Laissez les bons temps rouler with your little growler! We’ve rounded up the best dog-loving Mardi Gras events where Fido can party and parade with a canine krewe. Grab some green, gold and purple beads and dress up your pup in his finest festival attire, because these celebrations will really put the joie de vivre in your February.
1. Mystic Krewe of Barkus Parade
New Orleans, LA - The Mystic Krewe of Barkus is the only krewe in the Big Easy for four-legged Orleanians. Bring Fido to Louis Armstrong Park at 10 a.m. on Sunday, February 16, to join a crowd of furry friends at the Mystic Krewe of Barkus Pawty in the Park. There will be family-friendly entertainment, food vendors and more. The party will culminate in the Mystic Krewe of Barkus Parade through the famous French Quarter from 2 to 5 p.m. This year’s “pawrade” theme is “Bark to the Future--Barkus returns to the ’80s,” so power up the DOGlorean and tease up your fur. Parade participation registration packages start at $60, and all proceeds are donated to animal organizations all over Louisiana.
Stay less than 2 miles from Louis Armstrong Park at The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery, where three pets of any size are welcomed with pet beds, bowls and ID tags with hotel contact information.
2. Mystic Mutts of Revelry Pet Parade
Fairhope, AL - Alabama is home to the oldest annual Carnival celebration in the United States, and the Mystic Mutts of Revelry Pet Parade at Fairhoper’s Community Park is an event not to be missed. This year’s theme is “Grease--Woof is the Word,'' and four-legged participants are encouraged to come dressed as a Greaser, Pink Lady or Sandra D (the D is for “dog,” of course). The parade was created to help generate awareness and raise funds to end pet homelessness in Baldwin County. Proceeds from the event provide critical medical care, food and shelter for animals, and aid in Haven for Animals’ adoption efforts. Dog registration is $20, and registration for humans 12 years and up is $15. The festivities will last from noon to 4 p.m. on February 15, and the parade will roll at 3 p.m.
Keep the holiday going at the nearby Holiday Inn Express Fairhope Point Clear. Rates start at $90 per night, and pets of any size are accepted for an additional fee of $75 per week.
3. Purina Pet Parade
Saint Louis, MO - Billed as the world’s largest costumed canine promenade, the Purina Pet Parade combines all the fun of Mardi Gras with all the “awwws” of dogs in outrageous outfits. The best-dressed pets will be honored as court members of the Mystical Krewe of Barkus. They'll also be invited to the Coronation Pageant at Soulard Market Park, where a King and Queen of Barkus will be crowned. Registration to walk in the parade is $10, but two- and four-legged spectators are welcome for free. All proceeds from the event benefit Open Door Animal Sanctuary. Registration opens at 10 a.m. on February 16, and the parade march begins at 1 p.m.
Stay close to the parade route at the Benton Park Inn, where two dogs of any size are permitted for no additional fee. Nightly rates start at $108.
4. Krewe of Barkus in the Eureka Gras Parades
Eureka Springs, AR - Is just one Mardi Gras parade not enough for Fido? In Arkansas, the canine Krewe of Barkus will be participating in not one, but two Eureka Gras parades. On February 15, the Krewe of Barkus in the Eureka Gras Night Parade will illuminate the night starting at 5:30 p.m. on the Eureka Springs Post Office lawn. Lighted costumes for humans and canines are encouraged. On February 22, at 2 p.m., hit the streets again with the Krewe of Barkus in the Eureka Gras Day Parade. The theme for the 2020 parade is “Fairytales, Fables and Folklore,” so let Fido sport some wings and a flower crown to strut his stuff through downtown Eureka Springs. Participation is free for both parades.
Between events, treat yourself and your pup to a vacation at The Retreat at Sky Ridge, Eureka Springs' “pet-friendliest” resort. Pets of all sizes are welcome for no additional charge, and nightly rates start at $110.
5. Pensacola Mardi Gras Grand Mardi Gras Parade
Pensacola, FL - Pensacola loves pups, and the Pensacola Mardi Gras Grand Mardi Gras Parade is proof. Annually the largest and most extravagant parade of the year, it brings together hundreds of thousands of attendees and participants on two legs and four. The downtown area fills with local krewes, businesses and schools, and draws entrants from out of town as well. The event takes place on February 22 at 2 p.m. Admission is free.
You’ll want to stick around Pensacola for a few days so you can check out the area’s four dog-friendly beaches. Book a room at TownePlace Suites by Marriott Pensacola, where two pets of any size are permitted for an additional fee of $100 per stay. Nightly rates start at $104.
6. Annual Krewe of PAWS Mardi Gras Pet Parade
West Monroe, LA - Held at Antique Alley in West Monroe, the Annual Krewe of PAWS Mardi Gras Pet Parade is not just for the dogs. This event, themed “The Magic of Furry Tales … and Feathers & Scales,” encourages those whose animal companions are not of the furry variety to attend as well. So bring a krewe of Fido’s friends--Lizzo the Lizard and Bernie the Bird--in costumes or aboard a decorated float at 11 a.m. on February 15. Admission is free.
After parading around town, “paws” for the night at La Quinta Inn & Suites West Monroe. Two pets of any size are accepted for an additional fee $20 per night, not to exceed $40 per stay. Both dogs and cats are permitted, but call 877-411-3436 to book a room that also welcomes other animal companions. Nightly rates start at $90.
7. Mardi Gras Tybee
Tybee Island, GA - Funky, unique, distinctive, eccentric … however you put it, Tybee Island is one town that seems to truly embrace its weirdness. And Mardi Gras Tybee is the perfect place to witness that “je ne se quois” with your best bud. The celebration will include the Mardi Gras Tybee Parade and a street party featuring free live entertainment. The “pawty” starts at noon on February 22, the parade will step off at 2 p.m., and the costume contest is at 4 p.m. You simply have to dress up, show up and make sure to bring your pup--admission is free!
Dog-Friendly Savannah is just a 20-minute drive away from the parade. Rest your paws in the heart of downtown at East Bay Inn, where two pets of any size can stay for an additional fee of $50. Waste bags, treats and dog walk maps are provided, and nightly rates start at $125.
8. Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Parade
Galveston, TX - The town of Galveston hosts the largest Mardi Gras celebration in all of Texas. With events spanning two weekends that include numerous parades, feasts, musical performances and more, a trip to celebrate the holiday “island style” with your pooch is certain to be memorable. The annual Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Parade is a four-legged costumed extravaganza of impressive proportions. The show will step off at 1:30 p.m. on February 23. Pre-registration is available for $20. Check-in and on-site registration will begin at noon.
This 3-Bedroom Home with Fenced Backyard vacation rental is walking distance from the starting line of the parade. Nightly rates begin at $164, and pets of any size are permitted for an additional fee of $75 per stay. Be sure to take your pooch to Stewart Beach Park while in Galveston; it’s one of the 10 Best Dog Beaches on the Gulf Coast.
9. Mardi Paws Parade
Covington, LA - Covington's 2020 Mardi Paws Parade features an especially creative theme: “Beyond All Boundaries: Exploring Sea, Air & Space.” Join Ian Somerhalder, actor and ardent animal lover, along with hundreds of four-legged friends parading through the city streets, costumed as anything from “merpups” to “astromutts.” The best part of this parade, though? The poop. Attendants can catch coveted glitter toy poops, emoji poop plushes and keychains thrown by the parade participants. The Mardi Paws Parade is $25 per dog to march with the krewe. Proceeds benefit the Ian Somerhalder Foundation and Scott’s Wish. The parade rolls at 2 p.m. on March 1.
Spend a few nights in charming Downtown Covington at the WeStay Suites Covington Mandeville. Two pets up to 80 lbs are welcome for $25 for the first night and $5 each additional night. Nightly rates start at $85.
10. The Krewe of Amalee's Mardi Gras Dog Parade & Festival
Deland, FL - Get ready to get rocked. The Krewe of Amalee's Mardi Gras Dog Parade & Festival’s “Dogs Will Rock You” costume contest and parade is attended by more than 200 dogs and 10,000 humans. Proceeds benefit Journey’s End Animal Sanctuary and My Angel with Paws. Advance registration for the parade is $20-$30. The event will begin at 8 a.m. on February 22, and the parade rolls at 11 a.m.
A short drive from Deland is dog-friendly Daytona Beach, where you can book a stay with your pup at Residence Inn by Marriott Daytona Beach. Dogs are allowed for an additional fee of $75 per stay. Nightly rates start at $124.
11. Annual Krewe of Barkus Mardi Gras Parade
Mckinney, TX - The Annual Krewe of Barkus Mardi Gras Parade will feature vendor booths, dog-friendly games and pooches dressed as iconic pop stars. The “Barkus Salute to Popular Music: Puppies Go Pop Star” will surely include a few "Taylor Sniffs," "Madognas" and "Bark Street Boys," along with plenty of pup-a-razzi there to witness the fun. Participants check in at 12:30 p.m. on February 23, and will strut through historic downtown McKinney starting at 2 p.m. The festivities will be housed at Mitchell Park. Participation is free.
Spend the night with your growling groupie at a nearby pet-friendly Airbnb.
12. Annual Barkloxi PAWrade
Biloxi, MS - The Mississippi Gulf Coast hosts more than 20 Mardi Gras parades each February. Our favorite in the area is downtown Biloxi’s Annual Barkloxi PAWrade. Celebrating its fourth anniversary in 2020, this year will be the first time a King and Queen of the Krewe of Barkloxi will be chosen at the event. The two pups who collect the most donations for the Humane Society of South Mississippi will have the honor of being crowned His and Her Majesties. Participation requires a $10 registration fee. Check-in starts at noon on February 16, and the parade begins at 1 p.m.
Book a room with a view overlooking the Gulf Coast just down the road from the parade route at Hyatt Place Biloxi. Rates start at $199 per night, and two dogs up to 75 lbs are welcome for an additional fee of $75 per stay.