NextStop Blog

Metro Transit makes it easy for everyone to let the good times roll at Soulard Mardi Gras while avoiding street closures, traffic and parking hassles.

Take advantage of free parking at more than 20 Park-Ride lots in Missouri and Illinois and let MetroLink bring you closer to all the action. The Stadium MetroLink Station is a short walk from the start of the Grand Parade Route at Busch Stadium and about a mile from the heart of Soulard. 

Hockey fans headed downtown for the afternoon matchup between the Blues and Avalanche on February 18 can similarly avoid traffic and parking headaches by taking MetroLink to the Civic Center Station.

Trains will operate every 20 minutes on the Red Line and Blue Line on February 18, with trains arriving and departing every 10 minutes at the Stadium Station and at all MetroLink stations between the Forest Park-DeBaliviere and Fairview Heights Stations. Extra personnel will be available throughout the system to assist passengers.

MetroBus is another great way to join in the Mardi Gras celebration. The #10 Gravois-Lindell, #30 Arsenal and #73 Carondelet MetroBus routes all have stops near Soulard. Please note that these routes may be operating on a reroute, because of the Grand Parade and festivities.

Reminders before you ride: 

• Bottles, cans and coolers are not permitted at Soulard Mardi Gras festivities, and alcohol is not permitted on Metro Transit vehicles or on Metro Transit property. 
• Get your $5 Day Pass on your mobile phone through the Transit app. 
• The East Riverfront MetroLink Station is temporarily closed for construction. You can instead park at the 5th & Missouri Station and catch the train there.

To start planning your trip to the Soulard Mardi Gras, use the Transit app or contact Metro Transit Information, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. by calling 314.231.2345 or texting 314.207.9786.  Visit stlmardigras.org for more information about this year’s Mardi Gras festivities.