Event Dates
From: Saturday, February 22, 2025
To: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
St.Louis Mardi Gras (Soulard Mardi Gras) is the second largest Mardi Gras festival in the United States.
St.Louis Mardi Gras (Soulard Mardi Gras) is the second largest Mardi Gras festival in the United States.
- If you plan on visiting, book your hotel as the Mardi Gras is one of the most popular events in the city. Downtown St Louis hotels sell out well in advance. Stay close to the center of all the action at the Magnolia Hotel St. Louis
Where does St Louis Mardi Gras take place?
- The city of St.Louis was named after a French royal and was once called ‘The Paris of the West.’ No wonder Mardi Gras is a pretty big deal in the city.
- The Soulard neighborhood , named after Antoine Soulard, the founder of St.Louis, is the epicenter of the huge and colorful festivities.
- Soulard Mardi Gras begins with Twelfth Night on January 5th 2025 and lasts through Fat Tuesday. However the main events kick off the weekend before, from Saturday February 22nd, 2025.
St. Louis Mardi Gras Parade
- Saturday, March 1st, 2025 from 11am – The biggest Mardi Gras parade in the US after New Orleans begins at Busch Stadium and passes through the streets of Downtown South and Soulard to end with a big bash at Anheuser-Busch Brewery. Every year the parade has a different theme.
- The parade features over 100 floats that bring the theme to life. Altogether, over 10,000,000 strands of beads will be thrown into the crowds lining the streets by Mardi Gras revelers. The celebration also features live music and delicious Southern and Cajun foods!
- Hotels close to the Parade include Drury Plaza St. Louis at the Arch – Rated Superb by guests and 1.6km from the event and Live by Loews, rated “Fabulous” by guests and 2km from the parade.
- There is no better way to experience Mardi Gras than by being in the Bud Light Party Tent or the Blues Blues Alumni Tent. Admission gets you an open bar, heat lamps, BATHROOMS, a cajun lunch buffet, optimal parade viewing, and free beads.
Taste of Soulard
- Saturday, February 22nd and Sunday, February 23rd – Time: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm – Check out Soulard the weekend prior to Grand Parade day. Saturday and Sunday are the “Taste of Soulard” in which many of the Soulard bars and restaurants will pass out samples of their signature food and drinks with the purchase of a “passport”.
- On Saturday’s “Taste” there’s even complimentary shuttles roaming the neighborhood taking participants to the participating venues.
The Pet Parade
- Sunday February 23rd – The Pet Parade is said to be one of the largest Pet Parades in the world and usually brings out a lot of party animals ranging from Dogs, Cats, Goats, Horses, and in years past, even a dinosaur!
- Parade: 1:00 pm Begins at 12th and Allen
Wiener Dog Derby
- Sunday February 23rd – Opening Ceremonies: 1:45 pm First Heat: 2:00 pm – St Louis top Wieners have been working hard all offseason for this, and now the time has arrived for the nation’s longest-running wiener dog derby!
- Participants square off at Soulard Market to determine the dashingest dachshund in all of the land.
- Horseshoe Casino Stadium in Soulard Market Park.
- Stay a short ride from the festivities at Live! by Loews, rated “Fabulous” by guests with a perfect downtown location, boutique rooms and epic views of St.Louis.
Top Tips
- Note, The Festival is primarily a CASH-ONLY event. Even bars and restaurants that take cards the other 364 days of the year are cash only on Grand Parade day.
- Take a taxi or rideshare! The entire Soulard Neighborhood is effectively a “No Parking” zone the day of the Grand Parade. Even the surrounding neighborhoods of Lafayette Square, McKinley Heights, Benton Park and the area by Busch Stadium will be full by 10am. Several bars and restaurants operate shuttles to Soulard from Downtown.
Gay St Louis During Mardi Gras
The gay bars and clubs of St.Louis celebrate Mardi Gras with gusto! Picture amazing over the top costumes, theme parties and late night events throughout the celebrations.
- If you want to be close to the gay nightlife, try the Hampton Inn and Suites St Louis, a 3 star hotel rated “Fabulous” by guests. The Element St. Louis Midtown is also a great option with pool, crisp decor and suites complete with kitchen and spacious rooms.
Gay Neighbourhoods in St. Louis
- The Grove neighborhood, the district is located between Kingshighway and Vandeventer along Manchester Avenue and is the city’s undisputed crown jewel.
- Hit up Prism, a cocktail and drag bar featuring a cocktail lounge and a cabaret stage plus a 2,000 square foot outdoor patio. The patio at Just John is the place to be on warm summer nights. Rehab Bar & Grill is a laid-back oasis with a full menu.
- The South Grand neighborhood—in addition to housing a whole world of ethnic restaurants—is home to spots like punk-rock dive bar CBGB for bands and strong drinks. On nearby Spring Avenue, the Grey Fox Pub hosts drag and cabaret events most nights, after its charmingly low-key happy hour. Bar PM and Hummel’s Pub are a mini-gayborhood in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Carondelet.
Where to stay during St. Louis Mardi Gras?
The following hotels are close to all of the city’s top attractions and a short ride to the Mardi Gras celebrations:
Angad Arts Hotel, Hyatt Regency, The Westin, The Last Hotel STL
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Angad Arts Hotel is our editors
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3550 Samuel Shepard Drive, Saint Louis, Missouri 63103
Arts Hotel offers accommodation with a bar, private parking and a terrace. Among the facilities at this property are an ATM and a concierge service, along with free WiFi and features evening entertainment and a 24-hour front desk.
811 Spruce Street, Saint Louis, Missouri 63102
This 4-star hotel is located in the historic Cupples Station district of downtown St. Louis. It features an International restaurant, luxury spa and modern rooms with a 37-inch flat-screen TV. Guests have free access to the gym
1501 Washington Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri 63103
The Last Hotel STL features a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and bar in Saint Louis. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and an ATM. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge.
315 Chestnut Street, Saint Louis, Missouri 63101
Adjacent to the
in the heart of city centre, this hotel features rooms with 50-inch flat-screen TVs and free WiFi access. A variety of dining options are available on site. Tea and coffee-making facilities3636 Blaine Ave, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110
Tiffany Retreat provides air-conditioned accommodation with a patio and free WiFi. The holiday home comes with 4 bedrooms, a TV and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with a dishwasher, a microwave, a washing machine, a fridge and an oven.
4930 Wise Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110
The air-conditioned units are furnished with parquet floors and feature a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, desk, a living room, an equipped kitchen, patio and views over the garden. There is a seating and a dining area in all units A garden and a terrace
4567 West Pine Boulevard, Saint Louis, Missouri 63108
All units here are air-conditioned and feature a flat-screen TV, a living room with a sofa, a well-equipped kitchen with a dining area, and a private bathroom with bath or shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries. A dishwasher, a microwave and fridge
Tower Grove South, Saint Louis, Missouri 63116
Located in Tower Grove, Modern St Louis Apartment offers accommodation with a kitchen. Complimentary WiFi is featured throughout the property. All units feature air conditioning and a TV. A dishwasher and coffee machine are also offered.
4510 Manchester Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110
St. Louis's newest LGBTQ+ hot spot, offering spacious patio, comfy lounge and action packed cabaret
2280 South Jefferson Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri 63104
Easygoing gay piano bar with nightly piano performances & sing-alongs, plus bar snacks.
4127 Manchester Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110
HandleBar is a 10 year old gay bar with a bicycle theme in the Grove. With a welcoming atmosphere for all and a nice patio
7101 South Broadway, Saint Louis, Missouri 63111
The most welcoming little pub in the city. You might not know a soul when you walk in the door but you'll leave with a bunch of new friends.
7109 South Broadway, Saint Louis, Missouri 63111
Friendly neighborhood gay bar, everyone is welcome. Karaoke Wed & Thrus
AbFabFriday Show, Saturday Cocktails & Cabaret, Sunday Funday Show
4054 Chouteau Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110
Casual gay nightspot featuring a spacious back patio, regular drag shows & a basic pub-food menu Rehab is the FUN Bar in the Grove where the PARTY BEGINS but NEVER ENDS! Best Happy Hour in The Grove!! Awesome daily specials!
3503 South Spring Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri 63116
Great neighborhood gay bar with great shows on the weekends
4112 Manchester Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110
Just John NightClub has been serving pride to LGBTQIA+ St. Louis for over 10 years offering regular events like karaoke
1027 Russell Boulevard, Saint Louis, Missouri 63104
Nice fun gay bar popular with locals and tourists alike
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Sights and Sounds from Mardi Gras 2019