Run, crawl, parade: The guide to Mardi Gras in St. Louis (2024)

by: Megan Mueller

Posted: Jan 19, 2024 / 12:00 PM CST

Updated: Jan 16, 2024 / 03:15 PM CST

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The season of Mardi Gras is officially underway, and there’s a whole lot to do for the next month.

How did Mardi Gras become popular in St. Louis?

Although the tradition of Mardi Gras began in the U.S. in the early 1700s, it took almost 300 years for Missouri to join in on the festivities. In December of 1979, five friends who were tired of the winter blues in St. Louis took it upon themselves to bring some fun into it.

Without having a reason behind the entertainment, the group knew they wanted it to be a big celebration. Mardi Gras was brought up in conversation, and everyone agreed on the party justification. One of the friends had just recently purchased a building on Russell Boulevard, which is now The Hi-Hat.

So 200 people gathered on Russell Boulevard on a February night in 1980, and they all strolled with a small brass band to John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub.

And Soulard Mardi Gras was born.

What events are involved with Mardi Gras in St. Louis?

There is an abundance going on as the celebration lasts more than a month, and there is something for everyone.

January:

• Jan. 20: Ford’s Gin Scavenger Hunt brings classic games of trivia and scavenger hunting to the neighborhood for a chance to win $1,000 in gift cards to Soulard bars.
• Jan. 27: The Cajun Cookoff invites amateur chefs to put their cooking to the test with live music, an open bar with mixology lessons and more.

February:

• Feb. 3: Supplement Superstores Run for Your Beads 5k welcomes runners to take in the neighborhood history and enjoy a hurricane drink mid-way through the race. Runners with the best costume will be awarded.
• Feb. 3–4: The Taste of Soulard is a self-guided pub crawl of over 30 establishments offering deals on drinks and food.
• Feb. 4: The Purina Pet Parade—the largest costumed pet parade—will be making it’s way to the streets of Soulard again, and the best dressed pets will be named the “Court of the Mystical Krewe of Barkus.” Registration for pets is now open.
• Feb. 9: The Mayor’s Mardi Gras Ball holds the opportunity to get dressed up for fine dining, co*cktails and entertainment benefiting the Soulard and downtown communities.
• Feb. 10: The Bud Light Grand Parade is considered the top event of the season, second best behind New Orleans. The parade begins at 11 a.m.
• Feb. 10: Bud Light Party Tent is the all-inclusive place for drinks, a buffet, live music, a heated tent next to the parade route and more.
• Feb. 10: The Sunset Hills Subaru Blues Alumni Experience is made for Blues fans to hang out with some of the best players, all under a heated tent with an open bar and lunch buffet.

Know-before-you-go

While celebrating Mardi Gras is one of the highlights of the year in St. Louis, there are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when you go.

1. Take a ride-share service or a shuttle to get into Soulard. It’s strongly recommended not to drive, as many roads will be closed off.
2. Dress for the weather. It’s February, and it will be cold. Previous year’s celebrations have seen all kinds of weather. Nonetheless, the show will go on.
3. Do not bring any bottles, cans, backpacks, or coolers. Any that are brought in will be disposed.
4. Respect the neighborhood and it’s history. Portable restrooms will be available at various points in the festival zone.
5. Arrive early. If your priority is getting a good spot, it’s recommended to show up early or book a hotel room nearby that offers a shuttle service.
6. Use the designated entry points at 13th and Russell, 9th and Ann, and Lafayette and Tucker.