The Starkville Derby, tabbed the world’s largest wiener dog race and festival, is set to return this spring.
Founded in 2023 by a group of friends, the Starkville Derby has grown into the world’s largest dachshund race and festival, attracting more than 250 racers from 24 states, drawing hundreds of attendees, generating millions of social media impressions, and raising more than $150,000 for shelter pets. This year, festivities will take place on April 25.
Organizers say the annual event has grown into a national draw for dachshund owners and racing fans, with racers registered from as far away as Rhode Island and Washington this year. Past champions have also come from outside of Mississippi. Winners in 2023 and 2024 were from Georgia, while last year’s champion traveled from Texas to claim the title.
More than just a race, the Starkville Derby also serves as one of the southeast’s largest arts festivals. The Boardtown Pizza and Pints Arts Festival, which currently includes 192 approved food and arts vendors, coincides with the derby.
Festival attractions include the Old Dominick Call to Post ceremony, Mutt Juleps, flyovers, live music, a large children’s activity zone, and an appearance by the famous Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.
“We are so excited to welcome even more of our friends to the next edition of the world’s largest wiener dog race. It is a testament to how great our team, athletes, event, and town are,” Alden Thornhill, founder and host of the Starkville Derby, said. “Our team can’t wait to welcome so many new folks, both two- and four-legged, to the greatest show on turf on April 25th!”
The multi-award-winning event has been named the Mississippi Tourism Association’s “Best Large Festival,” The Mississipi Main Street Association’s “Best Creative Large Event,” and one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s “Top 20 Signature Events of the Southeast.”
The fourth edition of the Starkville Derby will take place with a multi-camera live broadcast beginning at 11 a.m. CT on the event’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. More information on the Starkville Derby, along with additional information about this year’s furry competitors, can be found on its website.