St Louis may not be New Orleans, but we certainly knows how to celebrate Mardi Gras. Whether it's the Grand Parade in Soulard, smaller celebrations around the area or a party at home, here are some great ways to let the good times roll.
Soulard Mardi Gras
Here are the big events going on this year in historic Soulard.
Taste of Soulard
This is a great way to sample signature dishes from many of Soulard's best restaurants. Ticket books cost $20 for six tastes and a complementary glass of Southern Comfort.
Saturday, January 26 & Sunday, January 27
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Barkus Pet Parade & Wiener Dog Derby
It doesn't matter if you have a dog or not, this event is something to see. Hundreds of dogs and their owners decked out in costumes.
Sunday, January, 27
Parade registration begins at 10 a.m. at Menard and Allen
The Mayor's Ball
This masquerade ball is the formal event of Mardi Gras. Hob nob with St. Louis society for the evening. Tickets are $100 to $500 a person.
Friday, February 1, 7 p.m.
Grand Parade
This is the big event of Mardi Gras, bringing tens of thousands of revelers to the streets of Soulard. Catch some beads while watching the floats go by.
Saturday, February 2, 11 a.m.
Fat Tuesday Parade
For those who just can't get enough of Mardi Gras, this is the last hurrah. The Light up the Night Parade in downtown St. Louis lets you celebrate right up to the start of Lent.
Tuesday, February 5, 8 p.m.
Other Mardi Gras Celebrations
Here are some other exciting Mardi Gras parades and parties to try.
Frenchtown Parade
Celebrate Mardi Gras in historic Frenchtown. This family-friendly, alcohol free parade travels along Second Street in historic St. Charles.
Saturday, January 26, 3 p.m.
King’s Ball in St. Genevieve
Mardi Gras is a part of history in this French Colonial town south of St. Louis. Residents and visitors have been attending the King's Ball for 250 years.
Saturday, February 2, 7 p.m.
Beer on the Bayou
Try some Cajun food and Schlafly beer at the Boathouse in Forest Park. After the three course meal, you can enjoy music from the Zydeco Crawdaddys.
Monday, February 4, 6:30 p.m.
Mardi Gras at the Zoo
Bring your kids to the St. Louis Zoo for mask-making, beads, face painting and a parade. Admission is free.
Sunday, February 3, Noon – 4 p.m.
Mardi Gras Supplies
Make your celebration complete, authentic and fun with some beads and a king cake. Here are the best places in St. Louis to get Mardi Gras supplies.
McArthur’s Bakery
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a delicious king cake with strawberry, raspberry or chocolate filling. Prices start at $16.49 for a quarter sheet cake.
Three locations: South County, Kirkwood, Brentwood
314-894-0900
Federhofer’s Bakery
Try a king cake from one of St. Louis' best bakeries. Cakes are $9.98 and serve about 10 people.
9005 Gravois, Afton, MO
314-832-5116
Lubeley’s Bakery
Lubeley's Bakery and Deli has everything you need to host your own Mardi Gras party: king cakes, muffalettas, cookies and packzi (traditional Polish donuts).
7815 Watson Road
314-961-7160
Johnnie Brock's Dungeon
This store boasts it has the most extensive selection of Mardi Gras beads north of New Orleans. You can also get masks, costumes and jewelry.
South City or Fairview Heights, IL
314-481-8900 or 618-628-4264
Rileys Flowers
A great place to get beads right along the Soulard parade route. Stop by for Hurricanes during the Grand Parade.
1000 S. Fourth St.
314-588-8420