The Burlingame Pet Parade returns to Broadway for its 21st year on Saturday, Sept. 26, with the procession stepping off at 10 a.m.
Participants should gather at Parking Lot Y by 9:30 a.m., a detail also confirmed by McKinley Elementary School's parade page. There is no charge to enter, according to the event's official website.
This year's Grand Marshal is Lexi, a dog with a following on Instagram at @lexi_chiwaawaa. At the 2025 parade, Congressman Kevin Mullin served as Grand Marshal, walking the route with his wife Jessica, twin boys Liam and Landon and their husky Storm, a 2024 rescue from the Peninsula Humane Society.
According to the parade's rules page, which reflects prior years' format, the route runs up Broadway to Capuchino Avenue, where marchers turn right and loop back down Broadway. Organizers describe the walk as a leisurely stroll of about 30 minutes.
Judges select finalists during the march and make final picks at a review stand on Broadway at Capuchino, near the Broadway Grill. Ribbons go to Best Dressed Pet, Most Unusual Pet, Best Pet Trick, Most Original Float and a Grand Prize Winner who also takes home a special prize.
Schools can compete in a separate float contest. The Broadway Merchants Association awards $500 to the first-place school float and $250 to the runner-up. Public and private schools in San Mateo County serving kindergarten through 12th grade are eligible. School groups must register in advance by contacting organizer Ayn Gilmore at [email protected].
Floats can be as simple as a decorated bicycle, wagon or kiddie car. Each must include at least one pet, and no motorized or political entries are allowed. Children without pets are welcome to bring stuffed animals.
After the parade, Broadway stays closed to traffic for about an hour so families can enjoy music, shop at local stores and grab a bite at nearby restaurants.
The Burlingame Chamber of Commerce announced the event on X on Monday, Sept. 21. Volunteer and sponsorship inquiries can be directed to Gilmore at [email protected].
The 2025 parade featured the Burlingame High School Marching Band, the Los Trancos Community Marching Band and the Elks Club Band, with face painting provided by Twinkie Dee Star.
