Activities & Events - Non-Stop Fun, Food, and Festivities for All Ages

The Main Event! Welcome to the World’s Biggest Fish Fry Tent!

• Location: Henry County Fairgrounds
• Wednesday, April 22rd | 5PM - 9PM
• Thursday, April 23th | 11AM - 9PM
• Friday, April 24th | 11AM - 9PM
• Saturday, April 25th | 11AM - 9PM
• Price per plate: $20/adult, $12/child (Age 6-12)

** We take cash or card **

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.

• Location: Henry County Fairgrounds
• Wednesday, April 22nd @ 5:00 PM

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.

At the counter, volunteer servers from the community greet you and fill your plate with delicious, piping-hot catfish fillets fried to perfection along with tasty hushpuppies with just the right amount of C-R-U-N-C-H. Don't forget the mouthwatering beans, fries and your choice of vinegar or mayo slaw. (Event hint- they're both yummy!) Top it all off with an icy beverage at the PEPSI drink station. When you’re ready to start over, hop in the “seconds line”....this event is ALL YOU CAN EAT!

Mark your calendar for Friday, April 24, grab your lawn chairs, and enjoy a festive morning at the World’s Biggest Fish Fry Grand Parade

• Location: East Wood Street from Tyson Avenue to Fairgrounds Road - Paris, TN
• April 24th @ 10:00 AM 

With marching bands filling the air with music and colorful floats passing by, it’s our favorite way to spend a perfect April morning. Want to be part of the excitement? Anyone can participate in the Grand Parade. This event is open to folks of all ages, including bands, civic groups, businesses, politicians, churches, and more. Floats are always encouraged and offer a creative way to reach thousands of people who line the street, listen on the radio, view online or on TV.

The Grand Parade kicks off festival season in Northwest Tennessee. The two-hour parade is pure Americana with its Grand Marshal, marching bands, and 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.

Please don’t block driveways or the parade route. Participants must register for the Parade from Monday, March 30th through Wednesday, April 22nd @ 12:00 PM at the World's Biggest Fish Fry Headquarters.

• Downtown Paris on the Court Square 
• April 25th @ 10:00 AM 

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. 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. Participants must register for the Small Fry Parade from Monday, March 30th through Wednesday, April 22nd @ 12:00 PM at the World's Biggest Fish Fry Headquarters.

Experience the adrenaline rush from heart-pounding rides punctuating the carnival skyline

• Tuesday, April 21st | 5pm - 11pm | $20 Armband with School Coupon
• Wednesday, April 22nd | 5pm - 11pm | $25 Armband
• Thursday, April 23rd | 5pm - 11pm | $25 Armband
• Friday, April 24th | 11am - 11pm | $30 Armband (All day)
• Saturday, April 25th | 11am - 11pm | $30 Armband (All day)
• Sunday, April 26th | 12pm - 6pm | $25 Armband (All day)

The Ferris wheel offers breathtaking views of the festivities while classic rides cater to thrill-seekers of all ages. We’re proud to offer something fun for the whole family in Paris, TN. Rides not your thing? If there’s something the South knows, it’s food. Immerse yourself in the irresistible aroma of cotton candy, popcorn, deep fried oreos, caramel apples, funnel cakes and much more.

It’s a no-holds-barred battle to determine the last car standing!

• Location: Henry County Fairgrounds
• Saturday, April 18th | Gates open at 5pm - Event begins at 7pm
• Car Entry Fee: $50
• Pit opens at 12:00 pm
• Pit Pass: $25
• Admission: $15  | Free admission for children under 5 when accompanied by an adult.

For more info, contact:

Will Norwood 731-336-0999

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.

Ready for a wild ride?

• Location: Henry County Fairgrounds
• Friday, April 24th | 7:30 PM (gates open at 6:00pm)
• Saturday, April 25th | 7:30 PM (gates open at 6:00pm)
• Advance Tickets: Adults: $12 | Children: $7 (ages 6-12)
• Gate Tickets: Adults: $15 | Children: $12 (ages 6-12)
• FREE admission for children under 5 when accompanied by an adult.
• Books open on Monday, April 20th from 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm by calling 731-642-8346

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! 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! Don’t miss out on the rodeo action! Purchase your advance rodeo tickets now and enjoy a night of country fun. You won’t want to miss this rodeo extravaganza.

Picture a sparkling, spring-fed lake with scores of grownups helping young anglers bait hooks, cast lines and reel in hungry fish.

• Location: Williams Lake, Greenacres Drive - Paris, TN
• Saturday, April 25th | 11am - 1pm
• Free Admission

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.

(Event hint – Don't forget tackle, bait, blanket or chairs, sunscreen and bug spray. Concessions available onsite.)

Discover Unique Handmade Creations

• Location: Henry County Fairgrounds
• Wednesday, April 22nd | 5pm - 8:30pm (Outside Vendor Only)
• Thursday, April 23rd | 5pm - 8:30pm
• Friday, April 24th | 10am - 8:30pm
• Saturday, April 25th | 10am - 8:30pm

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.

Join the Fun at the Hushpuppy Dash 5K Run/Walk!

• Location: Tennessee College of Applied Technology Henry/Carroll
• Address: 312 S Wilson St, Paris, TN 38242
• Preregistration Deadline: Friday, April 10th. 
• Saturday, April 18th | 7 AM registration, 8 AM start

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! 

Preregistration fee of $15 and application is due by Friday, April 10th.  Preregistration includes an Annual Hushpuppy Dash t-shirt.  

Registration begins at 7 a.m. at the Fairgrounds with a race fee of $20.

The event’s two classes include:

• Runners/walkers 10 and younger
• Runners/walkers 11-69 years old

Swimming down 15-foot, clear-plastic racing troughs, locally caught catfish compete for prizes for their sponsors.

• Location: Downtown Paris – Henry County Courthouse Lawn
• Saturday, April 25th | 11:00AM

Racers in each heat vie for gift certificates from local restaurants, trophies, and best of all, bragging rights for an entire year. Everyone can participate in the Catfish Races by sponsoring a fish through a $25 donation in this stand-out event and those who register early will receive a colorful race t-shirt. Surprisingly, not everyone is excited about holding a slick, whiskery catfish. That’s why participants can request a “fish handler” to race in their place. No matter how many folks decide to participate, there’s always room for one more entry!

Calling all automotive and bike enthusiasts to the World’s Biggest Fish Fry Car & Bike Show – where HORSEPOWER meets CATFISH POWER!

• Location: Henry County Fairgrounds
• Saturday, April 18th | 8:00 AM
• Awards @ 1:00 PM
• Entry fee is $20 per car or motorcycle
• Admission is $5 per person
• FREE admission for children under 6 when accompanied by an adult.

We want to see your cool classics and majestic moderns. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow car enthusiasts. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this World’s Biggest Fish Fry automotive tradition!

Dance your cares away at one of the World’s Biggest Fish Fry Dances!

Kick-Off Street Dance:

• Music provided by Ray Lewis Band
• Location: Downtown Paris
• Rain Location: Henry County Fairgrounds
• Monday, April 20th | 7pm-9pm
• Free Admission

Country Dance:

• Music provided by The James Greer Band
• Location: Henry County Fairgrounds
• Tuesday, April 21st | 7pm-10pm
• $5 Admission

Christian Concert:

• Music provided by The Nathan Shoemaker Band
• Location: Henry County Fairgrounds
• Wednesday, April 22nd | 7pm-10pm
• $5 Donation

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.

Left to Right

Madeline Gottshall, 3rd Maid

Jayla Boutwell, 1st Maid

Ali Ridgeway, Hostess Princess

Kylee French, 2nd Maid

Madison Melton, 4th Maid