February 21, 2026
Vendors, Food Trucks, Live Music, Gumbo Cook-Off Competition, Kids Zone & Parade
Aransas Pass, Texas
Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Saltwater Mardi Gras is a collaborative effort between the Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce and Destination Aransas Pass. The two non-profit organizations created Saltwater Mardi Gras to reignite the Aransas Pass downtown and increase foot traffic during winter months. Proceeds of the event are utilized toward beautification projects for Aransas Pass.
Thank you to our event sponsors!
Parade
The parade will take place on February 21, 2026 and will kick off the Saltwater Mardi Gras Festival!
Parade Route: Info Coming Soon!
Gumbo Cook-Off Competition
$25 Fee Per Team
Gumbo Competition Prizes:
- Judges' Choice Winner: Trophy & $75
- Public Voting Winners:
- 1st Place: Trophy & $500
- 2nd Place: Trophy & $200
- 3rd Place: Trophy & $100
Vendors & Food Trucks
Craft Vendors: $75 Fee
- Vendors will check in at the corner of Yoakum and Commercial Street. Please use Houston Street to access Yoakum Avenue.
- Saltwater Mardi Gras craft vendors must be vending merchandise.
- Vendors soliciting services (Insurance companies, telecommunications, etc.) will NOT be accepted in the craft vendor section and must complete a Commercial Vendor application.
Commercial Vendors (Soliciting Services): $350
- Vendors soliciting services, products, or brands (Insurance companies, telecommunications, etc.)
Food Trucks: $75 Fee
- To participate Food trucks must complete the below items before the event:
- Purchase a 1-Day City Food Truck Permit. Please contact the Aransas Pass Public Works department at (361) 758-3111 to secure a permit.
- Complete an Aransas Pass Fire Department fire inspection. Please contact the APFD at (361) 758-2086.
- Purchase a County temporary event permit for Food Vendors/Food Trucks.
- This permit must be purchased from San Patricio County, please contact the County’s office at (361)-587-3500 or email Gabriel Arroyo at garroyo@sanpatriciocountytx.gov.