It's Easter time again in Austin, and that can only mean one thing: pets on parade! (Yes, to some of you it means other things; but as for me and my house, we will watch the pugs.)

For the past 13 years, fun-loving Austin pet owners have been dressing their dogs up in their best themed canine couture for the Easter Pet Parade Costume Contest and Benefit on South Congress Avenue. The event benefits a local animal charity each year and involves a massive puppy parade from Annie Street to James Street, with a celebration and costume contest in the parking lot of Jo's Coffee.

This year, as a fitting tribute and memoriam to South Congress's beloved and bedazzled tour guide, Leslie Cochran, owners are encouraged to dress their doggies in drag. It doesn't matter what you wear, but you better make sure your pooch is looking good and feeling gorgeous, y'all. We're talking multiple wigs, painted nails, impossible eyelashes and just the right amount of cleavage. After all, just as with humans, it can be tough to tell whether your labrador is a ladyboy or a bulldog, so just remember that the answer is always "More Accessories."

Extra points to anyone who trains their Boston Terrier how to say, "Work."

After the impromptu puppy Pride parade makes it way up Congress, judges will determine which of the barking queens have the most charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent to be called the next dog superstar. Their owners have the chance to win a night at the Hotel San Jose, Jo's gift cards, trophies and more. A pack of local animal rescue and pet stores will also be in attendance to cheer your lovely glamour gals on to the championship.

Entry into the festival is $10.00 if you register before Friday; afterward, registration doubles. But all the money goes to a great cause. This year's beneficiary is Austin Pets Alive!, the tireless animal rescue nonprofit that sets up shop on South Congress every Saturday morning with their offerings of adorable, adoptable animals. Who knows? Maybe you'll even end up taking a new future drag star home with you.

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At 9 a.m. that Saturday morning, the Texas Hearing and Service Dogs organization also hosts the 14th Annual Mighty Texas Dog Walk at Auditorium Shores. Come show your competitive American spirit in trying to beat the Guinness World Record for "Largest Dog Walk." The current record — held by the U.K. — is 17,427 dogs. Bring all your pooches on leashes, and just look for the thousands of other dogs hanging out at the lake.