Fun Things To Do on US Gulf Coast in February 2023

From the hundreds of things to do on US Gulf Coast in February 2023 we narrowed our suggestions down to the following nine festivals and events. Cool, happy, and fun events that you expect to find on the Gulf Coast and brought to you by US Gulf Coast Travel.

The following Gulf Coast February events include fun, festive, art, and history themes. Mardi Gras is February 21 this year and we will be celebrating the first three weeks of February as most of y’all will also (right?). The NFL Super Bowl is a huge annual event but, alas, this year the Saints and Bucs are already out.

Black History month is the entire month. February holidays include Presidents Day, Groundhog Day, and Valentines Day. Looking for a sweet place to take your honey—see our favorite US Gulf Coast Sunset Spots and romantic US hotels.

Enjoy our Fun Things To Do on US Gulf Coast in February and do let us know of other fun and cool events this month.

Mobile Mardi Gras, Mobile AL, Feb 3-21, 2023

In 2023, celebrate America’s Original Carnival Celebration in Mobile Alabama. “Born to Celebrate” is the theme in the place where Mardi Gras was first celebrated on our continent (in 1703).

From Conde Cavaliers Parade on Feb 3 through Order of Myths Parade on Tuesday night (Feb 21), enjoy nearly 50 parades and countless Mardi Gras celebrations around town. Celebrate the last three days of Mardi Gras with Joe Cain Day (Sunday), Lundi Gras, and Mardi Gras.

US Gulf Coast note: Some records indicate that Bienville first celebrated Mardi Gras in 1699 in or near Biloxi or Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

Visit the celebration website for information. Also see our favorite Things to Do in Mobile Alabama.

Mardi Gras masks
celebrate America’s Original Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama

ArtFest Fort Myers, Fort Myers FL, Feb 4-5, 2023

Enjoy exceptional art from over 200 artists, in addition to delicious food, live entertainment, and fun children’s activities. Only one of every five artists who apply is accepted so know the quality at ArtFest Fort Myers is superb.

ArtFest  overlooks the beautiful Downtown Fort Myers riverfront and yacht basin and is an annual highlight for Southwest Florida residents and visitors.

Visit the event website for information. Also see our favorite Things to Do in Fort Myers Beach.

outside dining in Fort Myers Beach
visit Dixie Fish Company in Fort Myers Beach

Winter Outdoor Wildlife Expo, South Padre TX, Feb 9-11, 2023

Join coastal nature and wildlife experts and fans at Winter Outdoor Wildlife Expo (WOWE). The Expo features presentations, workshops, nature field trips, raptor shows, exhibits, vendors, and more.

The 2023 WOWE keynote speaker is Tiffany Kersten who has spotted a record 726 different bird species in the lower 48 US states.

WOWE is hosted by SPI Birding Nature Center sand Alligator Sanctuary.

Visit the expo website for information. Also see our favorite Things to Do in South Padre Island.

labyrinth at SPI Native Plant Center
be sure to visit this South Padre labyrinth

Valentine’s Day Elopement Extravaganza, League City TX, Feb 14, 2023

For a most memorable wedding reserve a spot in the Valentine’s Day Elopement Extravaganza at Butler’s Courtyard. Butler’s Courtyard in League City is one of the most popular wedding venues in the Houston Bay Area,

This unique event provides a wedding ceremony with licensed officiant, wedding cake, and professional photographer for only $150. Wow!

And you gotta admit, it will be easy to remember your anniversary date in years to come.

Visit the event website for information. Also see our favorite Things To Do in League City Texas.

red white and blue longhorn skull
see this at Butler’s Courtyard in League City TX

25th Annual Gulf Coast Winter Classics Horse Show, Gulfport MS, Feb 15-March 26, 2023

Harrison County Equestrian Center in Gulfport, Mississippi hosts the annual Gulf Coast Winter Classics Horse Show. The multi-week competition features thousands of competitors in every horse and riding skill level.

From Lead Line to Grand Prix competition, from seasoned veteran horse and rider team to a first time horse show experience, watch the contests for prize money, awards and critical point gathering opportunities.

Visit the event website for information. Also see our favorite Coastal Mississippi Hidden Gems.

Pass Christian MS Henderson Point beach sunset
catch a memorable Mississippi Gulf Coast sunset

25th Annual Thunder By the Bay, Sarasota FL, Feb 17-19, 2023

This iconic three-day Thunder By the Bay Music and Motorcycle Festival features continuous live music. Headline acts in 2023 include 38 Special and Colt Ford.

The family-friendly festival includes over 100 vendors, a 17 class bike show, freestyle motorcycle shows, a charity motorcycle ride, fantastic food, on-site camping, and much more.

Over the past 24 years, the Festival has raised over $2.3 Million for Suncoast Charities for Children. The charity provides funding support to several local non-profits serving over 8,000 children, teens, and adults with special needs.

Visit the festival website for information. Also see our favorite Things to Do in Sarasota.

spectacular Sarasota sunset
spectacular Sarasota sunset at Centennial Park

Presidential Families Weekend, Key West FL, Feb 17-20, 2023

Are you related to one or more of the 46 US Presidents? Or wonder if you are?

Join the largest gathering of descendants of US Presidents in Key West. The Presidential Families Weekend takes place at the Truman White House in gorgeous Key West Florida.

And on the drive to and from Key West, see these favorite Spots to Visit in the Florida Keys.

Visit the event website for information. Also see our favorite Key West Tips.

Key West Southernmost Point
Key West Southernmost Point

Pensacon, Pensacola FL, Feb 23-26, 2023

Since 2013, Pensacon in Pensacola has been the Gulf Coast’s premiere pop culture and comic book convention.

Celebrate the worlds of science fiction, fantasy, horror, cosplay, animation, video games, books, and more with thousands of fans and dozens of celebrities. Which costume will you wear? Or want to see at Pensacon?

Visit the event website for information. Also see our favorite Secret Spots on Florida Panhandle.

beautiful beach sand dunes iof Florida Panhandle Gulf Coast
Gulf Islands National Seashore, one of the best beaches in Pensacola

29th Mardi Paws Parade, Covington LA, Feb 26, 2023

Mardi Gras does not have to end on Tuesday. Head to downtown Covington in Louisiana Northshore for the traditional final event of Mardi Gras season.

“Tails From the Backside” is the theme for the 29th annual Mardi Paws Parade. The event is fun for spectators snd paw-ticipants alike.

Note that the Mardi Paws Parade moved from Mandeville lakefront to Covington in 2020. Attend the Krewe du Pooch Parade the day prior (Saturday) in Mandeville for more funness.

Visit the parade website for information. Also see our favorite Things to Do in Louisiana Northshore.

dog with green hair in Mardi paws parade
Mardi Paws parade in Covington Louisiana Northshore

Please let us know of other happy, fun, and cool things to do on US Gulf Coast in February. Or any month!

See also Fun Things To Do on US Gulf Coast in January.

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