ST. LOUIS — Soulard's biggest party of the year is back this weekend.
The Mardi Gras main event, the Grand Parade, starts at 11 a.m., but it's not the start of the party.
Here's everything you need to know if you are heading to Soulard this weekend.
Grand Parade: 11 a.m.
The parade route this year runs from Busch Stadium to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and it all starts at 11 a.m.
There are three designated entry points:
- 13th & Russell (Rideshare drop off point)
- 9th & Ann
- Lafayette & Tucker
If you want a great spot for the parade, there are a few paid events that have prime viewing.
The Bud Light Party Tent (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and the Blues Alumni Experience (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) both offer an open bar, heated tents, private restrooms, a cajun lunch buffet and more.
There are a few differences between the two paid sections. The bar at the party tent offers premium spirits, and live entertainment from Chris Lane and DJ sessions from DJ Quain and DJ Mahf.
The Blues Alumni Experience promises the chance to "rub elbows with Blues legends at St. Louis’ biggest party," and a NSFW story time with Blues Legends.
Tickets for the party tent or Blues alumni event cost $150 plus fees. Click the links below to order tickets.
If you are looking for fun and games, Carni Gras at 12th and Allen (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) is the place for you.
This free event will feature carnival games, trivia, high-heel races and much more.
How to get there
Parking will be extremely limited, so organizers advise you to utilize rideshare and public transportation.
If you want to take MetroLink, the Stadium Station will be your closest stop to the parade route. From there, it's about a two-mile walk to the heart of Soulard. There will also be a free shuttle from Ballpark Village.
If you are using rideshare, drivers can drop you off at one of four drop-off locations:
- 2100 S 13th Street: 13th & Russell (just west of McGurk’s)
- 1511 S 10th Street: 10th & Marion (St. Vincent De Paul)
- 1822 S Broadway: South Broadway & Geyer (Edele and Mertz)
- 1530 S 7th Street: 7th & Marion
Weather
It won't be as breezy in Soulard as earlier this week. While Friday is quite warm, those warm temperatures are squeezed out of the region for the weekend. Sunshine is limited on Saturday in Soulard. While not cold, it will be much cooler. Temperatures will be in the 40s through lunchtime and hover around 50 during the afternoon.
What not to bring
No bottles, cans, backpacks or coolers are allowed at Mardi Gras in Soulard. Organizers say these restrictions are for public safety reasons, and anyone spotted in the festival zone with these items will be asked to dispose of them immediately.
Everything else
For everything else you need to know for this weekend, organizers have a Mardi Gras Pro Tips page. There, you can find some tips and tricks to make this weekend a great one.