Dogs are our loyal companions, constant sidekicks, and, let’s be honest, full-fledged family members. Life without them would be considerably less chaotic, less furry, and probably involve fewer walks at inconvenient hours… So, naturally, they deserve a celebration of their own.
This October, Santa Monica is getting ready to welcome Day of the Dog, known as North America’s largest pet festival, with a full day of canine-friendly activities, contests, races, and plenty of opportunities for pups to have a ball.
North America’s largest pet festival takes over Santa Monica
The Day of the Dog festival is back in the beloved sunny city of Santa Monica on Sunday, October 18, from 12 to 5 p.m., transforming Main Street into a pedestrian walkway for the occasion.
The festival will take place around 2327 Main Street, with the street closed between Strand and Ocean Park Boulevard. It’s organized as a fundraiser for the Just Love Animals Society, with free admission and, of course, it’s a pet-friendly event. Oh, and there’s plenty on the agenda to keep both two-legged and four-legged guests entertained:
- 🐾 Dog races: Dachshunds, corgis, doodles, and dogs of any breed can hit the track in several races throughout the afternoon.
- 🌊 Dog pool party: Pups can splash around in a massive pool party complete with a DJ and canine cabanas.
- 🎃 Spooky activities: There will be a doggy haunted house, costume contest, and Halloween-themed photo opportunities.
- 🥧 Pie-eating contest: Because apparently even competitive eating is better with paws involved.
- 📸 Photo ops: Dogs can pose at superhero-themed and 360-degree photo booths, among other installations.
- 🏄 Surf machine: Pups can try their paws at surfing on a free wave machine.
- 👗 Fashion Show: Expect plenty of four-legged fashionistas strutting their stuff.
