Mark Your Calendar for DogFest! April 25 at Duboce Park
Canines don their finery for the annual return of DogFest at Duboce Park in San Francisco. ohoto: DogFest
San Francisco’s favorite celebration of dogs, family, and community returns this spring with the19th annual DogFest at Duboce Park, Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
What began nearly two decades ago as a grassroots gathering has blossomed into a joyous Bay Area tradition that’s fun for the whole family, fur babies included. Today, the event draws nearly 5,000 attendees, proving that the bond between San Franciscans and their pets is a powerful force for civic good. It remains one of the few events in the city where furry and human residents work together in perfect tandem to protect the future of local education. As the primary fundraiser for McKinley Elementary School, proceeds from DogFest help provide books, enrichment initiatives, and student support services for more than 250 students.
DogFest has it all! Live music, dog contests, carnival games, a photo booth for humans and dogs, food trucks, a jump house for the kiddos, raffles and silent auctions, and so much more.
The crowning event of the day will be the hilarious dog contest and show where pups compete for the prestigious Top Dog award. Judged by a panel of San Francisco’s illustrious community members, it’s a chance for the Bay Area’s most athletic, talented, and tail-waggiest dogs to strut their stuff in categories like Best Costume, Best Tail, Most Adorable, Celebrity Look Alike, and Funniest Looking.
DogFest is also proud to host a Rescue Zone for doggie adoptions for those who’d like to add a furry companion to their family. Joining us in the Rescue Zone this year will be Muttville Senior Dog Rescue. In the past, we’ve seen many lucky dogs adopted on the spot.
We are so grateful to our Champion Sponsor, Elevated Veterinary Surgery, along with our other generous sponsors, vendors, donors, and the army of volunteer parents that make this event possible. All proceeds from SF DogFest benefit McKinley Elementary School, an SFUSD public school, helping to fund needed programs, supplies, and resources, including literacy specialists and art, dance, and extracurricular teachers.
So mark your calendar for DogFest now - hope to see you and your pup there!
McKinley parent, Lawrence Li, also collaborated on this article. Learn more at mckinleyschool.org/dogfest