The Gulf Shores Mardi Gras parade has gone through changes in the last few years, from canceling after a tragedy at the start of the 2017 event to a route change along Beach Boulevard – it proved unpopular – and now back to its traditional route on State Route 59 from Clubhouse Drive to The Hangout.

Throughout, the parade has traditionally rolled at 10 a.m. on Fat Tuesday. In the works is a move to a Saturday afternoon or night parade this Mardi Gras season on Jan. 23.

Gulf Shores City Council will discuss those plans in a special-called meeting on July 27 at 2:30 p.m. in Council Chambers in City Hall to consider moving the city’s parade to the Saturday slot in addition to relinquishing most of the control over parade organization to a new krewe.

“Recently, a group of longtime local Mardi Gras participants formed the Pleasure Island Revelers Mardi Gras Krewe and expressed interest in returning parade production to the community, with continued city support,” a memo on the meeting agenda states. “In response, the city is proposing a partnership for the 2027 Mardi Gras Parade in which the krewe will serve as the principal organizers responsible for planning and coordinating the event.”

Gulf Shores would retain critical roles in providing support from fire and police departments, public works and special events staff to lead public safety, route security and management and logistical issues, according to the meeting agenda.

“We will support the efforts of the krewe, but they will be responsible for receiving applications, managing and organizing the parade,” city spokesman Grant Brown said.

Fat Tuesday is on Feb. 9, 2027. If moved, the Gulf Shores parade would likely be on the third weekend of revelry with the Jan. 23 date. Traditionally, Krewe de la Dauphine opens parade season on the Alabama Gulf Coast with its Dauphin Island parade, which rolls on Jan. 9 this upcoming season. On Jan. 16, 2027, parades roll in Dauphin Island with the people’s parade and in Robertsdale with the Misfits.