Are there any subdued celebratory alternatives to the Soulard Mardi Gras? –Lisa S., St. Louis
We have attended our share of weekend Mardi Gras celebrations—decades worth, for sure—and all were memorable (in ways good and bad!). But there comes a time to dial back the Mardi party. For those revelers who have reached a similar milestone, we offer the following options.
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EVENTS
9 Mile Garden | March 1
The season opener in Affton features nine food trucks (beginning at 11 a.m.), face-painting, beads and necklace-making, and family friendly movies on the big screen, including The Princess and the Frog at noon. Live music by the Cottonwood Gunners begins at 2 p.m. in the Canteen area.
Granite City Mardi Gras | March 1
Bourbon Street comes to Granite City. The parade steps off at 1 p.m. Afterward, enjoy a block party with food, vendors, and kids’ activities from 2–6 p.m. Alligator Alley features fun options for families. And tunes will be provided by Sweetie and the Toothaches and Baywolfe.
Mardi Gras Parade and Afterparty | March 1
French-accented St. Charles seems like a pretty obvious place for a big Mardi Gras celebration. The family-friendly parade starts at 11 a.m. and proceeds along Second Street in Frenchtown. Afterward, from noon–2 p.m., Foundry Art Centre (520 N. Main Center, St Charles) hosts an afterparty in the parking lot, with live music, kids activities, vendors, and local favorites for food and drink.
STL Canna Gras | March 1 and 2
The STL Home Growers group is giving new meaning to the phrase “let the good times roll” with its cannabis-friendly Mardi Gras celebration, STL Canna Gras. The event, from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. both days, is being billed as “St. Louis’ ultimate Mardi Gras for cannabis lovers,” where attendees can connect with industry experts, vendors, and a range of products in a relaxed atmosphere. Tickets are $14.99 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Saint Louis Aquarium at Union Station | Bead Recycling through March 9
Take your beads to the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station from now through March 9, and the St. Louis Aquarium Foundation will recycle the seasonal trinkets. Everyone bringing beads for recycling will be entered into a contest to be eligible to win four annual passes to the St. Louis Aquarium. The winner will be selected March 10. Donors also will receive aquarium stickers or water bottles (depending on the donation size) when they drop off beads.
RESTAURANTS
4 Hands/Peacemaker Kirkwood: Kirkwood’s favorite collaborative restaurant is hosting a Mardi Gras Crawfish Boil on March 1 from noon–4 p.m. It will feature live music, drink specials, and plenty of beads. Tickets are $22 per person; reserve your boil here.
Broadway Oyster Bar: Although the vibe will be anything but laid back, we’d be remiss without mentioning the B.O.B., St. Louis’ unofficial restaurant epicenter of Mardi Gras. The 17 hours of fun begins at 8 a.m. with the Grand Parade Warm Up, featuring a special $12.99 breakfast menu (in addition to the regular menu), drink specials, and no-cover live music by The Scandaleros from 9 a.m. until the parade starts. Drink specials and music continue throughout the day; the kitchen closes at 11 p.m.
Duck In Market: The Cajun restaurant and convenience store in Valley Park features a New Orleans-inspired menu, including gumbo, po’ boys, Cajun turkey, voodoo pasta, and daily specials. The only problem is that it’s closed weekends, so consider them next week, maybe Tuesday, the real Mardi Gras.
Highway 61 Roadhouse: Beginning at 11 a.m. on March 1, the Mardi Gras festivities include a food menu featuring jambalaya, gumbo, crawfish étouffée, po’boys, and its signature King Cake for dessert. Drink specials include handcrafted Hurricanes, Sazeracs, and other themed cocktails. Live music begins with Zydeco Crawdaddy’s during the day and ends with Kent Ehrhardt & The Blue Moon Blues Band from 7–10 p.m. Guests are encouraged to dress for the occasion. Reservations are highly recommended. Call 314-968-0061 or book online to secure your spot.
Sister Cities Cajun: On March 1, the South City Cajun favorite will be open from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. (or until sold out). In addition to a wide array of menu staples (Cajun smoked wings, crawfish/crab cakes, smothered catfish, Creole pasta, seafood gumbo, étouffée, jambalaya, and po’ boys), guests can expect live music, crawfish and shrimp boils, and craft hurricanes, which are also available in a portable drink pouch.
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