McKinney, Texas -- Don't miss downtown McKinney's 24th annual Krewe of Barkus Mardi Gras Dog Parade on Sunday, February 15, 2026. It's a free, family friendly event with vendors, a costume contest for dogs and their owners, and a Mardi Gras parade for the dogs. This year's theme is "Dogs Going Overboard - Barkus Sails the Seven Seas". You must register online prior to the event at mckinneytexas.org. The cost is $5 per dog, if you want to be in the parade.
The Krewe of Barkus begins at 12:30 p.m. in Dr. Glenn Mitchell Park at 300 W. Louisiana St, just west of historical downtown McKinney. Attendees can enjoy the park and vendors and music before the parade starts promptly at 2 pm, with hundreds of dogs and their owners decked out in themed costumes and parading through downtown. The parade starts at the park, proceeds down the square and around town and ends up back at the park where thousands of dollars of prizes, graciously donated my McKinney merchants, are given for a variety of award categories, including Best In Show, Most Creative, Best Use of Theme, Best Float, and Best Dog/Owner Combo. Please note there are no vehicles in the parade except for the lead vehicle. Floats are decorated wagons, strollers, and bikes, powered by the dogs' human escorts.
Patterned after the legendary Krewe of Barkus Parade in New Orleans, founder Blynda Christian-Ray is excited about this year's event. "Every year the contestants just blow us away with their creativity and sense of humor and style. You will not believe the costumes for this year! The nautical theme is proving to be a springboard for some very clever and hilarious entries. This is our 24th parade and an event you just simply cannot miss."
The parades have evolved over the years from the first little grass roots event in 2003 where fifty people and 20 dogs showed up, to a beloved civic event hosting thousands. Good weather easily brings 5,000 spectators to the square, all ready to catch Mardi Gras beads and items thrown from contestants. There will be 200 dogs in the parade and even more on the streets watching with their owners. Crowd friendly pets are welcome.
The use of an annual theme was introduced in 2007 and the big secret every year is "what will next year's theme be?" Christian-Ray keeps that info close to the vest and doesn't announce it until the end of the event, after the Best In Show has been awarded. "Our little Krewe of Barkus is so popular that contestants start planning a year in advance on what they will wear to the next year's parade,'" she states "and we are already gearing up for next year's 25th Silver anniversary. Come join the fun this Sunday, February 15!"
