Bud Light Grand Parade and Mardi Gras

Party hounds, can you hear that? Soulard is calling you for the Bud Light Grand Parade and Mardi Gras. The parade starts at 11 a.m. today at Busch Stadium (601 Clark Avenue; www.stlouismardigras.org), with more than 10 million beads being flung from more than 100 floats. By the time the parade makes its way to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, the streets of Soulard will be bubbling over with happy people. Live bands, costumed revelers, food and drink vendors and a couple dozen surprises will all be part of the largest street party of the year. Dress for the weather, leave your coolers — and bottles and all outside drinks — at home and enjoy the celebration. Admission is free, but you'll need money for drinks and snacks.