Florida Wiener Dog Derby Is Coming To Tampa Bay

Are you a fan of wiener dogs? What about wiener dogs racing in costumes? If so, you’re in luck. The Florida Wiener Dog Derby in Tampa is back for its 14th year.

On Saturday, May 4th, Curtis Hixon Park in downtown Tampa is going to be taken over by sausage dogs. Next Saturday, there are going to be races, games, raffles, prizes, a silent auction, and more. 

Their website says, "The Florida Wiener Dog Derby is an all-volunteer, nonprofit, fundraising, and educational organization that promotes rescue, adoption, and responsible canine ownership with fun, family-oriented events with the community."

Good news Wiener Dog fans, this year’s Florida Wiener Dog Derby is fully leaning into the Star Wars theme for ‘May The 4th Be With You’. Starting at 11:00 AM, the costume contest begins where all dogs will join in on the Star Wars theme.

All breeds can participate in the costume contest. Entry for your pup costs $10, but there’s one rule. Dog costumes must be creative and fit in with the Star Wars theme. Ribbons will be awarded to the best female, male, group, and best representation of the theme.

The costume contest isn’t the only contest at this year’s derby. Dogs can participate in the speed trap, best kisser, bad 2-da bone, best nose, best tail, and more. 

For the Wiener Dog races, there are 8 different divisions to choose from. 7 of the divisions are limited to ‘Dachsunds Only’. The first race of the day, and the only division not exclusively set for Dachsunds, is the ‘Wanna-be’. Open to all breeds as well as mixed dachshunds, there will be 2 heats and a final.

The other 7 divisions for the Florida Wiener Dog Derby include AA Puppy, Ween Teen, Awesome Adult, Fantastic Frosty Flyers, Super Seniors, Chariots of Fire, and Courageous & Challenged.  The winner of each division advances into the final Majestic 7 race. 

Good news, for the folks attending, the event is completely free to attend and open to the public. Contest entry fees for those with pups participating in the events, start at $10 with VIP packages available. VIP Packages include all activities and a SWAG bag for the dogs. Don't wait, because all pups must be registered online by April 25th to compete and there are limited spots available.

For more information on the Florida Wiener Dog Derby, visit their website here.

It's always on dog-parent's mind whenever they go out. Can I bring my dog? With so many outdoor restaurants in the Tampa Bay area, a lot of places are accommodating to our four-legged babies. Some even have canine-friendly food on their menu. Whether you want to be near downtown Tampa or by the beach in St. Pete, we have the list of places to bring along your best friend.

We also have a list of the best dog bars in the Tampa Bay area. A lot of those places don't serve food but occasionally have food trucks. Also, dog bars may also require you register your dog to make sure they are healthy and non-aggressive. The best part about taking your pup to a dog-friendly restaurant is that you don't have to worry about that.

We went to Yelp to see what their recommendations are for the best dog friendly restaurants in Tampa Bay. They had a list of 10 places but we condensed it to our favorite 7 spots (and added a few of our own favorite places.) Another great hack is to download the BringFido app. This app will tell you any dog-friendly restaurant or hotel in your current area.

Ulele is a great spot for dogs, kids, date night, or any occasion! Their beautiful shaded patio is the perfect place to hangout with your pup! Plus you can take them for a walk on Tampa's riverwalk after your meal.

Any World of Beer welcomes dogs! We know the Westchase location will even let dogs hangout inside.

Riveters outdoor patio is a great hangout spot for pups.

Enjoy waterfront views of Old Tampa Bay with your pup at Salt Shack on the Bay. This place is such a hidden gem in the Tampa Bay area. They have some of the best seafood and cocktails.

Irish 31 is one of the most dog-friendly restaurants in Tampa Bay! They even have a special canine casserole that you can order for your pup!

Clear Sky Draught House in Dunedin has a huge patio that is perfect for doggos.

If you and your pup are ever down in St. Pete beach head to Buoys Waterfront Bar & Grill. You can hangout on their upstairs patio for those perfect sunset views, or head to the bar downstairs. Just know your bartender might serve your dog first!