St. Louis is a great place to find something to do without spending money.

Now that its February, the celebration at Soulard Mardi Gras really begins. The month is filled with all kinds of activities leading up to Ash Wednesday. Heres the schedule of events for Soulard Mardi Gras 2012:

For more information on all of these events, check out the article on Top Ten Events of the 2012 Soulard Mardi Gras.

With Valentines Day just a couple of weeks away, now is the time to make plans for a special day with the one you love. There are plenty of ideas in my article 15 Ways to Celebrate Valentines Day in St. Louis. But if you still need inspiration, here are a few more ideas worth considering.

Run for the Chocolate - Sign up for a Valentine themed 5K run/walk on February 12 from Lacledes Landing to Crown Candy Kitchen and back. There will be chocolate stations along the route and a sweet treat for everyone at the end. Registration is $30 a person or $50 a couple.

Sweethearts Lunch - Dine at the Sweethearts Lunch at Bixbys Restaurant at the Missouri History Museum. The three-course prix fixe meal is $16 a person. Bixbys is offering its Sweetheart Lunch daily (except Sundays) from February 1-15.

Theres a lot going on this February in St. Louis. The big events of Soulard Mardi Gras are happening this month, and we cant forget about Valentines Day. There are also shows, festivals and other events worth checking out.