Rhodes and Caldwell Parks on Birmingham's Southside are going to be a bit more crowded than usual on Saturday as pets from around the area bring their owners down to the parks for Do Dah Day.
It's a free event, but proceeds from T-shirt, beer and food sales - plus revenue from the parade and any other donations - go to Birmingham-area groups that help homeless animals.
It's a fun and festive Birmingham tradition, one that begins on Friday night and lasts until the sun goes down on Saturday.
Here's what to expect from the various events surrounding Do Dah Day:
DO DAH EVE
Friday, May 15, Black Market Bar & Grill, 2011 Highland Ave. South
Drink specials run all night, and karaoke kicks off at 8 p.m. Plus, people will be soliciting votes (money) to be named Do Dah Day king and queen. That royal couple will ride in Saturday's parade and preside over the Do Dah Day festivities. Do Dah Eve benefits the Greater Birmingham Humane Society and Friends of Cats and Dogs.
DO DAH DAY PARADE
Saturday, May 16, beginning at Highland Avenue South and 33rd Street
Registration begins at the parade route start at 9:01 a.m., and there's a category for everyone. Judged categories ($10 per animal and team member; $20 per float) are best float, best team, largest pet, best movie-themed pet or group, best dressed pet, and pet/owner lookalike. If you want to just walk in the parade for fun, it'll cost you $5. Again, it all benefits local animal charities. Parade begins at 11:01 a.m. and winds down Highland Avenue into Caldwell Park.
DO DAH DAY
Saturday, May 16, 11:01 a.m. and 6:01 p.m., Caldwell and Rhodes Parks
As the parade begins, so does Do Dah Day, a day-long festival of music, family events, picnicking, food, drink ... actually, it's TWO festivals, with all of this going on in two of Birmingham's beautiful Southside parks. Pick a spot in one of them and stay there all day. Better yet, wander between the two.
Bands in Caldwell Park: AvonWood, Bailey Coats, Kick Me Robot, Good Old War and FrazierBand.
Bands in Rhodes Park: Raquel Lily, Sanyasi, The Heavy Hearts, Joshua and Sara Beth Co.
Some things to know: Alcoholic beverages may not be brought in and out of the parks, but beer and wine will be sold there; friendly, leashed animals are welcome to attend Do Dah Day; more info at dodahday.org.