ST. LOUIS — As Mardi Gras is set for next Tuesday, several events in celebration are planned for this weekend in St. Louis and St. Charles.

The Mayor’s Mardi Gras Ball will take place Friday, Feb. 17, at The Midway at Union Station beginning at 7 p.m. Guests can enjoy fine cuisine, cocktails, dancing, and entertainment.

Hosted by the Mardi Gras Foundation, ticket proceeds will go toward community grants to benefit Soulard and Downtown communities, according to the website.

Those who want to continue the fun can attend the Mayor’s Ball After Party, a new event this year. Proceeds from the after party will benefit STL College Kids, a nonprofit helping St. Louis students pay for college.

For more information about the Mayor’s Ball and After Party, click here.

Dubbed the “crown jewel” of the Soulard Mardi Gras season, the Bud Light Grand Parade is set for Saturday, Feb. 18, starting at 11 a.m.

The parade begins at Busch Stadium, traveling through the streets of Downtown South and Soulard, and ending at Anheuser-Busch Brewery, according to the event page.

The parade is free, but attendees can purchase all-inclusive packages for the Bud Light Party Tent and the Blues Alumni Experience.

For more information about the parade, click here.

The post-parade street party, Rue Du Cirque, will take place at Lift For Life Academy Elementary from 1-5 p.m. where people can play games, enter contests, listen to live music, and more, according to the event page.

Attendees can register to play in the Flip Cup competition and High Heel Drag Race! Sprint.

For more information about Rue Du Cirque, click here.

The city of St. Charles is hosting a family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration in Frenchtown Saturday, Feb. 18.

The Parade on Second Street will begin at 11 a.m. followed by the After Party featuring live music, food, and more, in the parking lot of the Foundry Art Centre, according to the city’s website.

For more information, click here.