Mardi Gras 2016

History of Mardi Gras…

Mardi Gras arrived in North America from Paris, where it had been celebrated since the middle ages or earlier.  On March 2nd, 1699 the French explorer, Jean Baptise landed 60 miles South of current day New Orleans.  When he and his crew realized it was the day before the holiday, they named their landing point “Point du Mardi Gras”.  Mardi Gras was celebrated in many different fashions throughout history.  It wasn’t until the 19th century that Mardi Gras took on a similar form to present day festivities.  In 1872, the “King of Carnival”, Rex, was introduced to preside over the 1st daytime parade.  The colors that were chosen to signify Mardi Gras were purple (justice), green (faith) and gold(power).  The celebration is held 47 days before Easter, so the date changes each year.

Mardi Gras is celebrated world wide today, with parades, bead throwing, food and many more festivities.  New Orleans, Louisiana is the home of Mardi Gras.  St. Louis is said to be the second best city to attend Mardi Gras though!  Grab some friends and head out to Soulard for parades, parties, great food and good drinks!  Remember to be safe!

St. Louis Mardi Gras 2016 Event Info…

Saturday, January 30th –

• Missouri Lottery 5K run in Soulard
• Southern Comfort “Taste of Soulard” – Pub Crawl featuring food and beverage tasting.  You can purchase tickets HERE.  At the bottom of this page you will find a list of items from participating establishments.

Sunday, January 31st –

• Southern Comfort “Taste of Soulard” – Pub Crawl.
• Beggin Pet Parade – 12th and Allen – costume pet parade featuring “That 80s Band” live entertainment.  This is a FREE event. Find out more HERE.
• Barefoot Wine Wiener Dog Derby – Soulard Market Plaza – Dachshund Derby.  Free to watch, $10 to participate.  Find more info HERE.

 Friday, February 5th –

• Mayors’ Mardi Gras Ball – St. Louis City Hall Rotunda – black tie gala.  This event requires reservations, more info HERE.

Saturday, February 6th –

• Bud Light Grand Parade – FREE – Soulard.  Find more info HERE.
• Bud Light Party Tent – open bars, DJ, private restrooms, heated tents and all-you-can-eat buffet.  Soulard Market Park.  Find more info HERE.
• Bud Light Block Party – 9th & Geyer – FREE.  More info HERE.

Soulard Restaurants…

• 1860’s Hardshell Café
• Bastille
• Big Daddy’s
• Bogart’s
• Broadway Oyster Bar
• Carson’s
• Cat’s Meow
• CUZ’
• D’s Place
• DB’s
• EPIC Pizza and Subs
• Fleur de Lilies
•  Franco Good Luck Bar and Grill 
• Great Grizzly Bear 
• Hammerstone’s at 9th and Russell
• Henry’s
• Historic Crossroads 
• Howard’s in Soulard 
• International Tap House
• Island Frozen Yogurt and Frozen Liquor
• Joanie’s Pizzeria
• Joanie’s To Go
• John D. Mcgurks
• Johnny’s Kilroy’s
• Llywelyn’s Soulard
• Mission Taco Joint
• Molly’s Bar and Restaurant
• Nadine’s Gin Joint
•  Peacemaker
• The Porch Shelly’s
• Soulard Coffee Garden
• Soulard Preservation Hall
• Soulard’s Restaurant
• Soulard Social House
• South Broadway Athletic Club
• Sweet Divine Tropical Liquers
• Trueman’s Tucker’s Place
• Twisted Ranch
• Woodie’s Bar and Grill 

Palaroo App!

Mobile app for directions, parking and locate food.  Available for Android and iPhone.  You can find more information on the app store.