2019 Guide to Soulard Mardi Gras

The biggest Mardi Gras celebration outside Bourbon Street happens right here in St. Louis and we have the inside scoop on the best things to do and see over the 8-week annual celebration.

So, before you grab your beads and bundle up for a little mid-winter faire la fete, check out our 2019 guide to Soulard Mardi Gras to learn all the ways you can truly laissez le bon temps rouler!

What

Soulard Mardi Gras

When

January 6^th - March 5^th, 2019

Where

Multiple Locations across St. Louis

January Events

The official start of Mardi Gras season in St Louis commences the 12^th day after Christmas on January 6th and ends on Tuesday, March 5th. The culmination of Soulard Mardi Gras occurs on Saturday, March 2^nd with the annual Bud Light Grand Parade.

Until then, you can enjoy a wide variety of activities ranging from family-friendly to the drop-your-kids-at-grandma's house. The month of January includes several fun events to get the festivities into full swing including:

January 6th - 12^th Night Party

Head down to the Soulard neighborhood to help raise the flag and crown the Mardi Gras Rex at this annual party hosted by the Soulard Mardi Gras board of directors.

January 26^th - Family Winter Carnival

To help get your family in on-the-fun, join some of the city's first responders at this free afternoon family event held in Soulard Market Park. Activities include a petting zoo, face painting along with entertainment supplied by local artists and musicians.

February Events

Here's where the fun really starts to heat up. Starting February 9^th, each weekend provides a bevy of parties and special events allowing everyone (pets included) in on the action like:

February 9^th - Bacchanalian Ball

This year's theme is Time Lab and features four separate parties all occurring simultaneously for one can't-miss night. Held at the Bud Light Party Centre, doors open from 6 - 11 pm.

Whether you've been looking to dust off your 1920's flapper dress, mix it up inside a 1950's soiree, pop-and-lock inside an 80's dance club or take a trip into the future of partying, you won't want to wait for another second to grab your tickets for this crazy evening.

February 23^rd - 5K Run for Your Beads

Race through the streets of Soulard while dressed in your favorite Fat Tuesday garb. Open to all ages, this event offers the 21+ crowd special pit stops where they can catch their breath and enjoy a Hurricane before heading out to finish the race.

Afterwards, runners and friends can stick around for the Taste of Soulard bar crawl featuring delicious Cajun cuisine provided by local bars and restaurants throughout the neighborhood.

February 24^th - Purina Pet Parade

Billed as the world's largest costumed pet parade, this afternoon event is perfect for the family and allows your party pooch to strut their stuff in true Mardi Gras style.

Make sure you stick around till the end of the parade for the Coronation Pageant, where two dapper dogs will officially be crowned the Kind and Queen of Barkus.

March Events

 Time to throw this party into full swing!  March is kicked off by the Mardi Gras Foundation's annual Mayor's Mardi Gras Ball happening March 1^st at the Rotunda in St. Louis City Hall. This ticketed event has been billed as the social event of the season by multiple local papers and magazines and features a spectacular array of music, dancing, and refreshment.

March 2^nd - Bud Light Grand Parade and Party Tent

The big day arrives with a grand display you won't find anywhere else outside the Big Easy. Starting at 11 am, over 100 krewes will strut, float, and throw over 10,000 strands of beads as they make their way from Busch Stadium down Broadway into Soulard.

If all the dancing, singing, and merry-making from the parade doesn't keep you warm, the Bud Light Party Centre will be hosting its annual 9-hour party inside its massive heated tent. Tickets include unlimited-entry to their event space which features live music, a fully-stocked bar, clean bathrooms, and more!

Start Making Your Mardi Gras Plans

Now that you've seen our 2019 guide to Soulard Mardi Gras, we encourage you to start making plans with your friends and family today!

To learn more about each event including ticket prices, parking, and event times check out the Soulard Mardi Gras social media page or visit their simple-to-navigate event page online!