ANNUAL EVENT · SATURDAY
Pup Parade
Nashville's most beloved four-legged festival tradition. All dogs are invited to march, strut, and compete for prizes — while raising money for a great cause.
BENEFITING
Crossroads Campus — Germantown's non-profit supporting at-risk youth & pet adoptions
ABOUT THE PARADE
Nashville's Most Photogenic Festival Moment
Owners and their adorable pets — some adorned with matching costumes — meet just inside the entrance on 6th Ave N at Harrison Street and march down to the main stage at the center of the mall.
Witness the whimsical and imaginative outfits these dogs (and some owners) wear as festival goers revel in their zany attire. After the parade, a panel of judges casts their votes and bestows prizes upon dogs and their owners in five distinct categories.
The Pup Parade benefits Crossroads Campus, a non-profit in the Germantown neighborhood that provides job training, housing, and mentoring to teens facing homelessness and poverty — and offers adoptions for homeless dogs and cats.
PARADE DAY SCHEDULE
Day-of Timeline
Saturday · 2026 exact time TBA
10:00 AM
Registration Opens
Check in at the entrance on 6th Ave N at Harrison Street
11:30 AM
Parade Begins
March from 6th Ave N down to the main stage at the center of the mall
12:00 PM
Judging & Awards
Panel of judges deliberate; crowd favorite voting opens
12:30 PM
Winners Announced
Awards ceremony at the main stage — all five category winners recognized
COMPETITION
Award Categories
Best German Costume
Lederhosen, dirndls, Bavarian hats — the most authentic German-themed dog costume wins.
Best Costume (Dog & Handler)
Matching outfits encouraged. The team that commits hardest to the bit takes the crown.
Best Naked Dog
No costume? No problem. The most charming au naturel pup wins — leash required.
Best Wiener Wanna-Be
Not a dachshund? Doesn't matter. Best dachshund impersonator of any breed wins.
Crowd Favorite
You decide. Festival goers vote for the dog that steals the show.
WINNERS RECEIVE
Prizes
Each category winner receives the following
Dog Training Session
1-hour session from Red Rover Pet Services, LLC (valued at $150)
Dinner for Two
Complimentary dinner from Monell's, Nashville's legendary family-style restaurant
PARTICIPATION RULES
Rules & Requirements
All dogs must be on a leash at all times
Dogs must be current on vaccinations
Owners are responsible for their dog's behavior throughout the event
Costumes must be dog-safe — no restrictive or harmful materials
Dogs must be friendly and comfortable in crowds
Handlers must be 18+ or accompanied by a parent/guardian
All breeds and sizes welcome
Festival admission required to participate (GA or VIP ticket)
Ready to Parade?
Entry is free with festival admission. Just show up with your pup, check in at the entrance on 6th Ave N, and get ready to march.