Fort Mardi Gras Fun 5k Run/Walk & Fest

Welcome to Fort Mardi Gras 2026 — where movement meets music, community, and better minds.

The 7th Annual Fort Mardi Gras 5K Run/Walk & Festival is back and bigger than ever, bringing the energy, color, and culture of Mardi Gras to Fort Walton Beach.

Powered by the Beads, Beats, and Better Minds Foundation, this family-friendly celebration blends fitness, fun, and mental health awareness with live music, vendors, food, and unforgettable vibes. — because community is the real parade!

Race START: 9a.m. with Mardi Gras Festivities till 3p.m. (FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)

CHECK IN PLUS START/FINISH is LOCATED at Ferry Park Entrance

(56 Ferry Rd NE)

10 &UNDER FREE WITH ADULT REGISTRATION You will Register your child on Raceday or Packet Pick Up Days!

All Race Participants Receive Custom Mardi Gras MEDAL! (Same Day Registrants Not Guaranteed) 

Mardi Gras Best Dressed Encouraged but NOT REQURIED.

Leashed Well-Behaved Dogs are Welcome!! Or Stroll with your Baby in Stroller!

Packet Pickup Info Below:

DR. ED's  NUTRITION SHOPPE
417 D Mary Esther Cutoff NW, Fort Walton Beach
February 20th & 21st | 11 AM – 5 PM

Kids 10 & under can register FREE at packet pickup too with Adult or School Participation.

(If you Can't Make Packet Pick Up Days, PLEASE arrive early race day to check-in)

CLICK HERE AND FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK!

The 5k will be our 7th Annual, presented by the Beads, Beats & Better Minds Foundation, a Non-Profit whose mission is to support active minds and uplift young adults, their family and peers. We want to focus foremost on 

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS! Mental Health/Dis+ease is a social dilemma that's greatly damaging our communities. The fact is either not readily addressed, quietly spoken about or simply ignored.

The Fort Mardi Gras 5k is designed to address Mental Health /Dis+ease by promoting proper exercise, creating healthy minds, coordinating wellness and encouraging mental stability.

Approaches as such are preventive measures that will enable us all VICTORIOUS!  Together we will raise awareness while embracing diversity, supporting one another and using this stance to help direct hundreds of lives as we get closer to defeating mental dis+ease to the fullest extent possible.

MORE INFO:

501-837-5219 

404- 573-0951

email: pr.ekelsey@gmail.com