The City of El Centro will celebrate Mardi Gras with the 2026 Mardi Gras Parade and Street Festival.

The event in downtown El Centro will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, beginning at 5:00 p.m. The parade will start at 6:00 p.m. Festivities include games, food vendors, a beer garden and live music. This year's parade will cover a new route through downtown El Centro, starting at 12th and Main and ending at 6th and Main Street. The parade will feature a level of energy and plenty of beads. The Mardi Gras 2026 Parade and Street Festival is presented by the City of El Centro in partnership with the Imperial Valley regional Chamber of Commerce and Los Vigilantes.