We’ve put together three itineraries for experiencing St. Louis Mardi Gras with varying degrees of “laissez les bons temps rouler.” That’s fancy French for “let the good times roll.”
I bleed purple, gold and green.
- Before Mardi Gras weekend, buy a ticket to the Bud Light Party Tent or the Blues Alumni Experience.
- Wake up at 7:30 a.m. and immediately brew a pot of Cafe du Monde coffee while enjoying your mini king cake from a local bakery.
- Get dressed – it’s the one day of the year that your spouse will let you wear that gold and purple bedazzled denim jacket!
- Head into Soulard. If you park in Laclede’s Landing or take the MetroLink to Arch-Landing Station, you can catch the free shuttle.
- Watch the Bud Light Grand Parade, and then head over to one of the aforementioned events.
- Responsibly enjoy the rest of your day with friends, new and old, before catching a ride to Sister Cities Cajun for an early dinner.
- Recover for the next 365 days.
I’m dipping my toe into this whole Mardi Gras thing.
- The weekend before Mardi Gras, stop by Soulard to get a feel for the celebrations.
- Eat at Taste of Soulard, and then watch the Purina Pet Parade, followed by the most exciting sports event in town: the annual Wiener Dog Derby.
- If you enjoy your time at those festivities, consider attending the Bud Light Grand Parade where the fun truly begins.
- On the big day, enjoy brunch at Brasserie in the Central West End, which usually serves piping hot beignets for the occasion.
- After you’ve seen enough, make your way to Peacemaker Lobster & Crab Co. for a lobster roll or oyster po-boy.
- Head back to your accommodation, feeling good about the fact that you’ve officially experienced Mardi Gras in St. Louis.
I want to celebrate, but avoid Soulard like the plague.
- Wander into your kitchen and cut a slice of king cake made by a local baker. Cut a second slice when no one is looking.
- Relax until lunch.
- Grab a table at Grace Meat & Three in The Grove and enjoy their Southern staples, plus a variety of Mardi Gras specials.
- Pop into Vincent Van Donuts across the street for a king cake donut – that’s tonight’s dessert.
- Drive to either Clementine's Naughty & Nice Creamery or Serendipity Ice Cream for some NOLA-inspired sweets.
- Nap.
- Eat a Cajun-inspired dinner at Highway 61 Roadhouse.
- Go back to sleep.
For more information about Mardi Gras in St. Louis, visit stlmardigras.org.
