Experience the Grandeur of Mardi Gras at Cypress Cove!

3 March 2026

The Mardi Gras Committee has an exciting update to share: this year’s Mardi Gras Celebration at Cypress Cove will take place on Tuesday, March 2 - 3, 2026.

Why the change? We want to make sure no one misses out! By shifting the celebration just a bit, our Cove family can enjoy Mardi Gras in the best of both worlds:

Those sailing away on the Nude Cruise will be back in time to join the festivities right here at home.
Those planning to head to New Orleans can still soak in the Big Easy experience—and then relive it with us, Cove-style (and clothing optional!).

Mark your calendars, dust off those masks and costumes, take note of the theme: Mardi Gras — Cove Style, and get ready to laissez les bon temps rouler—Cove-style—on March 3!

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VOTE for King & Queen of Mardi Gras

Each year, Cypress Cove crowns a new King and Queen of Mardi Gras, along with their Duke and Duchesses, to reign over our Mardi Gras Kingdom for the coming year. These Royals help bring energy, excitement, and tradition to one of the Cove’s most festive celebrations.

The new Royal Court will be selected by a committee of previous Mardi Gras Royals, who look for individuals who embody the spirit of the Cove and are excited to help carry the Mardi Gras celebration forward in the years to come.

The committee welcomes your input! A recommendation box is located in the office by the door where you can nominate someone you believe would make a great King or Queen. Yes — you may nominate yourself, especially if you would like to be involved in helping with future Mardi Gras festivities. Recommendations close at 4:00 PM on February 27, 2026.

The coronation of the new Royal Court will take place at 10:00 AM on March 3, 2026, during the Royal Breakfast Buffet. (You do not need to purchase the buffet to attend and enjoy the coronation.)

Lamp Post & Yard Display Contest

The Cove’s annual Lamp Post Decorating Contest is back... and new this year, we’re adding a Yard Decorating Contest! If fewer than five yards are registered, yard entries will be combined with the lamp post category for judging. Please sign up by March 1st.

This year’s theme is Mardi Gras, Cove Style, so bring the color, creativity, and festive spirit! Judges will be looking for strong use of color, originality, theme execution, and overall eye appeal.

Judging will take place on Monday, March 2, 2026.

A total of $500 in Cove Coins will be awarded to the top entries, including a First Prize of $150. Winners will be announced and awards presented at 3:00 PM during the Mardi Gras Pool Ball.

Let’s make the Cove shine — good luck and have fun decorating!

Mardi Gras Parade

Our newly crowned King and Queen will lead this year’s Mardi Gras Parade through the campground — and everyone is invited to join the celebration! Decorate your golf cart, car, bike, walker, or even yourself, and be part of the fun.

Club and activity floats are always a crowd favorite and are a great way to showcase and promote your group.

There’s no need to register — simply line up at 12:30 PM near Overflow Camping. The parade steps off at 1:00 PM, traveling down Sun Cove, turning left on Blue Sky, and returning to the office on Suntan.

Prizes will be awarded for the best float, golf cart, group, and walkers. Candy and beads will be tossed along the route, so whether you’re marching or cheering from the sidelines, you won’t want to miss the Mardi Gras Parade!

Mega Pot Drawings

Proceeds from ticket sales help cover Mardi Gras expenses here at the Cove. All remaining funds go directly into the Mega Pot, which is awarded during the Mardi Gras Ball at the Pool, along with a variety of donated prizes.

Tickets are available for purchase at the following prices:
1 for $1 • 6 for $5 • 14 for $10

Be on the lookout for the "Tax Collectors" and their money cart at special events and around the pools throughout the celebration.

Ticket sales will end at 2:30 PM on Fatter Tuesday, just before the Mega Pot drawings begin. Good luck!