Mardi Gras Southeast Texas Returns with Wiener Dog Race, Parades

Annual festival at Doggett Ford Park features family activities, live entertainment, and charitable giving.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Mardi Gras Southeast Texas is hosting its annual celebration this weekend at Doggett Ford Park in Beaumont, Texas. The event will feature the popular wiener dog race, parades, live entertainment, family activities, and food and craft vendors. Proceeds from the festival benefit 11 local nonprofit charities.

Why it matters

Mardi Gras Southeast Texas is a long-standing community tradition that brings together families and supports local charitable organizations. The wiener dog race in particular has become a beloved highlight, drawing crowds and showcasing the lighthearted spirit of the festival.

The details

The wiener dog race, open to dachshunds and other small breeds, is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday. Last year, the race featured approximately 30 dogs. In addition to the race, the festival will include parades, performances by Dallas the Fire Eater, a Gator Country exhibit, balloon animals, a petting zoo with pony rides, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, concerts, and a kids zone.

  • Mardi Gras Southeast Texas will take place from Friday, February 14 to Sunday, February 16, 2026.
  • The wiener dog race is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Mardi Gras Southeast Texas

A nonprofit organization that hosts an annual Mardi Gras celebration in Beaumont, Texas, featuring parades, family activities, and charitable giving.

Lenzi Belcher

A volunteer with Mardi Gras Southeast Texas who describes the hilarious nature of the wiener dog race.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's hilarious. They're all laughing. They're cracking up because some are running left, some are running right, some are going to the finish line. They don't know what they're doing. They're just everywhere.”

— Lenzi Belcher, Volunteer, Mardi Gras Southeast Texas (12newsnow.com)

What’s next

Mardi Gras Southeast Texas organizers are encouraging pet owners to register their dachshunds and other small breeds for the wiener dog race on the day of the event.

The takeaway

Mardi Gras Southeast Texas continues to be a beloved community tradition that brings families together, supports local charities, and features unique events like the hilarious wiener dog race that have become a highlight of the annual festival.