Best Mardi Gras Parades in St. Louis

St. Louis is the Mardi Gras capital of the Midwest. As the host of the largest annual Mardi Gras celebration in the U.S. after New Orleans, St. Louis packs the Mardi Gras season with fun, festivities, and, of course, parades.

Since no Mardi Gras celebration would complete without a parade, the people of St. Louis produce parades for everyone - and throw plenty of beads, too.

While Mardi Gras events are held throughout the St. Louis area, most are located in the area near historic Soulard Market, referred to as Soulard or the Soulard Neighborhood. Soulard is located in South St. Louis near the Anheuseur Busch Brewery.

The largest and best known St. Louis area Mardi Gras Parade is held on the Saturday immediately before Mardi Gras. The Grand Parade begins at Busch Stadium, passes directly in front of Soulard Market, and ends near the Anheuser Busch Brewery buildings. Traditionally line-up of floats and parade participants begins early in the morning with the actually parade start beginning late morning.. The Grand Parade averages between 100 and 150 participant entries each year. The theme changes each year and participants compete to win top awards.

The Illuminated Nighttime Fat Tuesday Parade is a more recent addition to the St. Louis Mardi Gras scene but has grown quickly in popularity. As is obvious by the name, this parade is held the evening of Fat Tuesday and is the final event of the St. Louis Mardi Gras season. The parade begins near the corner of Washington Avenue and Broadway in downtown St. Louis.

Both the Grand Parade and the Fat Tuesday Parade are not what most would consider "family friendly". They are fun, wild, and outrageous but not for the faint of heart.

Fortunately the Mardi Gras season in St. Louis also hosts other parades that everyone can enjoy.

The Barkus Pet Parade is also held during Mardi Gras season. The event is open to costumed pets and their costumed owners and features pets of all sizes and varieties. Families can choose to participate with their pet or simply attend for the fun of watching the parade. The Barkus Pet Parade usually begins near the corner of Allen and Menard in Soulard. The festivities begin late morning with the actually parade beginning after noon.

Perhaps the most family friendly St. Louis area Mardi Gras parade is held in St. Charles. The Historic Frenchtown area of St. Charles features buildings reminiscent of the French Quarter in New Orleans, making it the perfect setting for a Mardi Gras parade. The Frenchtown Parade is held in the early afternoon on a Saturday during Mardi Gras season. Unlike most of the other St. Louis Mardi Gras parades, the Frenchtown Mardi Gras parade is alcohol-free and specifically designed to be family friendly. The parade route begins at Sundermeier RV Park and ends at the Foundry Art Center. Plenty of free parking is available along the parade route on side streets and both public and private parking lots. If your children are longing for beads, this is the parade for them.

No matter what type of parade you prefer, you'll find one to match your personality in the St. Louis area during Mardi Gras season.