Soulard Mardi Gras started as a private party in 1980.  The annual celebration has grown to become one of the world's largest Mardi Gras parties, drawing hundreds of thousands from the Midwest and across the country to party, eat and drink, catch beads, wear Mardi Gras costumes and generally just have lots of fun.  The Grand Parade got so huge that it is no longer snakes through the smaller streets of Soulard.  It now typically starts from downtown St. Louis City, travels south on Broadway, and ends in Soulard.  And they now call it St. Louis Mardi Gras.

2008 Mardi Gras Festivities  The Southern Comfort Taste of Soulard will be on January 26 and 27, 2008.  The Beggin' Strips Barkus Pet Parade and the PETsMART Wiener Dog Derby will be held on January 27, 2008.

Big Daddy Dog Costume

The Pyramid Grand Parade will be February 2, 2008.  The Fat Tuesday Parade will be held downtown February 5, 2008.

Remember Me Vintage Clothing and Costume Rental located at the corner of Menard and Russell in Soulard has beautiful ball gowns and flapper dresses, as well as a nice assortment of beads, fantasy masks and costumes.

La Belle Histoire, Soulard's Gypsy Boutique at the corner of 12th and Victor, has lots of unique Mardi Gras accessories to make you stand out from the crowd.  It's open Wednesdays through Saturdays 10AM to 6PM.

Located at the corner of 11th and Russell in Soulard, Soulard Framery carries an extensive collection of Soulard Mardi Gras posters from as far back as 1982 to the present that are available for purchase.  They've also got art on display from some of St. Louis' finest artists.

Mardi Gras Wall Fountain