GULF SHORES, Ala. — Experience the masked mayhem of a carnival season unlike any other.

With dashes of coastal and southern influence, the five parades on the Alabama Gulf Coast showcase a unique combination of merriment that is still appropriate for all members of the family.

“With affordable winter rates, our sugar white beaches remain a perfect weekend getaway for families or couples who can find a great deal on accommodations while taking in a mix of beads and beach,” said Herb Malone, president, CEO of the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Our Mardi Gras celebrations have a reputation of being entertaining but also family friendly, and we are extremely proud of that fact.”

Kicking off the carnival mayhem is the all-woman society of the Mystical Order of Mirams, who will take to the streets of Orange Beach on Friday at 6:30 p.m.

The parade will begin at the former location of Ruby Tuesday in Orange Beach and travel east along Highway 182 to Highway 161. 

Not to be outdone by the ladies, Orange Beach’s all-male Mardi Gras krewe — the Mystics of Pleasure — are set to hit the streets Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

This society was the first group to organize a nighttime parade for the Alabama Gulf Coast.

The parade will follow the same route as the Mystical Order of Mirams. 

Gear up for a Fat Tuesday packed with activities.

First to hit the streets is the Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Association. This parade begins at 10 a.m. at the base of the Intracoastal Waterway bridge and travels south on Highway 59 to the main public beach. 

Extend your bead and moonpie collection by moving on to the Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade, which is set to roll at 1:30 p.m. along Highway 182.

Then, let the good times flow at LuLu’s 5th anniversary Celebration and Boat Parade, which is also set for Fat Tuesday at LuLu’s at Homeport Marina. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. with live music and extend throughout the day.

Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the area’s only carnival-season boat parade. Organized by LuLu’s, this two-hour parade will begin at 3 p.m. at The Wharf and navigates west on the Intracoastal Waterway to LuLu’s.