Calling all pet owners, animal welfare advocates, and people searching for a fun, family-friendly time! Be part of Knoxville’s biggest pet parade! The paw-rade starts in the Old City at 11 a.m. and will go through the streets of Downtown Knoxville to World’s Fair Park. Register your pet to participate in the parade, or join the thousands of spectators along the route. The total parade route is approximately 1.2 miles and ends at our festival on the Performance Lawn at World’s Fair Park. After the parade, have a dog-gone good time at our pet festival with nearly 100 pet-loving vendors, food trucks, live music, games, and more. Our Spay Shuttle and vet staff will be on-site to offer $10 rabies vaccinations and microchipping from 12 - 3 p.m. Walk-ups are welcome!

Mardi Growl is one of our favorite traditions and benefits the more than 11,000 pets that need care annually at Young-Williams Animal Center. Show off your creativity and pet’s personality by competing in costume contests, shop from local vendors, and celebrate our shared love for pets. Mardi Growl not only raises funds through parade registrations and sponsorship opportunities, but it also celebrates our pet-loving community and the businesses who make our work possible. If you love pets as much as we do, don’t miss our 20th Annual Mardi Growl.