FAQs

• What is Barkus on Main?

  Barkus on Main is Little Rock’s largest Mardi Gras dog event of the year! The event will feature a Mardi Gras dog parade with entertainment for both two- and four-legged attendees, a beer garden and hurricane station, gumbo, crawfish boil, plenty of beads, and local vendors showcasing products that are bound to make you and your dog drool!

• Can I come with my dog even if I’m not in the parade?

  Absolutely! We’re pawsitive that you and your dog will have a tail-waggin’ great time regardless if you commit to being in the parade or trick contest! And, if you're on the fence about registering for the parade or trick contest, no sweat – you can sign up when you get there.

• Does it cost anything to attend the event?

  Nope. It doesn't cost a lick to attend Barkus on Main and cheer on your favorite furriends!

• Where should I park?

  Parking will be available at the South Scott Street parking deck (located at 6th and Scott), Statehouse Convention Parking Garage (2nd and Main) or any street parking outside of the parade footprint. Parade footprint is on Main Street from 3rd to 7th.

• Where are the human bathrooms?

  There will be porta-potties located throughout the event.

• Are all dog breeds welcome?

  Yes! All woofs are welcome.

• Do dogs need to be leashed?

  Yes. For everyone’s safety, we require all dogs to be on a leash at all times outside of the dog park. All furry guests inside the dog park are permitted to be off-leash but must be supervised by their human.

• What kind of food/beverages are available?

  Grub: Crawfish, gumbo and food trucks.
  Beverages: Beer garden, hurricanes and non-alcoholic beverages.

• What times are the events?

  Barkus on Main vendors will start selling items at 12 p.m. Entertainment will start at 1 p.m. The parade will begin at 2:30 p.m.

• Are children welcome?

  Yes! There will be many family furriendly events, activities and vendors to entertain the entire family.

• What is a wag bag?

  Wag Bags are for Mardi Gras parade pawticipants! Wag Bags will be stuffed with toys and snacks for your fluffy furriend.

• How can I get involved?

  We’d love your help! In order to host a dog-gone good time, we need volunteers, and there are several options to get involved:

  1. Contact DLRP at clongstreth@downtownlr.com if you'd like to be on a planning committee.
  2. Volunteer the day of the event. Volunteer sign-up sheet available HERE
  3. Register your company to be a vendor or sponsor or donate to the Wag Bag HERE
  4. Enter Your Pup
• What is the refund policy?

  Barkus 2025 Refund policy

  If you cancel: We realize that circumstances sometimes require cancellation of pre-paid registration; however, we ask that you understand all event expenses are predicated upon your registration dollars. Therefore, we cannot extend refunds indefinitely. To receive a refund, your request must be emailed to canton@downtownlr.com, prior to Sunday, March 31, 2025. No refunds are available after March 31, 2025. The registrant will receive a full refund minus the processing fees within 14 days of receiving the emailed request.

  If we cancel: If the event is cancelled completely (not postponed, rescheduled, or moved), a full refund minus processing fees will be available to any registrant that would like one. Emails will be sent to ticket holders notifying them of any available refund options for the event.

  If the event is postponed, rescheduled, or moved because of weather, acts of God, or force majeure your ticket is still valid for the new date and no further action is required. Emails will be sent to ticket holders notifying them of any available refund options for the event.

  $5 donations to local pet non-profit will not be refunded.