Missouri’s Legendary Wiener Dog Derby Returns

Dog races can be fun. You have the dogs bred for speed like the Whippet and Greyhounds, dogs bred for athleticism like Border Collies and Jack Russell Terriers. Then there are dogs not bred for either of those things that people love to see run around. Yes, soon the wiener dogs will be unleashed!

Sunday, February 8th Dachshunds will gather to show off their unique speed

wiener dog races/Getty Images

The first wiener dog race of 2026 found in Missouri has become a favorite of those attending Mardi Gras Fest in the South St. Louis neighborhood of Soulard. The Wiener Dog Derby is the longest running dachshund race in the nation, dating back to around the turn of the century.

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The idea was borne from the “Wiener Dog Nationals” beer commercials from the early to mid-1990s. Beginning with a desire to bring a beer commercial visual gag to life, 50 dachshunds gathered in a parking lot in Soulard, and from the chaos and joy that erupted from the wiener dog’s zoomies a tradition was cemented. From that first race, it became clear the attendees were jazzed up watching the little dogs with super short legs and long backs go as fast as those little strides could carry them.

Soulard Market Plaza - 8th & Lafayette in St. Louis

Soulard Market Plaza/Google Street View

These days the “Wiener Dog Derby” happens at Soulard’s Super Market Plaza as part of the Purina Pet Parade at Mardi Gras Fest. The derby has also been recognized by the Guinness World Records for having the longest continuous wiener dog race on earth. This year’s Mardi Gras Fest Wiener Dog Derby happens Sunday, February 8^th with the opening ceremonies starting at 1:45 p.m. and the first races beginning at 2 p.m. at 8^th and Lafayette streets in St. Louis. That’s when “Dachsinsanity” ensues.