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:

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.

Date: April 20,22-28, 2024