Mardi Gras is just around the corner! In cities across the US, pet parents can bring a bit of The Big Easy to their buddies that bark by celebrating the holiday at one of the many Mardi Gras dog parades that will offer visitors a virtual gumbo of frivolity mixed with philanthropy.
Following are a few of the fetes where you and your four-legged party animal can let the good times roll and do a good deed for dogs and cats in need in the process. If there’s a Mardi Gras pet parade for a paws cause not listed, let us know in the comment section below!
Alabama
Carnegie Carnival Canines on Parade
From the intersection of Second Avenue and Johnston Street to Lee Street in Decatur
February 18, 2023
Get ready for a doggone good time in downtown Decatur as a plethora of partying pups promenade in apparel for a paws cause!
Proceeds from the event (which will include the crowning of Sir Bow Wow and Lady Barks-a-Lot) will benefit a local animal non-profit.
Mystic Mutts of Revelry
Downtown Fairhope
February 11, 2023
Dogs can take part in a “Pawjama Party”-themed parade and help dogs and cats who are dreaming of a better tomorrow! Proceeds from this event benefit The Haven for Animals.
Arkansas
Krewe of Barkus in the Eureka Gras Day Parade
Downtown Eureka Springs
February 18, 2023
Thanks to this year’s Roman Mythology theme, this pet parade will be a real tail-wagging toga party!
Florida
Apalachicola Mardi Gras Barkus Parade
Riverfront Park, Apalachicola
February 25, 2023
Knowing that dogs rule, shelter pups are always chosen King and Queen of The Mystic Krewe of Salty Barkers’ annual parade.
Along with promenading pooches in festive apparel, the day of play (which this year will be celebrated with a “Grateful Dogs: A Celebration of Peace, Love and Dogs” theme) will also include tunes from local bands and vendor booths brimming with pet-related souvenirs.
A happening with heart, the parade will benefit the Forgotten Coast of Florida’s animals in need.
The Krewe of Amalee’s Mardi Gras Dog Parade and Festival
Woodland Boulevard, DeLand
Feb. 18, 2023
Pups parading in purple, gold and green garb will help to generate “green” for good causes during this year’s Mardi Gras in La Habana-themed pet parade.
Over the years the event has raised more than $700,000, which has been distributed to a variety of neighborhood charities, including DeLand’s art community, families in need and humane pet centers.
Pet Parade
Historic St. Andrews, Panama City
February 12, 2023
Part of the annual St. Andrews Mardi Gras, our buddies who bark can enjoy a taste of The Big Easy as they promenade in a parade.
Paw-Di Gras
Starts at 50 East Garden Street in Pensacola
February 5
This block party for our barking buddies includes a 60s-themed “Peace, Paws and Mardi Gras” pet parade, an array of adorable adoptables, live music, vendor stalls brimming with pet-related products, and much more! Donations from the pet parade will benefit Escambia County’s Animal Welfare department.
Photo: Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Pet Parade, Bossier City, Louisiana
Louisiana
Krewe of PAWS Mardi Gras Pet Parade
Starts at Antique Alley (Commerce Street), West Monroe
Feb. 1, 2023
Along with floats and fashion forward Fidos, the largest fundraising event for PAWS of NE Louisiana each year will also include children’s games and vendor booths.
CAAWS Mystic Krewe of Mutts Parade
North Boulevard Town Square in Baton Rouge
Feb. 5, 2023
Helping to fund Capital Animal Welfare Society’s spay/neuter program, Rovers will unleash their inner T-Rex during a Jurassic Bark-themed pet parade.
Krewe of Paws of Old Towne
Parade lines up on Ciruti Street, Slidell
February 11, 2023
Costume-clad canines can enjoy a tribute to Carnival and help a paws case in the process, raising people’s spirits while raising funds for several area animal assistance groups.
Krewe du Pooch Parade and Costume Contest
Lakeshore Drive, Old Mandeville
Feb. 25, 2023
Helping homeless dogs and cats live happily ever after, the theme of this year’s pup party is “The Great Gatsby by Krewe Du Pooch,” and will include a costume contest, a concert, family-friendly activities, vendors and pet adoptions. Proceeds benefit animal welfare organizations participating in the event.
Krewe des Chien Parade for Dogs
Lafayette
Feb. 11, 2023
Festive Fidos will file down the street in style during this annual demonstration of dogged devotion to Mardi Gras which helps the non-profit Krewe des Chiens aid animal assistance organizations in the Acadiana area throughout the year.
Mystic Krewe of Barkus
Pre-pawty and post-pawty parade at Armstrong Park, parade through the Vieux Carre in New Orleans
February 12, 2023
Spirits will be flying high during this Top Gun: Barkus Comes To The Rescue-themed pet parade! The canine Tom Cruises taking part will help to raise funds for animal organizations in New Orleans and the Gulf South area.
Mardi Paws Parade
Downtown Covington
Feb. 26, 2023
Get ready to do the “Mutt-ster Mash” as dogs dressed up like Dracula, Pennywise, The Mummy and other kings and queens of screams will try to win a coveted “glitter poop” trophy as they take part in a frightfully fun “Tails from The Barkside”-themed pet parade! A happening with heart, proceeds from the event helps both kids and canines.
Missouri
Purina Pet Parade
12th and Allen, Soulard, St. Louis
February 12, 2023
Billed as the world’s largest costumed pet parade, party animals will promenade for a paws cause, with each registration fee to participate donated to Open Door Animal Sanctuary. The most fashion forward Fidos will be chosen to be members of the Court of the Mystical Krewe of Barkus and can attend the Coronation Pageant to witness the crowning of the day’s top dogs, the King and Queen of Barkus.
Tennessee
Mardi Growl
Downtown Knoxville
March 4, 2023
Fans of our four-legged friends will stride with pride alongside their furry family members as they help to shine a spotlight on the work of the Young-Williams Animal Center. The party with a higher purpose will also include costume contests, noms from a variety of food trucks, and the chance to shop among an array of vendor stalls.
Texas
Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Parade
21st and Harborside at Pier One, Galveston
Feb. 19, 2023
A canine costume contest kicks off the fun followed by a pet parade. Hosted by the Galveston Island humane Society, funds raised will help to provide pets in need with spay/neuter assistance, emergency care, and vaccination and microchip clinics.
Krewe of Barkus Parade
Mitchell Park in downtown McKinney
Feb. 19, 2023
Join a throng 4,500 strong at a Mardi Gras gathering influenced by the philanthropic Mystic Krewe of Barkus in New Orleans, which tosses a lifeline to abandoned animals as its human participants tosses throws to the canine-loving crowd.
This year’s theme is “A Walk Down Memory Lane,” with each participant picking their favorite pet parade theme from the past 20 years as their pup’s costume inspiration.
Photo Credit: Shreveport-Bossier Mardi Gras