The World’s Biggest Fish Fry revolves around fried catfish dinners (12,000 pounds to be exact), parades, dancing, rodeo nights, carnival rides, fishing and more.

The World's Biggest Fish Fry invites you to the Headquarters Grand Opening! Join us on Saturday, March 30th at 10 am for the Grand Opening on 219 Tyson Avenue.

This long-standing spring celebration began as “Mule Day” in 1938. After Kentucky Lake was formed, it became the World's Biggest Fish Fry, a celebration of fishing, food and friends!

The goal of this favorite festival? Making sure every guest goes home well fed and happy. If you didn’t grow up around the delicacy of catfish, a platter served in the “Fish Tent” might seem overwhelming. The generous portions include farm-raised catfish fried to perfection, hushpuppies, coleslaw, beans, French fries piled high and a cold drink to wash it all down.

Schedule:

April 20

8am - Hushpuppy Dash-5k Walk/run

Runners in the Annual Hushpuppy 5k Dash/walk Enjoy a Crisp Spring Morning at the Fairgrounds in a Friendly Competition That Celebrates a Catfish’s Best Friend, the Hushpuppy!

Registration Begins at 7 a.m. At the Fairgrounds With a Race Fee of $15 in Advance, $20 on Race Day.

Runners/walkers 10-and-younger

Runners/walkers 11-69 Years Old

Henry County Fairgrounds

8am - Car & Bike Show

Calling All Automotive and Bike Enthusiasts to the World’s Biggest Fish Fry Car & Bike Show - Where Horsepower Meets Catfish Power! We Want to See Your Cool Classics and Majestic Moderns.

The Car Show is Hosted in the Parking Lot of the Krider Performing Arts Center (KPAC). Enjoy the Camaraderie of Fellow Car Enthusiasts. Don’t Miss the Opportunity to Be Part of This World’s Biggest Fish Fry Automotive Tradition!

KPAC-volunteer Drive

7pm-9pm - Demolition Derby

It’s a No-holds-barred Battle to Determine the Last Car Standing! Watch as Drivers Strategically Crash and Bash Their Way Through the Competition, Vying for the Coveted Title of Demolition Derby Champion. Only the Toughest, Most Resilient Vehicles Will Emerge From the Wreckage. Bring the Whole Family for an Evening of Heart-stopping Entertainment.

Henry County Fairgrounds

April 22

7pm-9pm - Kick-off Street Dance

Dance Your Cares Away at One of the World’s Biggest Fish Fry Dances!

The Kick-off Street Dance, Country Dance, and Christian Dance All Feature Live Bands; Delicious Food; and an Opportunity to Show Off Your Best Dance Moves. These Are More Than Dance Parties, They’re a Celebration of Our Community Spirit and Country Roots

Downtown Paris

April 23

5pm-11pm - Carnival

The World’s Biggest Fish Fry Carnival Helps Foster a Sense of Community Engagement, Allowing Locals to Invite Friends and Family From Outside of Paris to Enjoy the Festivities.

Henry County Fairgrounds

7pm-10pm - Country Dance

Dance Your Cares Away at One of the World’s Biggest Fish Fry Dances!

The Kick-off Street Dance, Country Dance, and Christian Dance All Feature Live Bands; Delicious Food; and an Opportunity to Show Off Your Best Dance Moves. These Are More Than Dance Parties, They’re a Celebration of Our Community Spirit and Country Roots

Henry County Fairgrounds

April 24

5pm-8:30pm - Hushpuppy Toss

The World’s Biggest Fish Fry Tent Isn’t Officially Open Until the Hostess Princess Tosses the First Hushpuppy! This Deep-fried Cornbread Treat is Pitched High in the Air by the Hostess Princess to Her Happily Waiting Family. After the First Toss, the Fish Fry Tent is Officially Open, Serving All You Can Eat Catfish Dinners.

Henry County Fairgrounds

5pm-9pm - Fish Tent

This is What You’ve Been Waiting for: the Mouth-watering, All-you-can-eat Catfish Dinner at the Fish Tent. Yes, We Know It’s Not Really a Tent, It’s a Building. But Back in the Day, This Fabulous Meal Was Served in an Enormous, Canvas Tent, So in the Name of Nostalgia (and Southerners Love Nostalgia) We Call It a Tent.

After Purchasing a Ticket for Your Catfish Dinner With All the Trimmings, Hop in Line and Entertain Yourself With the Artwork of Local Children. The Walls Are Decorated With Hundreds of Colored Posters of Catfish Enjoying the Carnival, Riding a Bucking Bull at the Rodeo, or Swimming to the Catfish Races.

Henry County Fairgrounds

5pm-8:30pm - Arts and Crafts Show

Immerse Yourself in a Vibrant Showcase of Handmade Wonders Where Talented Artisans Bring Their Unique Creations to Life. From Intricately Crafted Jewelry to Stunning Paintings, There’s Something for Every Art Enthusiast.

5pm-11pm - Carnival

The World’s Biggest Fish Fry Carnival Helps Foster a Sense of Community Engagement, Allowing Locals to Invite Friends and Family From Outside of Paris to Enjoy the Festivities.

Henry County Fairgrounds

7pm-8:45pm - Christian Concert

Dance Your Cares Away at One of the World’s Biggest Fish Fry Dances!

The Kick-off Street Dance, Country Dance, and Christian Dance All Feature Live Bands; Delicious Food; and an Opportunity to Show Off Your Best Dance Moves. These Are More Than Dance Parties, They’re a Celebration of Our Community Spirit and Country Roots.

Henry County Fairgrounds

April 25

11am-9pm - Fish Tent

This is What You’ve Been Waiting for: the Mouth-watering, All-you-can-eat Catfish Dinner at the Fish Tent. Yes, We Know It’s Not Really a Tent, It’s a Building. But Back in the Day, This Fabulous Meal Was Served in an Enormous, Canvas Tent, So in the Name of Nostalgia (and Southerners Love Nostalgia) We Call It a Tent.

After Purchasing a Ticket for Your Catfish Dinner With All the Trimmings, Hop in Line and Entertain Yourself With the Artwork of Local Children. The Walls Are Decorated With Hundreds of Colored Posters of Catfish Enjoying the Carnival, Riding a Bucking Bull at the Rodeo, or Swimming to the Catfish Races.

Henry County Fairgrounds

5pm-8:30pm - Arts and Crafts Show

Immerse Yourself in a Vibrant Showcase of Handmade Wonders Where Talented Artisans Bring Their Unique Creations to Life. From Intricately Crafted Jewelry to Stunning Paintings, There’s Something for Every Art Enthusiast.

5pm-11pm - Carnival

The World’s Biggest Fish Fry Carnival Helps Foster a Sense of Community Engagement, Allowing Locals to Invite Friends and Family From Outside of Paris to Enjoy the Festivities.

Henry County Fairgrounds

April 26

10am - Grand Parade

The Grand Parade Kicks Off Festival Season in Northwest Tennessee. The Two-hour Parade is Pure Americana With Its Grand Marshal, Marching Bands, the Hostess Princess Court, Along With Other Youth-pageant Winners. Fancy Floats and Decorated Vehicles With Enthusiastic Youth Groups, Church Groups, Government Organizations and More Glide Past. Around Noon, Dozens of Handsome Horses and Skillful Riders Wrap Up the Parade.

Parking for the Event is Permitted on the South Side of the Parade Route, Stretching From East Wood Street Eastbound to Fairgrounds Road. Please Don’t Block Driveways or the Parade Route. Potential Participants Can Register for the Parade by Wednesday, April 24th.

East Wood Street From Tyson Avenue to Fairgrounds Road

10am-8:30pm - Arts and Crafts Show

Immerse Yourself in a Vibrant Showcase of Handmade Wonders Where Talented Artisans Bring Their Unique Creations to Life. From Intricately Crafted Jewelry to Stunning Paintings, There’s Something for Every Art Enthusiast.

11am-9pm - Fish Tent

This is What You’ve Been Waiting for: the Mouth-watering, All-you-can-eat Catfish Dinner at the Fish Tent. Yes, We Know It’s Not Really a Tent, It’s a Building. But Back in the Day, This Fabulous Meal Was Served in an Enormous, Canvas Tent, So in the Name of Nostalgia (and Southerners Love Nostalgia) We Call It a Tent.

After Purchasing a Ticket for Your Catfish Dinner With All the Trimmings, Hop in Line and Entertain Yourself With the Artwork of Local Children. The Walls Are Decorated With Hundreds of Colored Posters of Catfish Enjoying the Carnival, Riding a Bucking Bull at the Rodeo, or Swimming to the Catfish Races.

Henry County Fairgrounds

11am - Midnight - Carnival

The World’s Biggest Fish Fry Carnival Helps Foster a Sense of Community Engagement, Allowing Locals to Invite Friends and Family From Outside of Paris to Enjoy the Festivities.

Henry County Fairgrounds

7:30pm - Championship Bulls & Barrels Showdown

Ready for a Wild Ride? Experience the Adrenaline as Fearless Riders Take on Powerful Bulls and Skilled Barrel Racers Compete for the Fastest Time. Little Cowgirls and Boys Eight and Younger Can Enter Mutton Bustin’ - Riding Sheep! Kids Twelve and Under Can Enjoy the Calf Scramble and Attempt to Catch, Halter, and Lead Calves Across the Finish Line. Don’t Miss Out on the Rodeo Action! Purchase Your Advance Rodeo Tickets Now and Enjoy a Night of Country Fun.

Round Up Your Family and Friends for a Weekend Filled With Bull Riding, Barrel Racing, Mutton Bustin’ and More at the World’s Biggest Fish Fry Championship Bulls & Barrels Showdown! You Won’t Want to Miss This Rodeo Extravaganza.

Advance Tickets: Adults: $12, Children: $7 (Ages 6-12)

Gate Tickets: Adults: $15, Children: $12 (Ages 6-12)

Free Admission for Children Under 6 When Accompanied by an Adult.

April 27

10am - Small Fry Parade

A Local Favorite, the Small Fry Parade Allows Parents, Businesses, Schools, and Other Groups to Show Off the "Littles” of Our Community in a Scaled-down Parade. Featuring Children 0-6 Years-old, This Event Takes Place in Downtown Paris the Morning After the Grand Parade, Just Prior to the Catfish Races.

Entrants Walk the Route or Ride on Colorful, Non-motorized Floats That Are Pulled by Hand. Expect to See Everyone From Humpty Dumpty to Elvis to a Marching Group of Crayons in This Parade That is Always Filled With Fun Surprises, Great Photo Ops and Plenty of “awwww” Moments. Potential Participants Can Register for the Parade by Wednesday, April 24th.

Barton Field

10am-8:30pm - Arts and Crafts Show

Immerse Yourself in a Vibrant Showcase of Handmade Wonders Where Talented Artisans Bring Their Unique Creations to Life. From Intricately Crafted Jewelry to Stunning Paintings, There’s Something for Every Art Enthusiast.

11:00 Am - 1:00pm - Junior Fishing Rodeo

Picture a Sparkling, Spring-fed Lake With Scores of Grownups Helping Young Anglers Bait Hooks, Cast Lines and Reel in Hungry Fish. This Has Been the Scene at Williams Lake During the Junior Fishing Rodeo for as Long as Most Folks Can Remember.

The Fun Starts at 11 a.m. And Runs Till 1 P.m. But Consider Arriving Early for the Best Spot.

Prizes Are Awarded to the Boy and Girl in Each Age Group Catching the Biggest Fish and the Most Fish. Age Brackets Are: 4 and Under; 5-8; and 9-12.

Williams Lake, Greenacres Drive

11am - Catfish Races

Swimming Down 15-foot, Clear-plastic Racing Troughs, Locally Caught Catfish Compete for Prizes for Their Sponsors. Everyone Can Participate in the Catfish Races by Sponsoring a Fish in This Stand-out Event and Those Who Register Early Will Receive a Colorful Race T-shirt. An Opportunity Prior to the Event is to Write and Submit a Fish Tale to the Paris Post-intelligencer (P-i). Several Will Be Printed in the P-i, and Winning Tales Will Be Read Aloud on Race Day. Named After Local Long-time Editor and Publisher of the Paris Post-intelligencer, the Bill Willaims Catfish Races Benefit Real Hope Youth Center.

Downtown Paris - Henry County Courthouse Lawn

11am-9pm - Fish Tent

This is What You’ve Been Waiting for: the Mouth-watering, All-you-can-eat Catfish Dinner at the Fish Tent. Yes, We Know It’s Not Really a Tent, It’s a Building. But Back in the Day, This Fabulous Meal Was Served in an Enormous, Canvas Tent, So in the Name of Nostalgia (and Southerners Love Nostalgia) We Call It a Tent.

After Purchasing a Ticket for Your Catfish Dinner With All the Trimmings, Hop in Line and Entertain Yourself With the Artwork of Local Children. The Walls Are Decorated With Hundreds of Colored Posters of Catfish Enjoying the Carnival, Riding a Bucking Bull at the Rodeo, or Swimming to the Catfish Races.

Henry County Fairgrounds

11am - Midnight - Carnival

The World’s Biggest Fish Fry Carnival Helps Foster a Sense of Community Engagement, Allowing Locals to Invite Friends and Family From Outside of Paris to Enjoy the Festivities.

Henry County Fairgrounds

7:30pm - Championship Bulls & Barrels Showdown

Ready for a Wild Ride? Experience the Adrenaline as Fearless Riders Take on Powerful Bulls and Skilled Barrel Racers Compete for the Fastest Time. Little Cowgirls and Boys Eight and Younger Can Enter Mutton Bustin’ - Riding Sheep! Kids Twelve and Under Can Enjoy the Calf Scramble and Attempt to Catch, Halter, and Lead Calves Across the Finish Line. Don’t Miss Out on the Rodeo Action! Purchase Your Advance Rodeo Tickets Now and Enjoy a Night of Country Fun.

Round Up Your Family and Friends for a Weekend Filled With Bull Riding, Barrel Racing, Mutton Bustin’ and More at the World’s Biggest Fish Fry Championship Bulls & Barrels Showdown! You Won’t Want to Miss This Rodeo Extravaganza.

Advance Tickets: Adults: $12, Children: $7 (Ages 6-12)

Gate Tickets: Adults: $15, Children: $12 (Ages 6-12)

Free Admission for Children Under 6 When Accompanied by an Adult.

April 28

12pm-6pm - Carnival

The World’s Biggest Fish Fry Carnival Helps Foster a Sense of Community Engagement, Allowing Locals to Invite Friends and Family From Outside of Paris to Enjoy the Festivities.

Date: April 20,22-28, 2024

Location: Various locations in Paris, TN

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