ST. LOUIS — Saturday marks one of St. Louis’ most anticipated events of the year—the annual Mardi Gras celebration in Soulard. With the festivities just around the corner, preparations are in full swing to ensure a vibrant and successful event.
The highlight of the celebration, the Bud Light Grand Parade, kicks off at 11 a.m. Starting at Broadway and Choteau, the parade will make its way down Broadway to Lynch, featuring an array of floats, beads, and endless fun. Soulard is expected to be flooded with thousands of partygoers eager to join in the parade and the subsequent festivities.
Attendees can look forward to alcohol being served outside in Soulard until 7 p.m., with bars and restaurants remaining open inside until 11:30 p.m. However, it’s important to note that cans, coolers, bottles, or backpacks will not be permitted at the event. Additionally, organizers have emphasized that driving within Soulard will be restricted to residents only due to parking limitations.
A new addition this year is Carni Gras, located at 12th and Allen. From 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., the event will feature carnival games, treats, a legal cannabis consumption village, and the highlight at 3 p.m.—the High Heel Drag Race.
The Missouri Department of Transportation will be closing multiple ramps from I-55 into Soulard to facilitate the event. Organizers are urging attendees to show respect for the neighborhood, treating it as if it were their own.
For those planning to attend, entry points to the Mardi Gras celebration will be at 13th and Russell, 9th and Ann, and Lafayette and Tucker. There are also designated drop-off and pick-up points for ride shares at South 13th Street, South 10th Street, South Broadway, and South Seventh Street.
For more details and updates on the event, visit our Mardi Gras event listing on FOX2Now.com.