2023 Parade Details
Hello to all of you who registered to be a 2023 krewe member for the 30th Mystic Krewe of Barkus parade. It will be a special day dedicated to our beloved four-legged family members, who deserve this carnival celebration just for them!
Here are some tips for the day of parade and information to help it go smoothly. We always advise the krewe to arrive early so that they can (and their human escorts) have ample time to transition to the proper state-of-mind for this unique experience. Remember to bring what your krewe member might need to be comfortable, such as water, strollers and rolling carts—and whatever makes you happy, too.
There is parking behind the Municipal Auditorium off Orleans Avenue gate for $20. Many park there, get dropped off, rideshare, or walk. Some pedicab to Armstrong Park.
10:30 AM - The park is open and ready for the PAWTY.
We set up primarily around Congo Square with registration, will call and merchandise set up near the Portico of the Municipal Auditorium. This is where you go to pick up registration packets, anything that you purchased online and anything else that you might still want to buy.
There are food vendors and bars in the park so you can eat, drink, and adjust before the parade begins. The food trucks take cash, but the bars take tickets only. You can get tickets easily at the park, too, by card or cash to use at the bars.
1:00 PM - Time to get ready to line up! Be sure to have your posse in place to get into your position when your section is lined up.
2:00 PM - Captain blows the whistle and the parade rolls! When you exit the park depends on where you are in the lineup, so do not be alarmed if you line up and wait a bit. When you do hit the streets, enjoy it!!
Some areas along the route are extremely packed and lots of spectators jump into the street for pics. We are proud to have so many adorable dogs who display remarkable imaginations, so we think they should be photographed. Just do your best to keep the flow going so we don’t have big breaks.
If you have any other questions or needs, grab a volunteer so they can get you assistance. If you have any medical needs, human or canine, in the park or along the route, we have medical professionals with us. Alert us and we will get them to you as soon as possible.
Have a wonder Barkus Sunday!
Parade Route
Parade ends inside of Armstrong Park.
Other Requirements
All dogs need to be on a leash or secured in a float.
Costumes are encouraged, but not mandatory. If you do dress up, be humane as well as creative.
Participants should be current on vaccinations and wearing rabies tags.
Yes, you can throw trinkets/beads to the crowd, just like the human Mardi Gras parades. No commercial throws that advertise an entity.
Escort (human) is responsible for krewe member's waste and discharge (we are respectable, so do not be gross).
Krewe member must not be in season.
No displays of political, controversial or religious ideals are allowed.
No 'commercial' displays or throws are allowed by the City of New Orleans.
No motorized vehicles (except for individuals with medical authorization) are allowed in the parade.
Membership registration must be completed prior to the start of the parade.You must be registered in the parade to purchase escort passes.
To purchase additional escort passes ($10 each) please go to registration booth in Armstrong Park, wearing your krewe member pass.
To purchase the official 2023 Barkus Poster: Click here!
To purchase the official 2023 Barkus T-Shirt: Click here!
The all-dog krewe is sure to be fitted in flight suits, strapped in their cockpits, while parading with a strike package that is full of revelry and fun. Whether one identifies more as Mutt-Maverick, Chewer-Cyclone, Itchy Tail-Iceman or Dirt Rolling Rooster, their aviator skills and styles will prove that the likes of Howling-Hammerdog are no match for the unrelenting resilience of the canine spirit spreading hope to those searching for forever homes.
Dogs who want to be members of the krewe and lack access to the internet should get their humans to register online at www.kreweofbarkus.org. Click the Dogluxe link to sign up. On parade day, come to the pre-parade and post-parade Pawty at Armstrong Park from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm. The parade starts promptly at 2 pm and follows a 15-block route through the Vieux Carré, stopping at the VIP Reviewing Stand at Good Friends Bar, corner Dauphine and St. Ann, where VIPs will toast the Royal Court. Curious observers are welcome to come to watch the parade.
All proceeds from Barkus, a non-profit organization founded by Wood Enterprises, benefit animal organizations in New Orleans and the Gulf South area. For more information, visit www.kreweofbarkus.org or e-mail info@kreweofbarkus.org.
EQUALITY DISCLAIMER: All dogs are eligible for various levels of membership without regard to their social, educational, or family backgrounds. All colors, coat types, tail sizes and body mixes accepted. Cosmetically and non-cosmetically challenged dogs are welcome. Bluebloods and previously homeless dogs are encouraged to participate.
The countdown is on for the greatest dog parade on the planet! In the spirit of all in the Barkus dogdom, together we HAIL BARKUS 2023!
Parade Route
Parade ends inside of Armstrong Park.