ST. LOUIS — In celebration of Mardi Gras set for next Tuesday, many events are taking place this weekend around the St. Louis area.

Called the “social event of the season,” the Mayor’s Mardi Gras Ball will take place Friday, Feb. 9, at The Midway at Union Station beginning at 7 p.m. Guests can enjoy fine cuisine, cocktails, dancing, and entertainment.

The annual event is hosted by the Mardi Gras Foundation and 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. Proceeds from the after party will benefit the St. Louis College Kids Children’s Savings Program, a nonprofit helping local 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. 10, starting at 11 a.m.

The annual parade begins at Busch Stadium and east of Ballpark Village, 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 Sunset Hills Subaru Blues Alumni Experience.

For more information about the parade, click here.

A carnival theme event, “Carni Gras,” is planned for Saturday, Feb. 10, at 12th and Allen.

People can enjoy carnival games, carnival food and drinks, music, activities, cannabis themed music trivia, the High Heel Drag Race and more, according to the event page.

There will be a cannabis tent where those 21 and older can safely and legally consume cannabis.

Admission is free.

For more information about Carni Gras At 12th and Allen, click here.

The city of St. Charles is hosting its third annual family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration in Frenchtown Saturday, Feb. 10.

The Parade on Second Street will begin at 11 a.m. at Eco Park, 1802 N. 2nd Street, and will travel south down Second Street. A panel of judges will select a parade float winner for the Best Overall award, and the crowd will be asked to vote for the People’s Choice award via social media, according to a press release. 

“I’m pleased to announce the return of the City’s Mardi Gras parade in Frenchtown,” St. Charles City Mayor Dan Borgmeyer said.

“This is always a great event, and it continues to grow each year. I hope families come out to cheer on all the amazing floats, and make sure to stick around for the After Party following the parade!”

The Mardi Gras After Party will take place after the parade from noon to 2 p.m.  in the parking lot of the Foundry Art Centre.

The event will feature live music, authentic Mardi Gras food and drinks from local vendors, and entertainment such as stilt walkers, children’s crafts, face painting, fortune telling, and more.

For more information, click here.