Mobile’s Moon Pie Drop Returns With Mardi Gras Parade, Live Music and Free Museum Access

Mobile is gearing up for one of its biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations yet, with the city’s signature Moon Pie drop, a Mardi Gras parade, live music on three stages, a laser light show and fireworks all planned for the downtown festivities.

City spokesperson Barbara Drummond said the event continues to grow each year, with this year’s celebration expected to draw thousands of revelers to the Port City. The Moon Pie descent will also be broadcast in 23 cities across America, putting Mobile’s unique tradition in the national spotlight. “People will know MoonPie over Mobile and that it all happened in Mobile, Alabama,” Drummond said.

Taking a cue from New York’s iconic Times Square celebration, Mobile will release confetti at the stroke of midnight as the Moon Pie makes its descent.

Free Museum Admission

Adding to the festive atmosphere, three major Mobile attractions will offer free admission during the evening: the Museum of Mobile, the Gulf Coast Exploreum and the Mobile Carnival Museum.

The Gulf Coast Exploreum will be open free of charge until 10 p.m., giving visitors a chance to explore first-floor attractions including the MyBodyworks interactive anatomy exhibit. Executive Director Gretchen Jaspering said the free open house is a rare opportunity for the public to experience what the facility has to offer.

The Museum of Mobile will also welcome visitors at no cost, featuring exhibits on Mobile’s history and a special display exploring American history through the lens of comic books. Curator of History Scotty Kirkland said comic books serve as a mirror on modern American history, reflecting how Americans have changed over time.

After taking in the Mardi Gras parade, visitors can round out the evening at the Mobile Carnival Museum to learn about the city’s rich carnival traditions.

A Mobile New Year’s Tradition

Mobile lays claim to the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in America, and its Moon Pie drop has become a beloved twist on the ball-drop format made famous by Times Square. Rather than a crystal orb, Mobile drops a giant Moon Pie – the marshmallow-and-graham confection long associated with the city’s parades – to ring in the new year.

MoonPie Over Mobile was first held on Dec. 31, 2008, and was the idea of then-City Councilman Fred Richardson. The 12-foot, 600-pound electric MoonPie is lowered down the 34-story RSA tower downtown at midnight. MoonPies have been thrown from Mobile’s Mardi Gras floats since 1952.