ST. LOUIS — New Orleans, Louisiana, isn't the only U.S. city to celebrate the Mardi Gras tradition during the second weekend of February 2024.
The St. Louis area is known not only for celebrating the occasion in the same spirit as our Louisianan party-goers but its connection.
If you didn't get the chance to celebrate the festivities during The Taste of Soulard, Purina Pet Parade or Tito's Vodka Wiener Dog Derby, then don't fret. More events for Soulard Mardi Gras 2024 in St. Louis are scheduled for Feb. 9-10.
Mayor's Mardi Gras Ball
On Feb. 9, the Mayor's Mardi Gras Ball will take place from 7 p.m. until midnight at The Midway inside St. Louis Union Station.
This "social event of the season," is a "must-attend gala that combines the elegance of the setting with the striking visuals of Mardi Gras," according to the event planners' website. There will be several activities to enjoy, including:
- Music from the Playadors and Red and Black Brass Band
- Pancake art by The Joy of Pancakes
- Body Art and more including Glitter Bar STL
- Sketch Artists
- Megalux 360 Photobooth
- And much more!
Tickets for general admission, VIP access and tables are available for purchase here.
Bud Light Grand Parade
The parade begins at 11 a.m. on Feb. 10 at Busch Stadium and East of Ballpark Village and then continues down Downtown South and Soulard to "the place where your beer was born, Anheuser-Busch Brewery."
Designated festival entry points are:
- 13th Street & Russell Boulevard (Rideshare drop-off point)
- 9th Street & Ann Avenue
- Lafayette Avenue & Tucker Boulevard
If you are traveling to Soulard using a rideshare please use these four dropoff/pickup points:
- 2100 S. 13th St.: 13th & Russell Boulevard (just west of McGurk’s)
- 1511 S. 10th St.: 10th & Marion Street (St. Vincent De Paul)
- 1822 S. Broadway: South Broadway & Geyer Avenue (Edele and Mertz)
- 1530 S. 7th St.: 7th & Marion Street
Bud Light Party Tent
Enjoy music and entertainment with special guest Chris Lane from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Feb. 10 at Bud Light Party Centre in Soulard Market Park. Guests can enter the tent at Soulard Market Plaza, 801 Lafayette Ave. and ensure that you have the QR code ahead of entry.
The cost to enter is $150. For more information, click here. The following will be included in your event package:
- Fully stocked open bar with Bud Light, plus premium spirits
- Cajun lunch buffet
- Live entertainment from country singer and songwriter Chris Lane
- Heated tents within one block of the Bud Light Grand Parade route
- Unlimited re-entry
- Private restrooms
- Free beads
Saint Charles Mardi Gras Parade and After Party
Enjoy a family-friendly Mardi Gras party on Second Street in Frenchtown. The parade starts at 11 a.m. with an after-party from Noon to 2 p.m. There will be live music, food, activities for kids and more.
Sunset Hills Subaru Blues Alumni Experience
Take advantage of drinks and food during this event from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Feb. 10 inside a temperature-controlled tent. The $150 package includes Cajun lunch, heated tents, hanging out with some of the best to ever where the Blue Note and more.
For tickets and additional information, click here.
Carni Gras at 12th and Allen
Are you ready for fun, games and carnival activities in Soulard? The event is from 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Feb. 10 and is free for guests.
Below are more scheduled activities during the Carni Gras event:
- HASH-UP MASH-UP - Cannabis Themed Music Trivia from 11 a.m.-noon
- HASH-UP MASH-UP - Cannabis Themed Music Trivia from 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
- HASH-UP MASH-UP - Cannabis Themed Music Trivia from 2-3 p.m.
- High Heel Drag Race 3-4 p.m.
Find out more here.
St. Louis was founded as a fur trading post in 1764 by Pierre Laclede and Auguste Chouteau, and the pair began to construct the settlement, named "St. Louis" in honor of the king of France at that time.
Over 200 years later, Mardi Gras in St. Louis' Soulard neighborhood began in 1979 with a house party among five friends searching for a theme, according to Mardi Gras, Inc., the organization behind the annual St. Louis festivities.