Of all the ways to spend Festival morning, the Pet Parade might be the easiest — and it’s always one of the most fun and memorable parts of the day. There’s no form to fill out ahead of time and nothing to train for. Just get your pet dressed up (or don’t!), walk over to Johnnie Mae Wheeler Park, and you’re in.

Presented alongside the Hill Country Humane Society, this year’s Pet Parade brings together neighbors, their pets, and a whole lot of creativity for a short, family-friendly walk down to the Festival Stage.

Here’s All You Need to Know

You never know what’s going to come around the corner — costumes range from simple bandanas to full group theme builds, and the crowd loves every bit of it. Bring your dog, your cat (if they’re the confident type), or come cheer from the sidewalk between the park and the stage. Either way, you’re part of it.

What to Know Before You Walk

What You Could Win

Every entrant is eligible for one of six award categories, each recognized with a framed certificate and a small gift basket:

A Few Things to Know

• All pets are welcome — dogs, cats, and beyond — but please put your pet’s comfort first. This is a busy, loud, crowded environment, and not every animal (cats especially) will enjoy it.
• Pets must be up to date on vaccinations, and comfortable around crowds, noise, and other animals.
• All pets must stay on a leash or in a secure carrier/kennel at all times.
• Participants age 15 and younger must have an adult with them. Adults don’t have to dress up — but we won’t stop you.

Rain plan for the Pet Parade follows the same weather contingency as the rest of Festival day — if the Festival’s on, the Pet Parade is on.

Questions on Parade day? Reach Hill Country Humane Society at events@hchstexas.com or director@hchstexas.com.