This year you can take your sweetie to the Mardi Gras Parade as it falls on Valentines Day.
| February 7 | Run for your Beads |
| February 7-8 | Taste of Soulard |
| February 8 | Purina Pet Parade and Tito’s Vodka Wiener Dog Derby |
| February 13 | Mayor’s Mardi Gras Ball |
| February 14 | Bud Light Grand Parade |
This year’s theme for the Soulard Mardi Gras season is, “Peace, Love, and Mardi Gras,” celebrates the spirit of community and connection with events that culminate on Saturday, February 14 – Valentine’s Day – with the Bud Light Grand Parade.
2026 Mardi Gras:
- Mayor’s Mardi Gras Ball Returns to City Hall, benefits tornado relief: On Friday, February 13, the Mayor’s Ball returns to the stunning rotunda of St. Louis City Hall to benefit the City of St. Louis Tornado Response Fund. Guests at this creative black-tie evening will enjoy a cabaret-style dinner, premium open bars, and entertainment by Dr. Zhivegas. Over the years, the event has raised more than $600,000 for community improvements.
- Cajun Cook-Off moves to Anheuser-Busch Brewery: The region’s premier amateur cooking competition moves to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery Visitor Center on Saturday, January 31. Admission includes a Cajun buffet, open bar, live music, and exclusive brewery-only experiences.
- New VIP Party Zone with DJ Pauly D: The “Party Zone” offers a new VIP street party on Grand Parade Day. Located at 1532 S. 8th Street, the experience features premium amenities and a headlining set by world-renowned DJ Pauly D.
2026 Mardi Gras Monarch – Rex XIV, Bill Siedhoff
Succeeding the flavorful reign of Rex XIII, Chef Mike Johnson, this year’s crown will be bestowed upon longtime Soulard resident Bill Siedhoff, acclaimed as Rex XIV. A tireless leader in social work for over 40 years, Siedhoff’s career is highlighted by a 13-year tenure as the City of St. Louis Director of Human Services and his service as the statewide director for the Missouri Division of Family Services. Today, he continues his civic leadership as the founder of the William F. Siedhoff Foundation and through his work with the United Way and the St. Louis Crisis Nursery. His deep roots in the neighborhood and lifelong dedication to public service make him an ideal monarch to lead the 47th Mardi Gras season.
Community Weekend
A local’s favorite, Community Weekend features four iconic events for all ages
Soulard, MO – The Soulard Mardi Gras season keeps rolling with Community Weekend, a packed slate of beloved traditions that deliver all the color, creativity, and celebration that define Mardi Gras in Soulard. From costumed runners and Cajun flavors to thousands of four-legged revelers, Community Weekend offers something for every age, interest, and energy level.
Once known as Soulard Mardi Gras’ best-kept secret, this local’s favorite captures all the vibrant energy and tradition of the season but with a neighborhood feel that is perfect for families, foodies, and pet lovers alike.
Soulard Mardi Gras includes a dozen events between 12th Night and Fat Tuesday and generates more than $20 million annually for the St. Louis regional economy. More information and tickets are available at stlmardigras.org.
COMMUNITY WEEKEND EVENTS
Saturday, FEB. 7 / SUPPLEMENT SUPERSTORES 5K RUN FOR YOUR BEADS
There is only one race that is as fun-filled, colorful and delightfully wacky as Mardi Gras itself: The Supplement Superstores 5K Run for Your Beads. This moving Mardi Gras celebration takes runners through the streets of historic Soulard, complete with costumes, mid-race pit stops, and plenty of Mardi Gras spirit. Costumes are encouraged, and hydration stations include beer or hurricanes for runners of legal age. After the race, refuel and keep the party going with the Taste of Soulard.
Starting Time: 9:00 a.m.
Soulard – Starts at 8th St. and Lafayette Ave.
Registration fee: $45
Saturday FEB. 7 and Sunday, FEB. 8 / TASTE OF SOULARD
Taste of Soulard invites participants to explore Soulard’s iconic bars and restaurants through a self-guided crawl featuring Cajun-inspired dishes and drinks. Each Taste booklet includes food and drink vouchers redeemable at participating locations throughout the neighborhood.
New this year: On Saturday, complimentary shuttles will run from the Anheuser-Busch Brewery throughout the Soulard neighborhood, making it easier than ever to enjoy Taste of Soulard without worrying about parking.
Booklets are available at stlmardigras.org and at the Anheuser-Busch Tour Center on Feb. 7 and 8.
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. each day
Soulard Neighborhood
Booklets: $37
Sunday, FEB. 8 / PURINA PET PARADE
The Purina Pet Parade is a Guinness Book of World Records holder, the largest collection of costumed dogs in the world. Some 1,500 pets—that’s 6,000 paws!
Register your furry friend online or on the day of the event at 12th and Allen so you both can strut your stuff in style. The best-dressed pets will be selected as members of the Court of the Mystical Krewe of Barkus and will be invited to the Coronation Pageant at Soulard Market Park where the King and Queen of Barkus will be crowned.
All proceeds from the Purina Pet Parade benefit Open Door Animal Sanctuary, a no-kill shelter.
Registration: 10:00 a.m., Parade: 1:00 p.m.
Begins at 12th St. and Allen Ave.
Registration Fee: $10 donation
Free for spectators to watch the parade
Sunday, FEB. 8 / TITO’S VODKA WIENER DOG DERBY
After the parade, head to the Horseshoe Casino Stadium at Soulard Market Plaza for the nation’s longest-running wiener dog derby. Known as “the slowest two minutes in sports racing,” the six-dog elimination heats racing down a 30-foot track will each crown a winning wiener, who trots on to the next round until a champion is crowned.
Register online at stlmardigras.org or register at the event. All proceeds from the Tito’s Wiener Dog Derby benefit Open Door Animal Sanctuary, a no-kill shelter.
Registration: Opens at 10:00 a.m.
Opening Ceremonies: 1:45 pm or shortly after the Purina Pet Parade end
First Heat: 2:00 p.m.
Horseshoe Casino Stadium in Soulard Market Park
Entry Fee: $10 donation
Free for spectators
Ticket Prices go up on Sunday (2/1).
If you’ve ever wanted to spend Mardi Gras with hockey legends, now’s your chance. The Blues Alumni Experience puts you in a heated tent, right on the parade route with premium drinks, great food, live music, and most importantly, meet-and-greets with St. Louis Blues legends.
What Makes It Legendary
- Catered lunch by Sugarfire Smokehouse
- Premium open bars all day
- Blues Alumni meet and mingle
- Alumni roundtable storytelling
- Live music
- Exclusive restroom access
- Prime access to the grand parade route
- Souvenirs and swag
About Soulard Mardi Gras
The Soulard Mardi Gras season, themed “Peace, Love, and Mardi Gras,” will light up St. Louis with a full and varied calendar of celebrations until Fat Tuesday, February 17. This year, Grand Parade Day is Saturday, February 14. Details on all Soulard Mardi Gras events can be found at STLMardiGras.org.
Mardi Gras, Inc., a 501(c)(4) not-for-profit organization, is responsible for producing the Mardi Gras celebration in St. Louis, which celebrates its 47th year in 2026. Soulard’s celebration, which began with a house party among five friends in search of a theme, is now recognized as one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations in the world. The dozen events of the entire Soulard Mardi Gras season regularly draw thousands of annual visitors to the Gateway City and generate more than $20 million in economic activity for the region.
