HOUSTON, Texas – Gulf Coast Blood is excited to continue its partnership with Mardi Gras! Galveston for a special week-long promotion supporting our community’s ongoing need for blood donations. Now through February 7, 2026, donors will receive a complimentary general admission ticket to Mardi Gras! Galveston, as a thank-you for giving the gift of life. Mardi Gras! Galveston is the third-largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States, offering a distinctive fusion of vibrant carnival traditions and Galveston Island’s scenic beach setting. From lively parades and concerts to elegant balls and unforgettable sunset views, the event draws hundreds of thousands of attendees each year.
The island’s 111th Mardi Gras celebration, taking place February 18 – March 1, 2026, is expected to welcome more than 350,000 guests for concerts, balcony parties, family-friendly festivities, and exciting new additions to the long-running tradition. As part of this partnership, Mardi Gras! Galveston extends its appreciation to blood donors by providing a complimentary general admission ticket, redeemable at the festival during the 2026 event. This gesture recognizes the essential role donors play in sustaining the community’s blood supply, especially during winter months, when donations historically decline.
Gulf Coast Blood supports hospitals and healthcare facilities across the Greater Houston Area by providing blood and blood products for emergency care, surgeries, cancer treatments, organ transplants, childbirth complications, and more. A typical whole blood donation can take less than 15 minutes and has the potential to save multiple lives. By donating, individuals directly contribute to the well-being of others while also helping our community celebrate the season of giving and festivity.
Join us in saving lives and celebrating Mardi Gras! Galveston. To find a donation location or to learn more, visit giveblood.org.
About Gulf Coast Blood
Gulf Coast Blood is the sole provider of blood and blood products to Houston and surrounding communities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As one of the largest community blood centers in the United States, we serve more than 170 hospitals and healthcare facilities across 26 counties in the Texas Gulf Coast, Brazos Valley, and East Texas regions. Our network includes Gulf Coast Blood East Texas and Gulf Coast Blood Brazos Valley, ensuring patients throughout our service area have access to lifesaving blood when it’s needed most.