It all started in 2009 as a backyard party by Dwayne and Denise Ebert and their circle of Padre Island friends with an excuse to celebrate. For many years, it existed as an exclusively local event, run by the Eberts and friends, and eventually, the celebration grew as the neighborhood joined the festivities, complete with costumes to show their spirit. As the gathering continued to grow, the organizers turned it into a fundraiser, selecting Big Brothers Big Sisters as their first beneficiary. 

Each year, the gathering grew, starting with a parade around the neighborhood, and growing into a daytime parade on the beach with an evening King and Queen Ball. Once that event maxed out capacity, the festivities were placed in the hands of the Padre Island Business Association (PIBA) to transform it into a grander celebration. In 2015, the Eberts officially handed the reins over to PIBA, who contracted event organizer Elaine Motl of EM Marketing to run the event. Elaine led the festival for nine years, helping it grow into an event that attracted people from across the Coastal Bend and beyond. In 2016, the festival was expanded into an entire weekend of festivities, right on the beach.

A vibrant parade rolls out the festivities at 11:00 a.m. and is bursting with floats and golf carts decorated in shades of purple, green, and gold, with beads galore, feather boas, glitter, and sequins - even the pets were dressed up.  It lasts about an hour and a half, runs along a mile-long route, and shows true community pride and celebration. In recent years, the parade route has been expanded to include even more community engagement and souvenir opportunities, reflecting the festival's continued growth and local enthusiasm. The daytime festivities, including free arts and crafts and building sandcastles are family-friendly, but the big evening event, the King and Queen Ball, became an adults only event. 

Today, the festival is run by a PIBA subcommittee, and the celebration continues to grow. The Barefoot Mardi Gras season has been expanded to include special promotions from island businesses, themed products, and additional Mardi Gras-themed events, creating a lively experience for both locals and visitors. Mardi Gras is about being true and authentic, and with temperatures in the 70’s and abundant sunshine, this beachside celebration of Mardi Gras is a brilliant and natural fit for the Gulf Coast Capital. Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler, Y'all!

Be sure to check out our upcoming events for even more ways to enjoy Corpus Christi. For insider tips and inspiration, explore our visitor guides packed with local favorites and hidden gems. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop on the latest happenings along the coast.