This weekend, Mardi Gras celebrations culminate in the Mayor’s Mardi Gras Ball on Friday and the Bud Light Grand Parade on Saturday. There’s a lot to navigate, so here’s an insider’s guide with Bess McCoy of the St. Louis Mardi Gras Foundation.
The Mayor’s Ball & After Party
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“Everyone knows the Mayor’s Ball is on Friday—it’s the party of the year,” says McCoy. “New this year, we’re thrilled to announce we have an official after party.”
If you’re heading for the Mayor’s Ball, then dress to impress. There will be food, lots of music and entertainment, dancing, photo ops, and more. The event has grown so popular that it has moved to larger digs at Union Station. The after party, though, is in City Hall, home of so many past Mayor’s Balls.
The Mayor’s Ball starts at 7 p.m. and the after party gets popping at 10 p.m. It features a DJ, appetizers, and an open bar. Proceeds support community grants for downtown and Soulard, and the after party tickets benefit the College Kids program.
The Parade
The Grand Parade starts at 11 a.m. at Busch Stadium and moves through downtown and Soulard, wrapping up at the Anheuser-Busch brewery. It’s touted as the biggest parade outside of New Orleans. Krewes compete for glory, bragging rights, and prizes—but the real winners are the audience, who gets to enjoy all of that hard work.
“This year’s parade is going to be an absolute showstopper,” McCoy says. “The theme this year is ‘That’s Entertainment,’ and our krewes have taken that theme and run with it.” Expect to see Vegas showgirls, inflatables, and a touching tribute by one krewe that features 30 years of costumes from a recently departed member.
And the party doesn’t end when the parade finishes. Rue du Cirque is the after party on 7th Street. There will be a DJ and a high-heeled drag race, and the plan is to smash the world record for the largest game of flip-cup.
The Practicalities
Whether you’re a veteran or a first-timer at the parade, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
- First off, don’t drive. You won’t find parking, and better options abound. Take a taxi or a rideshare, or use one of the many shuttles operated by bars and hotels.
- Take a good look at the weather report. Dress for what’s coming.
- Set up a meeting point ahead of time. Phones run out of juice after all.
- Remember that Soulard is a residential neighborhood. Treat it like you’d want your home to be treated.
The Background
While this weekend might mark the marquee events, the neighborhood has already been celebrating for weeks. The season kicks off each year with the January 6 Twelfth Night celebrations and continues with family-friendly events, foodie options, the beloved Pet Parade, sporty stuff, and more.
The event injects about $20 million into the regional economy, McCoy says. “Soulard is such a special neighborhood,” she says. “St. Louis loves to party. St. Louis loves Mardi Gras. We really do have one of the biggest and best Mardi Gras celebrations in the country.”
