The City of Lakeland, in partnership with the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County and The Pet Hospitals, will present Mardi Growl: Bark in the Park on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Zadie Kuehl Park. The park is lcoated at 3065 Yukon Dr in Lakeland.
The family-friendly event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the park, located behind The Pet Hospitals, and promises an afternoon filled with festive fun for pets and their people. Attendees can enjoy local vendors, food trucks, live music, and prizes, all set against a colorful Mardi Gras backdrop of purple, gold, and green.
A highlight of the day will be the Mardi Growl Puppy Parade, which officially steps off at 12 p.m. The Tulip Winds Brass Quintet will kick off the parade with live brass music, leading pups and their owners through the park in true New Orleans style. Community members are encouraged to bring their dogs from home to join the parade or cheer on adoptable dogs from the Humane Society as they make their way through the festivities.
Event organizers say Mardi Growl is designed to bring the community together while also supporting animal adoption and responsible pet ownership. With live entertainment, festive décor, and plenty of opportunities to connect with local pet lovers, the event offers something for all ages.
For more information about Mardi Growl or to inquire about becoming a vendor, call (901) 633-7003.
