1860's Hard Shell Cafe Mardi Gras: 1860's is a Taste of Soulard venue featuring Cajun chicken with crawfish dressing; then join the fun and music on Sat., Feb. 17, at 2 p.m., with Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe in the Big Tent, the Tony Campanella Band in the Saloon, Jimmy Lee and the Joint Jumpers in the cafe and Cajun/Zydeco DJ Alligator Man in the Geyer House; Billy Barnett and the Movers rock the Saloon on Fat Tuesday. Sat., Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., Feb. 17. 1860's Hard Shell Cafe & Bar, 1860 S Ninth St., 314-231-1860, www.1860hardshellcafe.cjb.net.
After 24 Hour Diner and Games' Mardi Gras: Huge party with lots of beads, freebies and drag queen Glamour. Sat., Feb. 17, 4 p.m.-4 a.m., free. After 24 Hour Diner and Games, 4146 Manchester Ave., 314-652-4800.
After Mardi Gras at City Diner: They'll be open until 11 p.m. throughout the week and 24 hours over the weekend. City Diner, 3139 S Grand Blvd., 314-772-6100, www.citydiner.us.
All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast Buffet: Booze, beads, boobs — you still gotta eat. Sun., Feb. 11, 8 a.m.; Sat., Feb. 17, 8 a.m., $7.75. Nadine's Gin Joint and Cafe, 1931 S 12th St., 314-436-3045.
Art & Soul Auction: The evening includes a live fine-art auction and silent auction all within a French Quarter decor; New Orleans-style foods with gourmet appetizers and entertainment by New Orleans native pianist Richard Carr; all benefits go to Bridgeway's Domestic Violence Services. Tickets must be purchased in advance; call 636-757-2229 for reservations. Sat., Feb. 17, 6:30 p.m., $1,000 for reserved table of 12 with premium seating; $50 general tickets. St. Charles Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Dr., Saint Charles, 636-669-3000, www.stcharlesconventioncenter.com.
Atomic Cowboy's Mardi Gras: Come to the Grove for a hip-hop celebration and the funk-jam styles of riverfrontradio.com with performances by DJs, bands and artists creating graffiti works for sale; the show starts at 9 p.m. and includes Earthworms, Essence of Logic, Dub Kitchen, Royal Illete, 40 til 5 and DJ Mahf; drink specials abound and the kitchen's open late. Sat., Feb. 17, $3. Atomic Cowboy, 4140 Manchester Ave., 314-775-0775, www.atomic-cowboy.com.
Bamboo Bistro's Mardi Gras: Bamboo Bistro's feasting for the Grand Parade with tasty Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine; order to-go early and beat the rush. Sat., Feb. 17. Bamboo Bistro, 214 N 4th St., 314-241-8884.
Bar Louie's Best Mardi Gras After Party: Join Bar Louie and Captain Morgan for the best after party in town with drink specials all night and a kitchen that's open until 1 a.m. Sat., Feb. 17, free. Bar Louie, 14 Maryland Plaza, 314-678-3385, www .barlouieamerica.com/stlouis.html.
Bastille Mardi Gras: A Taste of Soulard venue featuring French Onion soup. Sat., Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Bastille Cobalt Grill, 1027 Russell, 314-664-4408.
Beer on the Bayou!: Enjoy hors d'oeuvers, a "Ragin' Cajun" three-course meal (each course paired with a different Schlafly beer) and music from the Zydeco Crawdaddys. Mon., Feb. 19, 6:30 p.m., $45, 314-961-7588 ext. 251. Boathouse, Forest Park, 314-367-3423, www.boathouseforestpark.com.
Beggin' Strips Barkus Pet Parade: Watch as thousands of costumed pups and their owners parade through Soulard; register your dog either online at mardigrasinc.com, at Clementine's, or on parade day at 10 a.m.; five dogs will be crowned king, queen, prince, princess and jester of the 2007 Beggin' Strips Barkus Court at 2 p.m. in Soulard Farmers Market Park; the $10 registration fee benefits Open Door Animal Sanctuary. Sun., Feb. 11, 1 p.m. Soulard Farmer's Market, S Seventh St. & Lafayette Ave., 314-622-4180, stlouis .missouri.org/citygov/soulardmarket.
Big Daddy's Block Party: A Taste of Soulard venue featuring stuffed mushroom caps; then on Saturday, Feb. 17, it's Mardi Gras party central — 10th and Sidney streets will be blocked off from 8 p.m. until 6 p.m. and the Z107 party van will play music until 4 p.m.; DJ Flyin' Brian takes over the DJ booth and plays until 11 p.m. Sat., Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., Feb. 17, $5 after 6 p.m. Big Daddy's, 1000 Sidney St., 314-771-3066, www.bigdaddys-soulard.com/.
Brandt's Fat Tuesday: Celebrate Fat Tuesday with Brandt's Mardi Crawl — live music and lots of fun, call for price and band information. Tue., Feb. 20. Brandt's Red Carpet Lounge, 6525 Delmar Blvd., University City, 314-727-3663, www.brandtscafe.com.
Broadway Oyster Bar's Parade Day Bash: Huge Mardi Gras party in their historic bar, out on the heated patio, and in their street tent, with music from New Orleans band Bonerama at 2 p.m. and Gumbohead at 6 p.m.; full food menu available along with beer, SoCo hurricanes and U-Call-Its all day. Sat., Feb. 17, 9-3 a.m., $5-$10. Broadway Oyster Bar, 736 S Broadway, 314-621-8811, www.broadwayoysterbar.com.
Bud Light Party Tent: This large heated tent is in the middle of the fun and features an all-you-can-eat Cajun Creole buffet catered by Joanie's To-Go from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., an open bar, private Port-a-Potties, live music and radio remote, bottomless beads, giveaways and many other surprises; all tickets must be purchased in advance at mardigrasinc.com, 21 and up only. Sat., Feb. 17, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., $90. Soulard Market Park, S Eighth St. and Lafayette Ave.
Carson's Mardi Gras: A Taste of Soulard venue featuring Cajun jambalaya. Sat., Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., $20. Carson's, 1712 S Ninth St., 314-436-2707.
Cat's Meow Mardi Gras: A Taste of Soulard venue featuring baked crab cakes on crackers or Southern Comfort Hurricanes for $2. Sat., Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Cat's Meow, 2600 S 11th St., 314-776-8617, www.catsmeowstl.com.
Cave Vineyard's Mardi Gras: Celebrate the festivities inside their natural cave and enjoy Cajun music from Trureaux as well as gumbo and wine cork beads for sale; see Web site for more details. Wed., Feb. 14, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Cave Vineyard, 21084 Cave Rd, Sainte Genevieve, 573-543-5284, www.cavevineyard.com.
Chava's Mexican Restaurant Mardi Gras: A Taste of Soulard venue featuring tacos de Guadalajara. Sat., Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Chava's, 925 Geyer Ave., 314-241-5503.
Club Buca's Mardi Gras: St. Louis' premiere nightclub on the Landing is home to the official Mardi Gras Parade after-party with early drink specials. Sat., Feb. 17. Club Buca, 710 N Second St. (on Laclede's Landing), 314-231-2822.
Clementine's Mardi Gras Festivities: A Taste of Soulard venue featuring fried oyster po' boy; then start the weekend off right on Thursday, Feb. 15, with Clementine's 20th annual Tacky Ball Gown Contest with $500 in prizes up for grabs, sign up by 11 p.m. for midnight judging; kick up your heels for Saturday's 20th annual High Heel Drag Race (Clems will provide the heels if you forget yours) for glory and cash prizes; or enter Clementine's annual costume contest following the race where they'll award $250 for the best Mardi Gras get-up. Sat., Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thu., Feb. 15; Sat., Feb. 17. Clementines, 2001 Menard St., 314-664-7869, www.clementinesbar.com.
DB's Mardi Gras: A Taste of Soulard venue featuring Chef Romeo's Alligator Chili. Sat., Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. DB's Sports Bar, 1615 S Broadway, 314-588-2141.
Delta Dental Mardi Gras, Zoo Style: A family-friendly celebration at the Living World at the St. Louis Zoo with music by Bob Case; kids can make their own mask and watch performances about the importance of dental care. Sun., Feb. 18, 12-3 p.m., free. Saint Louis Zoo, Forest Park, 314-781-0900, www.stlzoo.org.
Fat Tuesday Parade: Get in one last night of revelry with the "Light Up the Night" Parade complete with beads and the finest Krewes from Mardi Gras. Tue., Feb. 20, 6:30 p.m., free. Soulard Neighborhood, Marion & Broadway (Lynch & Broadway).
Gladstone's Mardi Gras: A Taste of Soulard venue featuring Cajun smoked pulled pork. Sat., Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Gladstone's, 1800 S. 10th, 314-231-6339.
Great Grizzly Bear's Mardi Gras: A Taste of Soulard venue. Sat., Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Great Grizzly Bear, 1027 Geyer, 314-231-0444.
Hammerstone's Mardi Gras: A Taste of Soulard venue featuring tequila hot wings. Sat., Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Hammerstone's, 2028 S. 9th, 314-773-5565, www.hammerstones.net.
Helen Fitzgerald's Mardi Gras: Celebrate with the music of Extremely Pointless with beads and good times. Sat., Feb. 17, 9 p.m., $5. Helen Fitzgerald's, 3660 S. Lindbergh, 314-984-0026, www.helenfitzgeralds.net.
Johnny's Mardi Gras: A Taste of Soulard venue featuring red beans and rice, a DJ spins live on Saturday, Feb 17. Sat., Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Johnny's Restaurant & Bar, 1017 Russell Boulevard, 314-865-0900.
Joanie's Pizzeria Mardi Gras Party Package: Saturday's Party Package offers a heated tent, unlimited Cajun buffet, beer, well drinks and hurricanes, food, private Port-a-Potties and a DJ; guests have in-and-out privileges, all for $100 per person; listen to music from Hudson & the Hoodoo Cats on Pet Parade Day and Fat Tuesday; also Joanie's is a Taste of Soulard venue featuring blackened chicken Creole pizza. Sat., Feb. 17. Joanie's Pizzeria, 2101 Menard, 314-865-1994, www.joaniespizzeria.com/.
John D. McGurks' Mardi Gras: A Taste of Soulard venue featuring crawfish; then on Friday and Saturday, there's a live DJ record spin (with special guest) in McGurk's spacious Mardi Gras Pavilion; Saturday also features music with The Darrells, starting at 5 p.m. Fri., Feb. 16; Sat., Feb. 17, free. John D. McGurk's Irish Pub, 1200 Russell Blvd., 314-776-8309, www.mcgurks.com.
Juniper Grill's Mardi Gras: A Taste of Soulard venue featuring stuffed shells. Sat., Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Juniper Grill Bistro and Wine Bar, 1928 S 12th St., 314-621-9195, www.juniper-grill.com.
Krewe Mardi Gras Ball '07: Party N'Awlins style and join in for a jambalaya dinner, the crowning of a king and queen of the ball and music from the House of Bishops; casual dress is welcome, but prizes will be awarded for the best Mardi Gras costume. Fri., Feb. 9, 6 p.m., singe tickets $30, book of 8 for $200, premium party table for 10 is $500, [email protected]. Christ Church Cathedral, 1210 Locust St., 314-231-3454, www.christchurchcathedral.us.
Krewe of Brew Mardi Gras Tent: Your ticket includes in-and-out all-day access to the heated tent, grandstand view of the parade, ten locally microbrewed beers on tap, great Cajun/Creole food all day, music and private restrooms; the tent is at 7th and Geyer on the parade route, benefits the Soulard School; for more info call 314-621-6226. Sat., Feb. 17, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., $90. Soulard Neighborhood, Marion & Broadway (Lynch & Broadway).
Lagniappe's Mardi Gras: Get your reservations now for Lagniappe's Mardi Gras party; includes all-you-can-eat Cajun buffet, beads, live music, seating, clean restrooms, draft beer and hurricanes. Sat., Feb. 17, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., $60. Lagniappe's, 2501 S. Ninth, 314-771-2090, www.lanyaps.com.
Lafayette Pub's Mardi Gras: A Taste of Soulard venue featuring Cajun spicy wings. Sat., Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Lafayette Pub & Grill, 1727 Park, 314-241-1004.
Llywelyn's Mardi Gras: A Taste of Soulard venue featuring Llywelyn's white chicken chili. Sat., Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Llywelyn's Pub-Soulard, 1732 9th St.
Lucas School House's Mardi Gras: A Taste of Soulard venue featuring School House meatloaf. Sat., Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Lucas School House, 1220 Allen Ave., 314-621-6565, www.lucasevents.com.
Maggie O'Briens' Mardi Gras: Open at 10 a.m. on parade day with shuttles to Mardi Gras from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., drop off at Lafayette and Gravois and pickups at 7th and Geyer, 7th and Russell and 7th and Lafayette. Sat., Feb. 17. Maggie O'Brien's, 2000 Market St., 314-421-1388, www.maggieobriens.com/.
"Mardi Gras Celebration" with Don Vappie & the Creole Jazz Serenaders: New Orleans comes to you! Or rather this eight-piece ensemble, led by banjo-player Vappie, performs. Sat., Feb. 17, 8 p.m., $25-$30. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 314-533-9900, www.sheldonconcerthall.org.
Molly's Mardi Gras: A Taste of Soulard venue featuring you-call-it Southern Comfort cocktails, and on Saturday, enjoy their huge heated tents, beads and BBQ with their friendly staff and the energetic sound of Velocity DJs all day long for only a $10 cover charge. Sat., Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., Feb. 17, $20. Molly's, 816 Geyer Ave., 314-241-6200, www.mollyslounge.com/.
Nadine's Mardi Gras: A Taste of Soulard venue featuring blackened shrimp over rice. Sat., Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Nadine's Gin Joint and Cafe, 1931 S 12th St., 314-436-3045.
Norton's Mardi Gras: A Taste of Soulard venue featuring crab cakes. Sat., Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Norton's, 808 Geyer Ave., 314-436-0828, www.nortonscafe.com.
PETsMART Weiner Dog Derby: Dachshunds in three divisions (Cocktail Wienies, Ballpark Franks and Hot Dogs) race for trophies in this annual event; register at the park from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A Yappy Hour takes place at noon, and the first heat starts at 2:30 p.m. Sun., Feb. 11, 2:30 p.m., $5 per dog. Soulard Market Park, S Eighth St. and Lafayette Ave.
The Phoenix Mardi Gras Party with Johnny Rocket: The third-annual party will feature beads, hurricanes and party favors like shirts, hats and key chains from a variety of companies. Sat., Feb. 17, 8 p.m., $5. The Phoenix, 3924 Lemay Ferry Rd, 314-416-4266, www.thephoenixsouthcounty.com.
The Porch's Mardi Gras: Join us for hurricanes martinis and beer; visit soulardporch.com or call for more information — look for the jester! Sat., Feb. 17. The Porch, 1700 S Ninth, 314-436-0282, www.soulardporch.com.
Pyramid Grand Parade: Start Mardi Gras Saturday off right and watch the Grand Parade march from downtown St. Louis to Soulard; see mardigrasinc.com for parade route and road closures. Sat., Feb. 17, 11 a.m., free. Soulard Neighborhood, Marion & Broadway (Lynch & Broadway).
Ravissant Winery's Mardi Gras: Celebrate with live music from New Orleeans; ticket price includes hors d'oeuvres. Sat., Feb. 10, 7 p.m., $20. Ravissant Winery, 5950 Town Hall Rd, Belleville, 618-233-9463, www.ravissantwinery.com.
Rolling Rock Music Stage: Rock out to the music of the Wyld Stallyns from 3 to 5:30 p.m. and They Might Be Giants from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sat., Feb. 17, free. Soulard Neighborhood, Marion & Broadway (Lynch & Broadway), St. Louis.
Saint Louis Mayor's Ball — A Mardi Gras Masquerade: This black-tie, who's-who affair will include complimentary valet parking, cocktails, a cabaret dinner, dancing and music by Gumbohead and Groovethang; the net proceeds will benefit the City of St. Louis, the public space at City Hall and neighborhood initiatives; download an invitation at mardigrasinc.com or stlouismayorsball.com. Fri., Feb. 16, 7 p.m., $100-$500. St. Louis City Hall, 1200 Market St., 314-622-3000.
The Shanti's Mardi Gras: A Taste of Soulard venue featuring Cajun stuffed mushrooms. Sat., Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Shanti, 825 Allen Ave., 314-241-4772.
Soulard Coffee Garden's Mardi Gras: A Taste of Soulard venue featuring assorted homemade desserts. Sat., Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Soulard Coffee Garden Café, 910 Geyer Ave., 314-241-1464.
The Soulard Social Aid and Pleasure Club's 14th Annual Original Subterranean Ball: The Subterranean Ball brings people together for a festive celebration where savory food and drink, spirited live music from the Mondin Band, mirth and merriment are the hallmarks of the evening; awards for costumes. Come one, come all! Fri., Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m., $15-$20. South Broadway Athletic Club, 2301 S Seventh St., 314-776-4833, www.southbroadwayac.org.
Soulard's Restaurant Mardi Gras: A Taste of Soulard venue featuring chicken jambalaya. Sat., Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Soulard's Restaurant & Bar, 1731 S 7th St., 314-241-7956, www.soulards.com.
Southern Comfort Taste of Soulard: Purchase a book of seven taste tickets to sample signature dishes — including one taste of Southern Comfort — from participating Soulard eateries; free trolley service provided on Saturday. Sat., Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., $20 for a book of taste tickets, www.mardigrasinc.com. Soulard Neighborhood, Marion & Broadway (Lynch & Broadway).
Spooty's Mardi Gras: A Taste of Soulard venue featuring the Big Easy Martini with Southern Comfort. Sat., Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Spooty's, 1026 Geyer Ave., 314-588-1807.
Square One's Saturday Brunch: Park early in Lafayette Square and come have a hearty breakfast/brunch at Square One before the big parade, it's just a ten-block walk. Sat., Feb. 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Square One Brewery, 1727 Park Ave., 314-231-2537, www.squareonebrewery.com.
Syberg's Kegs and Eggs: Preparty get-together before the parade; have breakfast and beer for cheap, meet your friends and buy your beads; and return post-parade for more fun festivities. Wed., Feb. 7, 8-11 a.m., free. Syberg's-Gravois, 7802 Gravois Rd., 314-832-3560, www.sybergs.net/gravois/.
Tanner B's Mardi Gras Breakfast and Shuttle: They'll offer a parade-day breakfast and a shuttle from Tanner B's to Soulard. The shuttle will run continuously throughout the day. Sat., Feb. 17, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Tanner B's, 2855 Shenandoah, 314-762-9800, tannerbs.com/.
Throttle's Mardi Gras: Party at Throttle on Saturday with Z 107.7, Jello shots and hurricanes made the way they're supposed to be — with rum; come back for Phat Tuesday when DJ Big J spins Top 40, dance and rock hits. Sat., Feb. 17; Tue., Feb. 20. Throttle, 720 N. 1st St., 314-241-1000, www.throttlestl.com.
Wombat's Mardi Gras: Grab some Mardi Gras spirit with locally designed and embroidered T-shirts with fleur de lis, crowns and more; free beads with purchase. Sat., Feb. 17. Wombats Resale, 10090 Manchester Rd, Glendale, 314-835-9202.
Xes' Mardi Gras: Kick off Mardi Gras with music from Ultra with Velocity DJ's on Friday, Kid Delicious and gang on Saturday, DJ Stan the Man on Sunday and the Ultimate Mardi Gras Party on Fat Tuesday. Sat., Feb. 17. Xes, 612 North 2nd Street, 314-588-1010, drunken-fish.com.
