From the hundreds of things to do on US Gulf Coast in February 2024 I narrowed my suggestions down to the following nine festivals and events. Cool, happy, and fun events that you expect to find on the Gulf Coast.
The following Gulf Coast February events include fun, festive, art, and history themes. Mardi Gras this year is February 13, 2024 and I will be celebrating the first two 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 are already out. But the Bucs are still in it (as of January 16, 2024).
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 my favorite Gulf Coast Sunset Spots and romantic US hotels.
Enjoy Fun Things To Do on US Gulf Coast in February.
Mobile Mardi Gras, Mobile AL, Jan 26 – Feb 13, 2024
In 2024, 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 Explorers Parade on Jan 27 through Order of Myths Parade on Mardi Gras night (Feb 13), 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.
McCool Travel 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 my favorite Things to Do in Mobile Alabama.
ArtFest Fort Myers, Fort Myers FL, Feb 3-4, 2024
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.
Register in advance for the Publix Run to the Arts 5K on Sunday, February 4, 2024, featuring the most artsy 5K shirt you will ever see.
Visit the event website for information. Also see my favorite Things to Do in Fort Myers Beach.
Winter Outdoor Wildlife Expo, South Padre TX, Feb 9-11, 2024
Join coastal nature and wildlife experts and fans at the 28th annual Winter Outdoor Wildlife Expo (WOWE). The Expo features presentations, workshops, nature field trips, raptor shows, exhibits, vendors, and more.
The 2024 WOWE keynote speaker is Scott Harris who will discuss his 100,000 mile Raptor Quest to experience sightings of all 53 North American raptors.
WOWE is hosted by SPI Birding Nature Center sand Alligator Sanctuary.
Visit the expo website for information. Also see my favorite Things to Do in South Padre Island.
Saturday Night Jazz, League City TX, Feb 24, 2024
The three-part Saturday Night Jazz in League City kicks off on February 24, 2024. Todd Parker, KTSU Analog Jazz host, leads a lecture about the evening’s jazz performer (Stephen Richard for February) from 6-7pm. Following the lecture, a live jazz performance from 7:30-9pm will be held in League Park.
Visit the event website for information. Also see my favorite League City Texas things to do.
26th Annual Gulf Coast Winter Classics Horse Show, Gulfport MS, Feb 15-March 24, 2024
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 my favorite Coastal Mississippi Hidden Gems.
26th Annual Thunder By the Bay, Sarasota FL, Feb 16-18, 2024
This iconic three-day Thunder By the Bay Music and Motorcycle Festival features continuous live music. 2024 scheduled headline acts include Grand Funk Railroad, Molly Hatchett, and Creed Fisher.
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 25 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 my favorite Things to Do in Sarasota.
Presidential Families Weekend, Key West FL, Feb 15-19, 2024
Are you related to one or more of the US Presidents? Or wonder if you are?
Join the largest gathering of Presidential descendants over Presidents Day weekend 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 Florida Keys spots.
Visit the event website for information. Also see my favorite Key West Tips.
Pensacon, Pensacola FL, Feb 23-25, 2024
Since 2013, Pensacon in Pensacola has been the Gulf Coast’s premiere pop culture and comic book convention. See Morgan Fairchild, Lou Ferrigno, Louis Gossett, Jr.,  and dozens of other actors, writers, and artists.
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 my favorite Secret Spots on Florida Panhandle.
30th Mardi Paws Parade, Covington LA, Feb 18, 2024
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.
“Bark n Roll” is the theme for the 30th 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 my favorite Things to Do in Louisiana Northshore.
Please let me know of other happy, fun, and cool things to do on US Gulf Coast in February. Or any month!
See also January Gulf Coast events and March Gulf Coast events.