What's New In The Lou: February 12th

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK:
Broadway Oyster Bar

Broadway Oyster Bar has anchored the South Broadway corridor for over 45 years, earning its reputation as the Midwest’s premier New Orleans-style destination. Operating out of a historic mid-1840s building, the establishment blends heritage with entertainment. Beyond its award-winning Cajun and Creole menu, Broadway Oyster Bar plays a big role in the music scene, hosting live music twice daily. For the influx of tourists this Mardi Gras season, it’s the hot place to celebrate!

Broadway Oyster Bar is hosting an all-day party on Saturday, February 14th, to celebrate the Mardi Gras Grand Parade. A $14 cover charge gets you in for live music all day. Since the restaurant is located on the parade route (as it moves from Busch Stadium toward Soulard), it serves as a primary "warm-up" and viewing spot. Get your day started with Kegs and Eggs (8-11 am), featuring a cajun breakfast menu and drinks. The kitchen stays open until 11 pm for your post-partying food, and 3 live music sets provide entertainment all day and night long.

Mardi Gras: Everything You Need To Know

Mayor’s Mardi Gras Ball

• Date & Time: Friday, February 13, 2026 | 7:00 PM – Midnight

• Location: St. Louis City Hall Rotunda (Note: While Union Station is a major sponsor, the event is returning to the stunning rotunda at 1200 Market Street this year).

• The Experience: This is the city's most glamorous social event, blending high-end elegance with Mardi Gras spectacle. Guests enjoy a cabaret-style dinner (from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM), premium open bars, and a rotation of live performances including aerialists, stilt walkers, and specialty acts.

• Attire: "Creative Black Tie" meaning standard formal wear is expected, but guests are encouraged to add colorful, festive, or whimsical Mardi Gras-themed accessories.

• Purpose: The ball is a charitable event, with proceeds this year benefiting the City of St. Louis Tornado Response Fund.

Bud Light Grand Parade

• Date & Time: Saturday, February 14, 2026 | Starts at 11:00 AM

• Location: The route begins at Busch Stadium in Downtown St. Louis, travels through Downtown South, and winds through the heart of the Soulard Neighborhood, ultimately ending at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery.

• The Experience: As the largest Mardi Gras parade outside of New Orleans, it features over 100 krewes, elaborate floats, marching bands, and performance groups. It is famous for the sheer volume of beads thrown to the tens of thousands of spectators lining the streets. Join the street party in the Party Zone with food trucks, bars, and DJs.

• Pro-Tips:

  • Party Tents: For those wanting a VIP experience, the Bud Light Party Tent or Carnival Tent offers an all-inclusive packages, a climate-controlled space, and private restrooms.

  • Drink Tickets: New this year, you can purchase a "7-drink strip" for $49 to save on beers and cocktails at various street stations.

  • After-Party: The Official After Pardi takes place at Ballpark Village from 2-8 pm.

What’s Happenin’ in St. Louis 👀

Friday, February 13th

• City Nights Valentines Day (City Museum)- This quirky event features a headlining performance by Clownvis Presley. Guests can explore the museum's slides and climbers, walk through a "Tunnel of Love," and enjoy themed cocktails and local 4 Hands Brewing samples. Your ticket includes full-day museum access, so you can arrive early and play before the party starts. 7-11 pm.

• My Bloody Valentine (The Darkness)- Who wants to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a boring way. Bring some fear and thrills to your night with a special opening of The Darkness haunted house for a spooky date night. 6:30-9:30 pm.

• Amadeus in Concert (Powell Hall)- Experience the rivalry of Salieri and Mozart like never before. The 1984 Academy Award-winning film is projected in HD while the orchestra tackles one of the most famous and demanding scores in history. A perfect start to the weekend for culture lovers. Shows runs Friday and Saturday. 7:00 pm.

• The Great Big T-Rav Mix (Missouri History Museum)- Celebrate a St. Louis staple with a deep dive into the history of the toasted ravioli. This "Mix" event offers tastings, local trivia, and a chance to mingle with fellow foodies in the Grand Hall. 5:30-8 pm.

• Leslie Jones Live (City Winery)- Get ready for an evening of unfiltered hilarity as the SNL and Ghostbusters star takes the stage. It’s the perfect high-energy date night for couples who prefer belly laughs to slow dancing. Shows run Friday and Saturday. 6:30 and 9:30 pm.

Saturday, February 14th

• The "Arts & Blues" Valentine: St. Louis Ballet’s "Call It Love" (Touhill)- A stunning collaboration that screams "St. Louis." The ballet is performing contemporary pieces set to live blues and jazz music. Shows run Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s shows at 1:30 and 6 pm.

• St. Louis Wheel Date Night (Union Station)- Did you know Feb 14th is also National Ferris Wheel Day? Celebrate the double holiday with a special "Date Night Package" at Union Station. You get two tickets, two cocktails (or hot chocolates) from the park's container bar, and souvenir photos. 10 am - 10 pm.

• Story of the Year (The Pageant)- St. Louis’ own legends are back home for a massive show. If your idea of romance is a mosh pit, or if you just want to scream along to "Until the Day I Die" be sure not to miss this. 7 pm.

• Valentine's Karaoke (Blueberry Hill)- Skip the pressure of a quiet dinner and belt out power ballads instead. The legendary Delmar Loop spot is hosting a special Valentine's Karaoke night where only love songs OR breakup songs are allowed. 7 pm.

• St. Louis Birthday Bash (Missouri History Museum)- Commemorate the city's founding with family-friendly activities and historical storytelling. It’s a great way to show some love to the Lou before your evening plans begin. 10 am- 4 pm.

Sunday, February 15th

• Love Bites (St. Louis Aquarium)- The St. Louis Aquarium is hosting its "Love Bites" fundraiser through Sunday, February 16, 2026, allowing you to symbolically name a snack after an ex. For a donation of $10 to $25, you can watch a veggie, superworm, or cricket get devoured by animals like Nigel the Porcupine or Clementine the Chameleon, with all proceeds benefiting conservation and education.

• Eternal: A Tribute to Tina Turner (Powell Hall)- The SLSO teams up with St. Louis CITY SC for a tribute to the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll. Expect symphonic arrangements of "Proud Mary" and "The Best" that celebrate Tina's deep roots in the St. Louis region. 7 pm.

• Valentine’s Date Night (Grant’s Farm)- Enjoy a cozy, rustic evening from featuring carriage rides and fireside s'mores. It’s a rare chance to experience the farm's Tiergarten after dark with a glass of Anheuser-Busch beer or wine. Dinners run Feb. 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 with seatings at 6 pm and 8 pm.

• Galentine’s Day Party (Ballpark Village)- Gather the girls for a brunch that transitions into a day party. Expect mimosa specials, a glitter bar, and a playlist of empowerment anthems to close out the weekend. 11 am.

• Family Sunday: Love Potion (St. Louis Art Museum)- Bring the kids to the museum for hands-on art-making inspired by "love potions" in the collection. This free event includes gallery tours designed to keep the little ones engaged and creative. 1-4 pm.

Brought to you by:
Your Business? 🫵 

Are you struggling to get your business, service, or event in front of St. Louis locals?

We can help!

ST. LOUIS NEWS + UPDATES 📰 

Baseball is Officially Back: St. Louis Cardinals pitchers and catchers have officially reported to Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. The first full-squad workout is set for Monday, Feb 16th. Time to gear up for the home opener!

New Pop-Up Bar Alert: Union Station has transformed the Train Shed restaurant into "Violet’s," a massive Valentine’s-themed pop-up bar running all month.

WEATHER FORECAST 🌡️ 

Friday
61° ⛅️ | 5% rain | 🌬 8 mph

Saturday
50° 🌧️ | 93% rain | 🌬 9 mph

Sunday
59° ⛅️ | 18% rain | 🌬 9 mph