Festival of the Dog: May 3
Calling all dog lovers and their furry best friends! Get ready for a tail-wagging good time at the Festival of the Dog, sponsored by Blacksburg Parks and Recreation and the New River Valley Kennel Club. Join the fun on Saturday, May 3 from 11am – 3pm at the Blacksburg Municipal Park for a fun-filled day celebrating our canine companions.
Participants are encouraged to bring well-behaved, leashed dogs and enjoy a day packed with exciting activities, demonstrations, games, and community fun. A $5 donation lets you participate in all the Try-it activities and games.
Festival Reminders:
All dogs must be kept on a standard leash (no retractable leashes) and be comfortable in a busy environment with other dogs and people.
Please be prepared to clean up after your pet.
Event Schedule:
11:00 AM: Festival Opens! Explore, grab food, & get ready for fun.
11:15 AM: Disc Dog Demo featuring some high-flying pups!
11:45 AM: AKC Fetch Demo – See retrieval skills in action!
12:15 PM: Let the Games Begin! Will your dog take home the prize?
1:00 PM: Flyball Demo – An incredible dog team relay race!
1:30 PM: Nose Work Demo – Watch dogs use their incredible sense of smell!
2:00 PM: Flyball Demo – An incredible dog team relay race!
2:30 PM: Trick Dog Demo – Be amazed by talented trick dogs!
All-Day Attractions:
Silent Auction: Bid on fantastic items to support the Blacksburg Dog Park
Food Trucks: Delicious eats for humans
Photo Booth: Capture adorable memories with your pup
Vendors & Local Dog Businesses: Shop for treats, toys, and discover local services
Obstacle Course: Let your dog test their agility and have fun
Other:
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Testing: Test your dog’s manners
Trick Dog Testing: Show off your dog’s cool tricks
Note: Pre-registration is encouraged for CGC and Trick Dog testing! Pre-register by visiting the silent auction tent at the start of the event. Walk-ups will be welcomed if space permits. Tests are $5 each.
Questions: Please contact Blacksburg Parks and Recreation at 540.443.1100. Learn more.
