St. Louis Gears Up for Mardi Gras Celebrations

Final preparations underway for the city's annual Mardi Gras festivities this weekend.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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St. Louis is set to host its annual Mardi Gras celebrations this Friday and Saturday, with the Mayor's Ball on Friday night and the Grand Parade on Saturday. Organizers are expecting tens of thousands of attendees, including 25% from outside the region, and 17 million beads to be thrown during the parade. Strict rules will be in place, including no outside food, drinks, or backpacks allowed.

Why it matters

Mardi Gras is a major cultural and economic event for St. Louis, generating over $20 million in regional activity in 2023. The celebrations bring the community together and showcase the city's vibrant spirit, but also require extensive planning and coordination to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

The details

The Mayor's Ball will take place on Friday night at City Hall, marking the return of the event to this location after being hosted elsewhere in recent years. The ball will benefit the City of St. Louis Tornado Response Fund. On Saturday, the Grand Parade in the Soulard neighborhood is expected to draw huge crowds, with 5,000 volunteers helping to put on the event. Strict rules will be in place, including no outside food, drinks, or backpacks allowed, and anyone under 21 caught drinking will be cited.

  • The Mayor's Ball is set to take place on Friday, February 14, 2026 from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
  • The Grand Parade is scheduled for Saturday, February 15, 2026 at 11 a.m.

The players

Bess McCoy

An organizer of the Soulard Mardi Gras festivities for many years.

Soulard Mardi Gras Inc.

The organization that oversees the planning and execution of the Mardi Gras celebrations in St. Louis.

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What they’re saying

“The organizing, the planning, working with our community partners to make sure that this event is safe and fun. I'm proud of the community that makes it happen and then the way that it brings our entire community together.”

— Bess McCoy, Mardi Gras Organizer

What’s next

Officials say the Mayor's Ball on Friday night is expected to sell out by the afternoon, so those interested in attending should purchase tickets as soon as possible.

The takeaway

St. Louis's annual Mardi Gras celebrations are a beloved tradition that bring the community together and generate significant economic activity for the region. While the event requires extensive planning and coordination, organizers are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.