The Mystic Krewe of Salty Barkers will celebrate Mardi Gras Apalach-style on February 27-28, 2026, at Riverfront Park in Apalachicola, FL. This beloved coastal tradition features a lively street festival and the 15th Annual Mardi Gras Barkus Parade, a parade of costumed dogs and their people. Guests are invited to dive into the fun in festive costumes, creative floats, wagging tails, and plenty of local flair. All sea lovers and their loyal sea pups are invited to swim by and enjoy this fintastic ocean adventure.

The 2026 theme is “Under the Sea.” Pups and their people will don costumes inspired by the wonders of the deep blue sea, a magical ocean realm ruled by dogs. The streets will be swimming with majestic mer-dogs, sea royalty, pirate and their ships, shimmering fish, daring divers, and maybe even a sea monster or two. The creativity and splashy spirit guests bring to this magical underwater spectacle will be a sight to see.

The festival kicks off with fun and frivolity on Friday, February 27, from 12 to 6 pm ET with the Fido-Do (a Salty Barker twist on a fais do-do). This old-fashioned Mardi Gras street event will feature live music and entertainment and of course delicious food and drinks. Participants are invited to bring their golf carts and decorate them for Saturday’s parade and stay for the new Sundown Celebration.

On Saturday, February 28, the festival continues from 10:30 to 4 pm at Riverfront Park. Guests will enjoy over 40 vendors offering a variety of food, arts, and crafts, live music, a beer and wine garden with local craft brews, and of course the Pet Parade. Additional highlights include street entertainment, pet and family photos, pet adoptions through the Franklin County Humane Society and animal ambassadors from the Florida Wild Mammal Association. Other non-profit exhibitors will also be present, along with T-shirts and Mardi Gras merchandise for purchase.

The 15th Annual Barkus Parade, the big splash of the weekend, starts at 1 pm on Saturday. The parade of decorated golf carts, boats, floats, and costumed walkers – both the four-legged and two-legged kind will make waves at Riverfront Park, wind through town, and end back at the park to continue the raucous fun. Registration for the parade is $5 for walkers, $25 for golf carts, and $50 for floats. Canine companions, of course, are free.

More than just fun, this celebration is also a fundraiser for local animal rescue organizations. The Mystic Krewe of Salty Barkers donates all proceeds to help animals in need across the Forgotten Coast. This is a joyful way to come together, show their creativity, and raise funds for a great cause—all with a big splash of Mardi Gras magic.

For more details on this journey into an imaginary world beneath the waves, visit saltybarkers.org, facebook.com/MardiGrasBarkusParade or apalachdogs@gmail.com. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.

Celebrate the 15th Annual Apalachicola Mardi Gras Barkus Parade & Festival