras fits right in with life in the Gulf Coast Capital and continues to grow as a tradition shaped by the people who call the island home. Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler, Y'all!

Looking for more ways to spend your time on the coast? Check out  upcoming events happening around Corpus Christi, browse our visitor guides  for local favorites and trip ideas, and sign up for the newsletter to stay up to date on what’s happening next along the water.