Ready, Set, Woof! Here Comes DogFest 2023
DogFest is the annual fundraiser for McKinley Elementary School in San Francisco.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 22, for DogFest 2023! This beloved annual event returns to Duboce Park with doggie contests, treats, games, activities, food and drink, and incredible community spirit.
Running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., DogFest is the year’s largest fundraiser for McKinley Elementary, the Duboce Triangle’s neighborhood public primary school. With SFUSD showing lower post-pandemic enrollment and school funding decreasing, it’s more important than ever to support this wonderful community event. Proceeds from DogFest help McKinley’s PTA fund additional staffing, arts, literacy, and wellness programs and so much more.
Come out for a day filled with enjoyable activities for all ages! The dog show is the main event starting at noon and featuring a star-studded panel of celebrity judges, including Senator Scott Wiener, Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, Broke-Ass Stuart, and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence’s Tilda NexTime and Guard N. O’Pansies - plus a halftime performance from Cheer SF. Sign up your fur baby for any of the many fun dog show categories, including Best Tail or Most Adorable (but aren’t they all the most adorable?).
A good time is always had at DogFest! photo: DogFest 2022
For the kids, there’ll be carnival-style games with prizes and crafts. And to keep everyone’s energy high, look for delicious food options from Señor Sisig and Adam’s Grub Truck, along with perennial favorites like cotton candy and sno-cones.
Pics or it didn’t happen! Stop by the photo booth for an Instagram-worthy shot. DogFest also features a book fair and collectible DogFest event t-shirts and water bottles. And you can indulge your favorite pup at stalls from Pezzy Pets treats, Pet Wants, Jeffrey’s Natural Pet Foods, and Seawoof dog accessories.
If you’re looking for a new furry family member, the Doggie Adoption Zone is back this year, courtesy of Muttville Senior Dog Rescue. Stop by to meet some wonderful senior dogs looking for a new person to love.
The McKinley PTA is grateful to its DogFest sponsors: Jeffrey’s Natural Pet Foods, Noe Valley Pet Company, Doc’s Clock, Double Forte, Hoi Polloi Brewing, Moonstruck Fine Jewelry, Pet Food Express, the Bay Woof Foundation, Rock Band Land, and Pet Wants. Their support is critical to DogFest’s success - thank you, one and all!
Want to get involved? Visit mckinleyschool.org/dogfest to learn more about becoming a sponsor, signing up as a vendor, or donating directly to McKinley. While you’re there, you can also bid on some wonderful items at the silent auction or sign up your furry friend for the dog show.
Don’t miss this great community event - see you at DogFest on April 22 in Duboce Park!