Guide to Mardi Gras in St. Louis
Mardi Gras season is in full swing and it’s hands down one of my favorite holidays of the year. If you don’t know, St. Louis has one of the biggest Mardi Gras celebrations in the country and it all goes down in Soulard this year on March 1. The later date means the weather just might cooperate for us! I grew up going to the Grand Parade in Soulard as a kid. A lot of people don’t think it’s a place to bring your kids, and I would definitely say a large chunk of the parade route is for the adults. But I’m going to break down what you need to know about all parts of Mardi Gras, including the family-friendly options!
THE BASICS
Feb 22-23: This weekend you can kick things off in Soulard with Taste of Soulard and the Purina Pet Parade. On Saturday and Sunday you can purchase a booklet to try different foods and drinks around Soulard. This is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of event with all the popular bars and restaurants sharing samples of delicious food. On Sunday is the Purina Pet Parade and I am actually the grand marshal for the parade! This one is very family friendly! Check the STL Mardi Gras website for tickets, routes and details for both events.
March 1: The Grand Parade!
The biggest and final event of Mardi Gras season takes place on Saturday March 1 at 11:00am. The parade kicks off near Busch Stadium and makes its way through historic Soulard and ending at Anheuser Busch Brewery.
How to have a fun and safe Mardi Gras:
Dress the part: You will get beads (and no you don’t need to do anything for them…) but it’s always fun to come prepared with a few beads, a feather boa, your favorite Mardi Gras gear and glitter. The key to a fun day is dressing appropriate for the weather. This year looks much better than years past but layers are your friends. Don’t forget a pair of gloves and hand warmers can be a huge help. You will need to walk to get into the parade area so wear comfortable shoes.
Make a bathroom plan: There are porta potties every where. Use them. Or prepare to pay to enter one of the many bars. Buying a ticket to one of the bars or restaurants is WORTH it in my opinion. A place to warm up and go to the bathroom is a huge plus.
There are several tent options if you want to buy a ticket. Those are a lot of fun but it’s totally free to watch the parade along the route!
Be respectful: Remember, people live in Soulard.
Hydrate and eat some food: Don’t have too many hurricanes on an empty stomach.
No drinking and driving! Take the Metrolink or grab a ride share. There are designated spots in the parade area.
PARADE ROUTE + FAQ from St. Louis Mardi Gras
Family Friendly Mardi Gras:
Mardi Gras is a party but the start of the parade route is a great spot if you want to bring your family. The parade starts near Busch Stadium and lining up near Chouteau and Broadway will give you easier access to leave after the parade. I do not think walking around Soulard after the parade is family-friendly. That’s the party. You will likely need to walk to the parade route (parking can be tricky) so bring a stroller! Bring snacks for the kids and have fun catching beads and taking in the amazing floats.
Other Mardi Gras events outside of Soulard:
St. Charles hosts a family-friendly Mardi Gras Parade in Frenchtown.
Granite City Mardi Gras Parade which includes a kids area
